20

Clare Education Centre

Government Offices

Ki rush Road

Ennis

Co. Clare

Sheila O Driscoll (NCO LCA—Retired Sept 2011) Front row

second from right. Many thanks to Sheila for all her excellent

service to LCA and to the education system generally. She will

be missed.

Dr. Kennedy discussing the prospects for a European

Project with Sarah Barnes. ( Holy Family & Manage-

ment Committee)

1

DIRECTOR'S REPORT PERIOD 1ST JANUARY 2011 TO 31ST DECEMBER 2011

AGM

March 5th 2012

8 pm

CLARE EDUCATION CENTRE

2

CONTENTS PAGE

Introduction 2

Personnel 3

Management Committee 4

Education Partners 5

Building & Maintenance 6

CPD Courses 7

CFSS Report 8

Accelerated Reader 9

LCVP - TPN 10

TPCs 10

NIPT 10

Write a Book 11

Mathletics 11

LSP2 12

Mortuary Card Project 12

Aistear 13

Research Conference 2011 13

PDST - L&P, LCA, MR 14-15

Cuimhneamh an Chláir 16-17

INTRODUCTION

As I approach the end of my second year in Clare Education Centre I would like to thank all who have supported

and encouraged me during the year. I hope that I have been able to carry on the very proud tradition of the Centre

in supporting teachers and others in the schools of Clare. There are many challenges ahead in these difficult times,

both for education and the country as a whole. As a Centre and education community we need to respond positively

to the many challenges ahead and keep our focus on doing our best for the teachers, pupils and others in our

schools. The Report reviews the period from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2011. It provides an outline of the

activities of Clare Education Centre during that calendar year.

Looking forward to 2012 it again looks like very challenging times ahead ,where funding for the effective running

of the centre will be an issue. The core budget of the Centre does not compare well with other centres of a similar

size and activity level. I have made representations to the DES on this issue but so far have not met with any suc-

cess. It is an issue for the incoming Management Committee to continue to monitor.

2011 was a very good year from an activity point of view with a wide range of courses and activities arranged at

local level. We had a significant increase in numbers using the centre ,despite reduced activity from Support Ser-

vices (see Appendix 1)This could not have been achieved without sterling work by all associated with the Centre. I

wish to pay particular thanks to the members of our Management Committee and especially to our Chairman Tom

Clohessy and Treasurer Nuala Kennedy who continue to support both the staff and myself. Lastly, but by no means

least, a very special word of thanks to all of the staff members of the Centre for their courtesy to all teachers and

visitors to the Centre and for their diligence in ensuring that the Centre worked efficiently and productively

throughout the year. A special word of appreciation to Evelyn , who changed roles so efficiently during the year

and a very worm welcome to Lara Doris who took over the role of Finance Manager in Sept. and has settled in

excellently.

Finally many thanks to retired Director Dr. Kyran Kennedy, who continues to work on European Projects, on be-

half of the Centre. Due to Kyran’s endeavours we currently have two proposals submitted to Brussels for approval

and we are hopeful of some success.

Pat Hanrahan -Director (March 5th 2012)

