Pilot studies slow to develop Dunning concepts
Formidable problems lie ahead of the Dunning programme, it is clear from a confidential report on trials of assessment of the new foundation courses in English, mathematics and science for the least-able pupils. It recommended investigating whether schools should move away from marking pupils by comparing them to each other (norm-referencing in the jargon) to reporting attainments according to chosen learning targets for each subject.
Redundancy for EIS staff
Three teachers at Balgowan List D School in Dundee are to be made redundant. Apart from one case some years ago, this represents the first compulsory redundancies suffered by full-time members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS). It comes as a blow to the EIS, which, apart from the unusual case of Mr Frank Falkingham in Lothian, has protected members in full-time jobs.
FE offer could be weighted
Staff on the joint negotiating body for further education appear hopeful that a settlement of its 11 per cent pay claim can be reached. The authorities offered 4 per cent, which was rejected. But there are fears that different offers may be made to different sectors. (Lecturers in FE colleges, central institutions and colleges of education are for the first time negotiating through the same body.)
Confusion over belt bans
A flurry of legal opinions on teachers who refuse to stop using the belt in Lothian and Strathclyde seems likely after advice from Mr Ranald Maclean, QC, that the two authorities would breach contracts by attempting unilaterally to abolish corporal punishment without negotiation. Groups opposing corporal punishment say teachers who ignore local authority bans could face prosecution for assault. The EIS is committed to defending any teacher dismissed for administering reasonable corporal punishment.
Rally against proposed cuts
Members of 30 teachers’ unions and other education interest groups flocked to Capitol Hill to protest against President Reagan’s 1983 budget proposals. They include cuts of nearly 40 per cent in programmes for educationally disadvantaged children.
