Fidelma on Education:
Fine Gael’s spokesperson in Education & Science in Seanad Eireann, Fidelma has a long background in education: An experienced primary teacher and lecturer in teacher education, she has also worked as a private consultant/ provider to second-level schools and colleges throughout the country. Fidelma holds a Ph.D. degree from NUIG and her specialism is writing, language and the creative process.
‘The standard of education service we offer is of critical importance to the nation and the individual learner. A proven route out of poverty, we know from experience that one’s worth is greatly enhanced through education. At the centre of all our decisions therefore, must be the quality of education we offer to the learner, be that the pre-school or primary school child, the second or third-level student or the adult learner. This is a huge responsibility for the state and the Minister of the day to preside over.
The provision of a quality education is complex, there are many mitigating factors. For sure the quality of teaching and learning matters. It affects educational outcomes. For improved outcomes we must have the very best teachers and educators. Like other successful countries (eg. Finland) we should be investing in the expertise and competence of our teachers to ensure that learning is mediated to each individual learner in a way that suits their learning style.
Fidelma’s Priorities include:
- Investment in Teacher Education & On-going Professional development
- Pre-school education & the ‘under the roof culture’ of the home
- Appropriate education for children with disabilities
- School-based Speech & language therapy
- Improved Literacy & Numeracy at primary level
- Improved & timely Career Guidance at Second-level
- Early Intervention for pupils at risk of Under-achievement and / or dropping out
- Targeted R&D at 3rd level with specific goals
- Meaningful links between ‘town and gown’ – education and industry
- Appropriate space for learning
- Investment in Innovation & Knowledge econony
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