Kyran Kennedy & Pat Hanra-

han at Barcelona - Comenius

Preparatory Meeting 2011

19

NCTE Courses 2011

Title of Course Participants

No. of

Courses Total Cost €

An introduction to your Interactive Whiteboard 33 2 1,448

ICT & Maths 12 1 687

Introduction to Digital Media (NCTE) 25 2 761

Creating ICT Resources 45 2 2,106

Getting Started with your Laptop and Digital Projector 16 1 1,216

NCTE Starting your School’s e-Learning Plan 20 1 379

ICT Maths Resources 11 1 284

Tutor Training for Summer Courses 16 1 779

SCRATCH 15 1 610

Tutor Training WST 81 2 2,908

Supporting and Developing ICT as a Teaching and Learning Resource 40 3 1,230

TFC agus an Ghaeilge 10 1 185

Web 2.0 for Learning: Blogs, Podcasts & Wikis 12 1 229

Summer Courses

Creating and Using ICT Resources for Literacy 90 5 19,987

Using your Interactive Whiteboard for Literacy 77 4 16,626

The use of ICT in the Infant Classroom 23 1 4,639

Whole School Training

Introduction to your interactive whiteboard 138 9 4,448

Creating ICT Resources 316 23 12,866

Creating your School's Website using Scoilnet Blogs 10 1 470

Getting Started with your Laptop and Digital Projector 12 1 219

Total courses 2011 1,002 63 72,077

Total courses 2010 516 36 50,522

Centre Attendance Records

2011 2010

January 1,309 925

February 2,122 939

March 2,491 1,465

April 1,722 1,259

May 1,324 1,359

June 742 604

July 1,162 939

August 706 494

September 1,419 1,008

October 2,538 1,528

November 2,732 1,789

December 798 836

19,065 13,145

18

APPENDIX 1

Local Courses 2011

Title of Course Participants

No. of

Courses Total Cost €

Accelerated Reader 35 2 16,399

Aistear Infant Teachers 59 2 2,199

Aistear Intro PrimPrin 41 3 1,230

Aistear National Training 4 1 1,507

Assistive Technology 13 1 194

Behavioural Support 31 1 264

Clare Roots Society Project 0 1 422

Conflict Management 15 1 2,129

Creating a School Website 6 1 1,660

Dyslexia Seminar 46 1 1,064

Easter Art 26 1 1,123

Ennis Schools Completion Project 11 1 0

ILSA Courses 209 10 2,234

Investment & Retirement 21 2 412

Lets Think Maths 22 1 4,766

Literacy Lift-off 34 2 1,878

Mathletics 11 1 344

Mindfulness 26 1 1,305

Modern Foreign Language Initiative 11 1 188

NEPS - Incredible Years (Ennis NS) 46 1 0

Parental Guidance 18 1 1,045

Personality Awareness 5 1 505

Practical First Aid 65 4 1,653

Occupational First Aid 8 1 505

Primary Science 19 1 1,716

School Placement on the four year B.Ed. 12 1 0

School Zone Accounts 7 1 199

SNA 77 1 799

Whole School Music Programme 14 1 796

Write a Book 17 1 2,190

Other Information Evenings 50 3 0

Total Spring/Autumn 959 51 48,726

Summer Courses

Aistear 24 1 3,086

The Year Round Organic School Garden 13 1 1,914

Primary Science 16 1 3,934

Focused Attention 13 1 2,301

Making Maths Visible 23 1 3,115

Arts & Crafts 24 1 3,183

Total Summer 113 6 17,532

Total 2011 1,072 57 66,258

Total 2010 686 29 44,790

3

PERSONNEL

The names and functions of personnel working in and through Clare Education Centre are outlined below.

Specific details are contained in each individual’s Contract of Employment and Job Specification. The staff

complement for the period of this report is as follows:

Pat Hanrahan Director

Evelyn Murray Office Manager

Lara Doris Finance Manager (since Sept 2011)

Linda Hogan Administrator - MR, L&P

Rita O’Malley Administrator - MR, L&P / Reception

Karen O’Loughlin Administrator - LCA

Mary O’Donoghue Bookkeeper JIS /CEC Admin

Frank Hogan Caretaker (JIS)

Margaret Conway Catering Assistant (JIS)

Staff Changes

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of both Ann Barrett and Mary Doohan who left

the staff of Clare Education Centre during 2011. I wish them well in the future.

Other Personnel using Centre Administrative Services

Mary O’Donoghue ERCC (FÁS: JIS)

Joan McDonald and Gerry Kerwin (NCSE)

Tomás Mac Conmara (Cuineamh an Chláir)

Aileen Whyms (LCVP)

Sheila O’Driscoll (LCA)

Noreen O’Loughlin (Maths Recovery)

Paddy Flood (Leadership & Planning)

External Agencies using CEC

In 2011 facilities and support was provided on a commer-

cial basis for external agencies. The main users of the fa-

cilities were:

Accord

Brothers of Charity

Creative Training

Counihan & Associates

Inspirations Training

National Parent’s Council

Pery Square Business College

Mid West Management Training

NUIG

Samaritans

VEC Adult Education

The facilities of the Centre were also made available to an increasing number of school Boards of Manage-

ment to conduct interviews. This was done without a rental charge being sought.

Newly appointed Principals at Misneach Pro-

gramme in CEC 2011. Liam Lawlor (Co-ordinator)

4

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The management Committee for Clare Education Centre is as detailed below.

Finance Committee

Centre Opening Hours

OOFFICEFFICE AAPPOINTEDPPOINTED

CHAIRPERSON Tom Clohessy

V. CHAIRPERSON Michael Browne

TREASURER Nuala Kennedy

COMMITTEE Kyran Kennedy

COMMITTEE Ann Mc Mahon

COMMITTEE Laura Cullen

COMMITTEE Sarah Connolly Barnes

COMMITTEE Syl Barrett

COMMITTEE Fiona De Buitleir

COMMITTEE Ann Tuohy

COMMITTEE Ray McInerney

COMMITTEE Sharon Dilger

COMMITTEE Rory McGann

COMMITTEE Sheila O’Driscoll

COMMITTEE John Burns

Monday to Friday 8.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Saturday Variable upon request

CHAIRPERSON Tom Clohessy

TREASURER Nuala Kennedy

DIRECTOR Pat Hanrahan

17

Post Primary

A detailed oral heritage module for Transition Year has been developed and submitted to the Clare Education Centre for comment.

