Published Wednesday, 07 November 2012
We’re sorry. This video is unavailable from your location.
-
Education plans
-
Political analysis
Are you in Northern Ireland?
1. Why is my postcode required?
We are asking you to insert your postcode before watching some videos to confirm
you can access the video content via u.tv.
This is because some videos on u.tv
are only available in Northern Ireland.
Don't worry, we won't store or use this information for any other purpose.
If you are not in Northern Ireland, the content may be available to watch at itv.com or stv.tv.
2. Why am I directed to itv.com
or stv.tv when I try to view certain
clips?
The videos, which are not available on u.tv
to users outside Northern Ireland, will be available to those users on itv.com (for users in England and Wales) or stv.tv (for most users in Scotland).
We need to know where you are in order to make sure you are getting the right content.
If you think we've got your location wrong, then please
click here.
Need more help? Contact us
But teachers unions say morale is already low as they struggle with cuts and red tape.
In a statement to the Assembly on Tuesday, Sinn Féin minister John O'Dowd said schools need to show more effective leadership and needed to deliver higher quality teaching.
The minister is suggesting that headmasters who take up positions in under performing schools, be financially rewarded.
Quoting from the Chief Inspector's report, the minister said that it had found that in the case of post-primary schools 59% demonstrated overall effectiveness.
However, he said that translated to 41% of post primary schools in which "provision was not good enough."
Mr O'Dowd said that problems "need to be tackled - not tolerated."
He delivered a raft of recommendations that he will put in place to improve the situation - including a review of the education system by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
The area planning exercise in underway as is the cross border education survey.
The minister also expects the results this week of a consultation phase for post-primary schools which concluded recently.
Mr O'Dowd said he was "determined to retain a clear, unapologetic focus on raising educational standards".
The minister said the Chief Inspector's report painted an improving picture in Northern Ireland's primary schools which shows "the revised curriculum has bedded in well and is making a difference."
Mr O'Dowd proposed bringing in legislation to strengthen the role of the General Teaching Council which he said would support teachers and uphold the highest teaching standards.
Mervyn Storey, the DUP Chair of the Education Committee, is sceptical at what has been announced.
He said teachers listening to the minister's proposals would be of the opinion that they are being asked to "pick up the tab for the failures of the department rather than addressing the issues which are currently in our educational system."
Teaching unions are also concerned.
Avril Hall Callaghan, of the Ulster Teachers' Union, told UTV that they were very shocked at the minister's statement.
"What we are not happy about is his comments about teachers and schools not being satisfactory."
Ms Hall Callaghan said that there had been very little support for teachers and schools over the last while.
She said there was "very low morale" among teaching staff in some schools.
"What we need is the inspectorate to be a supportive service."