Extension of school year planned in return for teachers' pay rise
The school year may be extended in return for a rise in teachers' pay,
according to reports today.
The plan would see teachers spend more time in the classroom and many of their 'voluntary' duties would become compulsory.
Currently, national schools are open 183 days a year, while there are second level classes on 167 days.
In addition, there would be a full review of the Junior Cert and parent-teacher meetings would take place without the need for closing schools.
Two of the teaching unions, the TUI and the INTO, are already involved in a benchmarking review of pay, while the ASTI is about to ballot its members on Labour Court recommendations.