It has not been possible to develop this due to limited resources in 2011 but it is hoped to roll this out over the following year.

Primary

Scropul National School

Cuimhneamh an Chláir have also been introduced to relevant teachers in Clare who have an interest in oral heritage. CAC worked

with Scropul National School in conducting seven oral history interviews relating to their history of the school.

Clare Nationals Schools ‘ÉIST’ Project

CAC and the Clare Education Centre have developed an innovative method of engaging Clare school children with the oral heritage

of the county. Audio samples from the CAC archive will be selected and placed on the Clare Education Centre website. A ques-

tionnaire linking to the audio will be sent to national schools using Survey Monkey. Schoolchildren will then be required to log on

to the website and listen carefully to the selected audio in order to answer the, questions before submitting them back to the Clare

Education Centre. The ÉIST project will work on a number of levels including enhancing knowledge of local history, respect for

older people and encouraging a more hands on and practical method of learning.

Junior Cuairteoir Programme CAC have also liaised with the Clare Education Centre on a pilot Junior Cuairteoir Programme. Cuimhneamh an Chláir, since their

formation in 2009, refer to volunteer recorders as Cuairteoirí, as a conscious reference to the traditional practice of social visiting,

which was known as going on cuairt.

In January 2012, pupils from fifth and sixth class at Doora National School were introduced to the process of folklore collection,

when they were visited by members of Cuimhneamh an Chláir. The school has been chosen as a pilot for Cuimhneamh an Chláir’s

new Junior Cuairteoir Programme, in which school children will visit and record their grandparents or older neighbours about

various aspects of lore and tradition.

The purpose of the project is to enable school children to take part directly in the process of gathering local history and folklore.

Instead of reading about history, schoolchildren will be collecting it and learning directly from those who lived through it. As Jun-

ior Cuairteoirí, schoolchildren will speak to and record the memories of some of the oldest people in your townland, village or town.

It will help pupils to recognise and appreciate the depth of local history and tradition in your own local area. The rationale for the

creation the Junior Cuairteoir Programme combines an emphasis on intergenerational dimensions of community life and gives pu-

pils ownership of the valuable process of historical enquiry and collection. Significantly, it advocates learning in social and cultur-

al context and is thus influenced by ‘second wave constructivism’ (Paris, Byrne & Paris, 2001).

Oral History Network of Ireland

In October, the Clare Education Centre an CAC hosted a major meeting of the Oral History Network of Ireland. The OHNI was

established in 2010 and is a national body of oral historians from the academic and community sectors. It is the largest body ever

assembled to advocate for the development of oral heritage in Ireland. The meeting was address by Pat Hanrahan, Director of the

Clare Education Centre and the Mayor of Clare, Pat Hayes. CAC has been central to the development of the Oral History Network

of Ireland. CAC’s Tomás Mac Conmara has been appointed National Policy Officer and CAC are pushing for the OHNI’s National

Conference (September 2012) to be held in Ennis.

Geographic Distribution of Cuimhneamh an Chláir Archive (February 2012)

16

CUIMHNEAMH AN CHLÁIR

Summary Report 2011

Cuimhneamh an Chláir, the Clare Oral History and Folklore Group have operated their archival and co-ordinating activities out

of the Clare Education Centre since 2009.

Background and Summary

Cuimhneamh an Chláir (Hereafter CAC), the Clare Oral History and Folklore Group, was established in February 2009 in an attempt

to record the remaining elderly people across county Clare and from county Clare, whose memories connect us to an older and fad-

ing way of life. It is an independent and voluntary countywide organisation that digitally record, document, archive and share the

memories, oral history and folklore of our oldest citizens in Clare.

CAC have trained and mobilised 25 volunteers (Cuairteoirí) from across County Clare to help in this process. The use of the term

Cuairteoirí to describe our volunteer recorders is a nod to the old Clare tradition of ‘going on Cuaird’ or social visiting and reaffirms

our intention of reviving our traditional customs and practices. Since our formalisation in February 2009, we have conducted Life

Interviews with 230 of Clare’s oldest citizens amounting to over 266 recordings and over 500 hours of material with people

aged 65 - 105 (twelve over the age of 100). In total, thirty of those we have already recorded have since passed away. In addition

to conducting life interviews across county Clare and with Clare natives elsewhere, CAC have developed several outreach and edu-

cational initiatives to further engage the public in Clare’s oral heritage and also to utilise the material being collected. CAC is the

only countywide, systematic, oral heritage group in Ireland.

Cuimhneamh an Chláir and the Clare Education Centre

Cuimhneamh an Chláir have a major educational focus and one of the group’s objectives is to see the serious integration of oral her-

itage into both Primary and Post Primary schools across Clare and the country. In addition, the group wish to develop broader edu-

cational programmes using its increasing archive to enhance interest and engagement in our traditional heritage in Clare.

