Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education

In this final episode of Access Undone, I try to outline the ways I would reverse the damage that has been caused in the last decade by the Department of Education and NCSE. I explore three solutions and argue that if all three were implemented, it would save the agencies from being part of the 21st century's greatest education scandal and, even possibly put them in the same definition of Ireland's most famous minister, Donagh O'Malley.

When I appeared on Virgin Media television's "Ireland's Education Crisis," I thought my phone would be buzzing from radio stations eager to find out why I thought the way we treat children with additional needs is Ireland's 21st century scandal. I didn't hear a single thing. It's a theme I'm getting used to when I raise special education: silence.In the same vein, in this episode, I try to get a look into the inner workings of the NCSE. As you'll probably note from the length of this episode, I didn't get very far. However, as I was writing this episode, something happened. The NCSE announced new guidelines for allocating resources. Perhaps our next episode will spark some positivity?

The AON Debacle and what it tells usIn this episode I cover the controversial Assessment of Need (AON) process which, to me, shows how the power of silence, supported by the illusion of partnership that representative bodies find themselves, brought us to a place where schools were forced to get the NCSE and the State out of a legal pickle. This episode gives a single point in the scandal, which gives an example of how the State, supported by the corroboration of representative bodies and stakeholders, and with the silence of those in the service, ensures that services to children with additional needs continues to declineShownotes and Links:01:45 The Assessment of Need Debacle05:03 Schools' Struggles and NCSE's Response10:21 Union Involvement and Teacher Reactions12:39 Media Coverage and Public Outcry21:07 The Aftermath and Lessons LearnedDara Calleary Speech: https://twitter.com/Donnchadhol/status/1585234176412114945?t=8Fy3OyCIO9BCES035H7ygQ&s=19 https://anseo.net/subscribe - Subscribe to my newsletter

Episode 3: Those with the greatest needsThe episode examines the troubling history of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and its policies, including the controversial cuts to resources and the implementation of flawed allocation models. I discuss the systematic mistreatment and exclusion of special needs children, likening it to past societal scandals.The episode dives into statistical discrepancies and the significant hardships faced by parents and schools, questioning the integrity and effectiveness of the NCSE and related political decisions.At the end, I call on anyone working in the NCSE, especially SENOs to tell their story. Let's hope they do.00:43 The NCSE's Role and Controversial Actions05:21 Challenges Faced by Parents and Schools14:43 The Set Allocation Model and Its Flaws27:51 The SNA Toolkit and Its Implications32:24 Conclusion and Call for Stories