In 2011, CAC worked closely in developing the following educational initiatives as part of our outreach and education programme.

Seo é mo scéal is a project proposed by Athlone Education Centre that includes recording the memories of a group of elder citizens

in the wider communities of Education Centres across the Country. In Clare, the Clare Education Centre and Cuimhneamh an

Chláir are working together in order to record ten Clare citizens as a contribution to the overall project.

Themes that will be studied include:

1. Early childhood and primary school

2. Secondary school

3. Working life to marriage

4. Marriage, family and life

Retirement

Five individuals across county Clare were recorded specifically for this project including the former Bishop of Killaloe, Dr. Willie

Walsh and former Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen.

Tomas Mac Conmara

5

EDUCATION PARTNERS

Clare Education Centre works with many organisations and agencies in attempting to support teach-

ers and schools. Listed below are some of these groups. I would like to acknowledge the profession-

alism and dedication of all those listed and indeed others who may work with us occasionally.

NATIONAL PROGRAMMES

NCTE

PDST (including Leadership & Planning, Maths Recovery, Leaving Cert Applied, LCVP-TPN,

Maths & Science, Child Protection, Literacy & Numeracy, TPCs)

Career Guidance Teachers

Special Education Support Service

T4

Leaving Certificate Gaeilge

SPHE

Aistear—NCCA

Project Maths

Circus & Fairground Support Service

EXTERNAL EDUCATION PARNTERS

NCCA

Clare Co. Library

Clare Sports Partnership

Sherkin Island Marine Research Station

NUIG

Health Service Executive

An Chigireacht

Riches of Clare Museum

Clare Primary & Post Primary Schools Principals and Deputies

INTO

IPPN

ILSA

Léargas

Renaissance Learning - Accelerated Reader

School Completion Programme —Clare

Pat Hanrahan, Anne Quinn & Sharon Dilger at the 2011

“Write a Book Presentation”

6

BUILDING & MAINTENANCE

During the year all necessary repairs were carried out and the building was maintained to a high standard.

Thanks to Frank Hogan and Margaret Conway for their efforts in ensuring that the level of cleanliness in

the building is of a high standard. Both Margaret and Frank have been especially busy at times during the

year with regard to catering for large numbers and both are very worthy of praise for their dedication and

hard work in this regard.

Future Plans

The Management Committee have looked at the options in relation to extending a number of the rooms in

the Centre. We are badly constrained at times of demand, as we only have one substantial meeting room and

also our storage capacity is limited. This has become an issue especially in recent times with the relocation

of LCA and Maths recovery to the Centre. Both these programmes demand substantial storage and as a re-

sult we are currently renting storage space in the Quin Rd. industrial estate. Office space is also at a premi-

um and some additional space could be very beneficial from an on-going income perspective.

Local Teachers attending

the Lets Think Maths/

Maths Recovery Pro-

gramme in CEC

Linda Hogan is congratulat-

ed by Noreen O’Loughlin

( National Co-ordinalor

Maths Recovery ) before her

wedding in 2011

15

LEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIED

Leaving Certificate Applied is a two year practical Leaving Certificate programme with a

strong vocational focus. It places particular emphasis on preparation for the world of work

and life-long learning. The student centred curriculum in Leaving Certificate Applied in-

volves a range of active and practical learning experiences where students apply their

knowledge, skills and experience to real life situations in the school, in the workplace and in

the wider community. Support for schools/centres offering the Leaving Certificate Applied

programme is organised through the Leaving Certificate Applied Office located in Clare Ed-

ucation Centre. After many years sterling service Sheila O’Driscoll retired in 2011 and

has been replaced by Michael O’Leary. Karen O'Loughlin is the administrator. The

programme is available as a Leaving Certificate option in over 350 schools/centres. Support

activities include workshops for Principals & Management, Leaving Certificate Applied Coordinators and indi-

vidual teachers of the various Leaving Certificate Applied subjects (28 in total). Support is offered through out-

of-school workshops, evening courses, school/centre visits, web based support/discussion and on-going support

for individual queries and requests through the helpline and Leaving Certificate Applied office.

MATHS RECOVERY

Maths Recovery (MR) is a numeracy programme currently available only to

DEIS Urban Band 1 & 2 schools. Since Sept 1st 2010 its administrative base

is in Clare Education Centre. The National Co-ordinator is Noreen O’

Loughlin and the Programme is administered so efficiently by Linda Ho-

gan, Rita O Malley and Mary O’Donoghue. This excellent team also ad-

minister Leadership & Planning.

It is an evolving research-based programme which offers a uniquely detailed

profiles-based assessment of children’s early number knowledge, understanding and strategies. Information

gleaned from this assessment provides the basis for focused instruction. Maths Recovery ensures that the lowest

attainers are identified at an early age and are taught intensively by Maths Recovery teachers. Individual pupils

receive intensive, individualised instruction for a teaching cycle of duration ten to fifteen weeks. In these teach-

ing cycles students are taught thirty minutes daily, for four or five days per week. Also, Maths Recovery is being

widely implemented as a class-based approach to teaching number. By the end of January 2011, over 436 teach-

ers from a total of 301 schools have received training to the level of Maths Recovery teachers and over 1100

class teachers received training to support implementation. In 2010, over 200 MR teachers participated in an ex-

tensive CPD programme. Over 30 MR teachers have been supported in gaining accreditation from the MR

Council (UK & Irl). Currently, 14 MR teachers are pursuing a programme which will accredit them as MR train-

ers.

Lets Think Maths /Maths Recovery

During 2011 CEC in co-operation with Noreen O’Loughlin (NCO MR) arranged to make Maths Recovery

available to non DEIS primary schools. This proved very popular with 21 school taking up the offer. This in-

cluded 8 full days training and a number of follow up sessions. This programmes continues in 2012. We are very

grateful to Noreen and the MR team for this excellent initiative.

Programme No. Courses

2010

Participants

2010

No. Courses

2011

Participants

2011

Misneach Primary 19 694 20 777

Misneach Post Primary 6 192 5 175

Tánaiste Primary 3 97 4 115

Tánaiste Post Primary 5 222 4 191

Toraíocht 5 (Centres) 150 4 (Centres) 125

Forbairt Primary 8 413 17 724

Forbairt Post Primary 5 201 6 140

Spreagadh Primary 12 306 0 0

Cumusú Primary 6 277 0 0

Totals 69 2552 60 2247

14

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICE FOR

TEACHERS (PDST) Since Sept 1st 2010 most National Programmes have been brought

under one umbrella group, titled PDST. In this change process

Clare Education Centre has been designated the national admin-

istration centre for three programmes— Leadership & Planning

(formerly LDS) , Maths Recovery & Leaving Cert Applied. While

budgets and general activity are declining nationally, the addition of these programmes to the Centre has been very

welcome. During 2011 we also had some activity from the Regional PDST team. We had an excellent input from

Jenny Dooley on a Learning Schools type project with 14 primary schools and later in the year a top class ICT

input from the Regional ICT team which included Rory McGann and David McMahon, both of whom joined

the PDST team during 2011. I wish them every success in the support service and also thank them for their on-

going support of ICT in Clare Education Centre.

LEADERSHIP AND PLANNING

Leadership and Planning Programme continues as part of the new PDST (Professional Development Service for

Teachers). Linda Hogan, Rita O Malley and Mary O Donoghue are the administrators. Despite cutbacks and re-

tirements of full time members , the team continues to deliver courses to school leaders of a very high quality.

The difficulties surrounding the secondment of Principals to the support service is an important issue for L & P.

Most people in the system agree that seconded principals are essential to the development of the service, however

the Dept. of Finance have refused payment of appropriate allowances to new entrants. We will continue to address

this issue in 2012. Best wishes and many thanks for an outstanding contribution to Gretta O Shea (Retired), Kevin

Heneghan & Catherine Moynihan who returned to school as Principals in 2011.

During the year Leadership and Planning offered the following programmes at Primary and at Post Primary level:

Misneach: A programme for recently appointed Principals/ Acting Principals

Forbairt: A programme for experienced Principals and Deputy Principals

Tánaiste: A programme for recently appointed/acting Deputy Principals

Tóraíocht: A programme for future leaders offered in conjunction with NUIM and accredited as a Post Graduate

Diploma in School Leadership.

Paddy Flood (National Co-

ordinator Leadership & Plan-

ning congratulates Linda Ho-

gan before her wedding in

2011

7

CPD - COURSES

COMMENT ON COURSES

The level of national in-service at both primary and post-primary has declined considerably during the year.

Only a small number of Programmes now run during school hours—Leadership & Planning, Project

Maths , SESS, MR and a small number of others on an occasional bases. Most CPD now takes place after

school hours. This trend is expected to continue during the coming year. The Education Centre will now

need to refocus to ensure that, within the funding available, it will be in a position to meet all of its obliga-

tions under section 37 of the Education Act 1998.

COURSE EVALUATION

All courses through Clare Education Centre are monitored, travel expenses filed and relevant documenta-

tion monitored. Expenses are paid in accordance with Department of Education and Science norms. For Na-

tional Programmes (excluding NCTE funded courses) Evaluation Forms are analysed by the Tutor and the

information is forwarded to the national co-ordinating Education Centre with a copy forwarded to the Di-

rector of Clare Education Centre. Other documentation retained in Clare Education Centre includes Attend-

ance Sheets, Travel & Subsistence Claims and Course Administration Expenses.

The main function of the Centre is to provide support and CPD to teachers and schools through courses and

access to advice and the various national programmes. During the course of 2011 ICT courses in particular

were in demand, in particular, courses on the interactive whiteboard. Many thanks to Mary Doohan, Ann

Barrett and Evelyn Murray for all arrangements and data collection. Precise data is forwarded to Teacher

Education Section (TES) of the Department of Education and Science for statistical purposes. These include

details for all activities such as:

Numbers of Teachers Attending Courses

Gender Profile of Participants Attending Courses

Data Relating to Attendance by Primary & Post-primary Sectors

Total Participant Course Contact Hours

Course Costs including Pay & Non pay elements

Summary details of Local and NCTE courses are set out in Appendix 1 attached.

NCTE Courses

With regard to NCTE courses I would like to acknowledge the work

of all our tutors and schools. Great progress has been made in devel-

oping ICT in Clare schools. In particular I would like to ack-

mowledge the trojan work done by Tony Kelly (formerly Ennis

N.S. ) in supporting the smaller rural schools. His dedication and en-

thusiasm is much appreciated. Also to MJ Malone (Clarecastle N.S.)

Pat Hanrahan & Rory McGann (ICT

adviser) looking at ICT plans for 2011

8

REPORT ON THE CFSS 2011 (Circus & Fairground Support Service)

The CFSS is an educational Support Service for Primary School pupils of Circus and Fairground families

while they are on tour and away from their base schools.

It is operated through the network of Education Centres - with Limerick Education Centre being the lead Cen-

tre. It is funded by the DES. The Limerick Regional Office of the DES now has responsibility for the CFSS.

The overall number of call-outs has decreased again in 2011. Economic circumstances have again hit the cir-

cus & fairground business this year. However, a number of new families with younger children started with

the CFSS this year. The rescheduled in-service for the CFSS teachers took place in April 2011. It was reasona-

bly well attended. Those who attended found it very useful and informative.

The payment for 1 hrs. preparation time per call-out was cut out entirely from April 2011. All call-outs are

now paid at 2hrs. max. There was an attempt to change the status of the CFSS teachers to that of “new entrant

(ref. Jan. 2011)” in Sept. 2011 but after clarification by the INTO the teachers’ status remained as it is. The

change would have resulted in a significant reduction in the hourly rate for tuition.

The CFSS continues to be very much appreciated by the C&F families. Without it the families would be split

up during the season – with the pupils having to remain at home with relatives or neighbours.

It is very important that such an efficient and effective service be maintained.

Many thanks to the Director and Staff of Clare Education Centre, for their continued support of the CFSS..

The Misneach delivery Associate team at the Misneach Residential in Clare Education Centre.

Jody O Connor , Susan Frawley, Ann Comyn , Liam Lawlor and Pat Hanrahan

13

LIMERICK AND CLARE EDUCATION CENTRES

RESEARCH CONFERENCE 2011

The first Limerick and Clare Education Centre — Research Conference was held in Limerick Education Cen-

tre, Marshal House, on Saturday 26th March 2011.The theme of the conference was “Promoting Teacher

Continued Professional Development Through Teacher Engagement in Research”. The event was a joint ven-

ture between Limerick Education Centre and Clare Education Centre and it is intended to make it an annual

event to be held on alternate years in the Clare and Limerick Centre.

The purpose of the Mid-West Education Research Conference is to promote teacher continued professional

development through engagement in research. Equally it aims to give teacher researchers an opportunity to

showcase their research and share their findings with colleagues in education. Dr. Kevin Haugh (formerly of

Carrigaholt) co–ordinated the conference with the assistance of Dr. Joe O Connell and Pat Hanrahan. This

years conference is fixed for Clare Education Centre on March 3rd.

Pat Hanrahan meets “Liam McCarthy”

and Kilkenny Manager Brian Cody at

Kilkenny Education Centre. Hopefully we

might have it in CEC in the near future.

Aistear—New Infant Programme

In October 2009, the NCCA published Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. Aistear is for

all children from birth to six years. It is the outcome of extensive research, consultation, planning, and devel-

opment by the NCCA in partnership with the early childhood sector and the Education Centre Network.

Aistear can be used in the range of early childhood settings including children's own homes, childminding

settings, full and part-time daycare settings, sessional services and infant classes in primary schools. High-

lighting the fact that children learn many different things at the same time, the Framework uses four intercon-

nected themes to describe the content of children's learning and development: Well-being, Identity and Be-

longing, Communicating, and Exploring and Thinking. Aistear highlights the critical role of play, relation-

ships and language for young children's learning. CEC have 3 trained facilitators for the programme which

has been well supported locally.

Local facilitators : Emer Healy , Niamh Finlay & Maria O Driscoll. I would like to thank all three for their

excellent work.

12

THE LEARNING SCHOOLS PROJECT 2 (LSP-2)

LSP-2 is a DES initiative at Post Primary Level in Clare , Limerick, Cory & Kerry. Schools are invited to

evaluate their own school and establish areas that may need attention. Each school involved establishes a

“school project team” and this group meets in CEC a number of times during the year. It also involves a

number of school visits from the PDST and Education Centre Director. The programme has a clear pattern -

commencing with each school examining their needs through data gathering and analysis, then taking ap-

propriate actions and finally evaluating the initiative. A short report is issued by each school at the end of

the school year. A showcase event is planned also so as schools have an opportunity to share experiences

and resources. Three Clare Post Primary Schools are participating in this project in the 2010-11 school year

and have worked extremely diligently. I believe this type if initiative will become more common at both

Primary and Post Primary Level. The project concluded in Sept 2011 with a showcase event in Charleville

for all p27 participating schools in Munster.

Clare Schools in LSP –2

Scoil Mhuire. Ennistymon ,VEC Ennistymon , Ennis Community College.

LSP 3 also commenced during the year and again has 3 Clare Post Primary Schools participating: Ennisty-

mon CBS, Kilkee Community School and Ennis Community College.

MORTUARY CARD PROJECT IN CONJUNCTION WITH CLARE ROOTS

This was a pilot project between Clare Roots Society and The Clare Education Centre who are combining

resources in a project of collecting and recording memorial cards. Cards were collected by means of a

competition for primary schools in the County.

During the school year 2010-11 children of every Primary School were invited to collect memorial cards

from family members & friends and bring these into their school. Here they were photocopied, scanned or

otherwise recorded, and the cards then returned to their owners. The copies were sent to the Education Cen-

tre in Ennis where, in conjunction with The Clare Roots Society, they will be collated and recorded. The

project concluded with a very successful presentation night in Spring 2011. This information will be made

available electronically in the near future through the Clare County Library. Many thanks to Fiona de

Buitleir and all in Clare Roots Society for all the good work.

Pat Hanrahan Director Clare Education Centre, Dr. Kevin Haugh, Mr.

Eddie Ward PO DES & Dr. Joe O Connell Director Limerick Education

Centre at opening of Research Conference 2011

9

ACCELERATED READER IN COUNTY CLARE 2011

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computerised reading management program developed by Judi and Terry

Paul, co-founders of Renaissance Learning. The program was introduced to school systems in 1986 as a

tool to help teachers efficiently manage literature-based reading and is currently used in more than half

the schools in the U.S. (Paul, 2003:1). Accelerated Reader focuses on a database of thousands of books

ranging in reading levels from one to twelve. It provides teachers with specific data on student’s reading

levels and their understanding of what they have read. Paul (2003:7) reveals that “because it is computer-

ised, it reduces teachers’ paperwork while providing the information needed to guide and monitor student

reading practise”. The Accelerated Reader program consists of a software package which is internet based

that corresponds to books and the program has self-administered reading tests that the students use in the

classroom to earn points.

The first school in County Clare to use Accelerated Reader was Scoil Chríost Rí in Ennis. Teachers in the

school were very pleased with the program and the children’s reading levels were improving each year

that they were involved in the initiative. For the second year running Clare Education Centre offered to

train personnel from interested schools on how to implement Accelerated Reader. The program is quite

expensive and by Clare Education Centre providing the training it reduced the cost significantly for

schools to partake in Accelerated Reader. There was great interest displayed and twelve new schools un-

dertook the training and are now implementing Accelerated Reader to great success in their schools. The

twelve schools that joined this year along with the nine schools who undertook the programme offered by

Clare Education Centre in 2010 brings the total number schools now using Accelerated Reader to twenty.

The new schools that have taken part in this project are Clohanes NS, Cratloe NS, Feakle NS, Kilmaley

NS, Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire Newmarket-on-Fergus, O’Callaghan’s Mills NS, Scoil na Mainistreach

Quin, St. Finnachta's N.S Sixmilebridge, St Tolas NS, Clarecastle NS, Scoil Mhuire Corofin and Scoil

Chriost Ri Ennis.

There are four training evenings which take place in the computer suite at Clare Education Centre. Also

during the year schools will receive a visit from a Renaissance Learning professional to assist the schools

with implementing the program and to answer any questions that the teachers may have. It is advisable for

each school to train at least two personnel on how to use the program as teachers can then share the re-

sponsibility of implementing Accelerated Reader in their school. Once schools have completed the train-

ing there is always online support available from Renaissance Learning using their online chat tool. The

Renaissance Learning company is based in London and while their main product Accelerated Reader is

hugely popular in the UK it is now beginning to prove popular in Ireland especially among schools in

County Clare thanks to initiative of Clare Education Centre.

Motivation to participate in reading is one of the major goals of AR. The Accelerated Reader program

claims to motivate students and help them improve their reading skills (Renaissance Learning, 2006).

Scott (1999:15) explains that if a student passes a test, he or she earns points that translate into a reward

that has been determined by the class teacher. The points accumulate as the student reads more books and

passes more tests.

Gearoid Roughan in conjunction with the AR suppliers Renaissance Learning has provided most of the

training. He has been a huge support to schools and I would like to sincerely thank him for that.

Gretta O Shea (LDS) who retired in

2011with Paddy Flood and Pat Hanrahan

Many Thanks to Gretta for her great ser-

vice to the leadership team

10

LEAVING CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME (LCVP) TEACHER PRO-

FESSIONAL NETWORK (TPN)

The Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) is an intervention designed to enhance the vocational

dimension of the Leaving Certificate (established). The programme was introduced in 1994 in response to the

challenge placed on Ireland’s education system by a changing work and business environment. The LCVP

combines the academic strengths of the Leaving Certificate (established) with a new and dynamic focus on

self–directed learning, innovation and enterprise. This two-year programme is part of an expanded provision

that aims to cater for the diversity of participants’ needs at senior cycle.

Clare Education Centre is responsible for the administration of the TPN attached to LCVP. This network sup-

ports the LCVP. Evelyn Murray does great work in looking all aspects of the TPN and works closely with

Aileen Whyms who is part of the LCVP team.

Kevin Heneghan (LDS) who returned to

school in 2011 with Liam Lawlor. Many

thanks to Kevin for his excellent service to

leadership and ICT in education.

TEACHER PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITIES (TPC)

CEC now has 4 TPC’s in place. A TPC is a mechanism which enables teachers with a common professional

interest to meet and interact. Our current TPC’s are Maths Recovery , ICT-West, ICT-East and Modern Lan-

guages. Each TPC carries a €2,000 grant and in the case of Modern Languages we have been granted a fur-

ther €3,000. This funding is used to bring guest speakers and purchase resources which are owned by the

Centre and loaned to schools. The funding is accessed through the Education Centre Network through an ap-

plication process.

NIPT (National Induction Programme for Teachers)

This initiative commenced in 2010 as two separate programmes. Each programme was specifically targeted

at either newly qualified primary or post primary teachers. In 2011 these programmes were combined. The

programme aims to support the induction of newly qualified teachers (NQTs) into the teaching profession in

primary schools in Ireland. The main objective of induction is towards promoting the professional develop-

ment of NQTs by way of systematic support in their first year of teaching, thus laying the foundations for

subsequent professional growth and development. Wong, (2004) describes induction as: ‘a comprehensive,

coherent, and sustained professional development process aimed to train, support and retain new teachers and

represents the first part of a lifelong professional development programme’. A key characteristic of the pro-

gramme is access by the NQT to a mentor at school level or in a neighbouring school. Mentors are experi-

enced teachers who are fully probated, have a minimum of 5 years teaching experience and have undertaken

professional training for the role. It is widely acknowledged that building strong professional learning com-

munities through programmes such as the Induction Programme will benefit schools as learning organisations

in the long-term. Mary Burke is the NCO and the service has been delivered by local facilitators. Our current

facilitators are : Sinead Guinane, Brid O Connor , Karen Riordan , Seonaidh Ni Shionóin (all Primary) and

Dympna O Donoghue (Post Primary)

11

WRITE-A-BOOK 2011

Once again the Write a Book Project proved to be an outstanding success. O' Mahony's Bookshop of En-

nis & Limerick was our main sponsor. The Awards Night in Dromoland Castle was very successful. Our

sincere thanks and congratulations must go to the teachers and pupils who participate and especially to

the group of teachers who manage and organise the project. I wish to express sincerest thanks to all in-

volved in ensuring the continued success of this project especially the pupils who so diligently take part

in the project. A special word of thanks is due to all the teachers and parents who supported the pupils in

this important work and to Anne Quinn, Sharon Dilger, and all the team who worked so hard to ensure

the success of the project. I wish to thank especially Ann Barrett who co-ordinated the project for Clare

Education Centre.

Write a book participants 2011

MATHLETICS

Clare Education Centre has involved itself in a pilot project in Mathletics involving Holy Family

Senior, Scoil Chriost Ri and Ennis National School. The project developed from three teachers in

these schools who became aware of the possibilities of the programme and were willing to work

on developing it. Clare Education Centre have now come to an arrangement with Fallons in an

attempt to support access to the programme across the county. All Clare Primary Schools can now

access Mathletics for €6 per pupil which is a 25% saving on the normal price. I would like to

thank CJ Fallon for their willingness to assist us with this initiative and ask as many Clare schools

as possible to try out Mathletics during 2012.

Eamon and pupils working on

Mathletics programme in CEC

Year

Authors

2010

1867

2011

1950