x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education

How many times have you said to yourself, "If I were the Minister for Education…?" Well I do! Rather than grumble to myself, I decided to podcast my thoughts on ways I"d change the primary education system in Ireland. Every episode I"ll take on a different theme, give some background and hopefully come to some conclusions by the end. simonmlewis.substack.com

education courses

All Episodes

22:05

Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education...

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/11/16

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.

en

18:05

Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education...

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/11/12

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

en

27:01

Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education...

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/10/29

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

en

35:54

Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education...

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/10/15

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

en

26:18

Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education...

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/09/30

Episode 2: Soft BarriersIn this episode I explore the role of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), a quango responsible for organising resources for special education. I trace the NCSE's establishment in 2003 and its subsequent decline in effectiveness, particularly since the detrimental effects of budget cuts since 2008. The NCSE's lack of adequate support, arbitrary allocation of resources, and controversial response to government cuts are all scrutinised. I argue that despite the

en

27:51

Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education...

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/09/16

If you were to walk into any primary school and compared it to the classroom you might have sat in only a generation ago, apart from a big screen instead of a blackboard, the biggest difference you would see is the diversity of students in that room. One in four children in primary school have an additional need* and according to recent research over 45% of children with support needs are being failed in accessing their right to education. I have spent the last 15 years witnessing the slow collapse

en

01:38

Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education...

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/08/29

If you were to walk into any primary school and compared it to the classroom you might have sat in only a generation ago, apart from a big screen instead of a blackboard, the biggest difference you would see is the diversity of students in that room. One in four children in primary school have an additional need* and according to recent research over 45% of children with support needs are being failed in accessing their right to education. I have spent the last 15 years witnessing the slow collapse

en

26:24

What do most schools mean when they say Religious...

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/08/22

You will not be surprised to hear that my first podcast of the 2024-2025 school year is about religion in schools. It's a topic I'm always coming back to and it never ceases to amaze me of how many different angles you can find from it. But what I want to explore in this episode is what do most schools mean when they talk about religion. Maybe a better title would have been, "What we talk about when we talk about religion in schools."

en

40:34

Special Episode on Special Education

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/06/24

This week, I focus on the significant challenges within special education. I cover recently published inspectorate findings, testimonies from school principals, and a detailed report by a group of parents on the deteriorating state of special education. I discuss the lack of adequate resources, bureaucratic hurdles, and the ineffectiveness of new initiatives, emphasizing the dire need for proper support and funding. I also and, finally, how a 13-year-old girl is most likely to be the one to

en

44:10

Interview 22: Debbie O'Neill

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/06/24

I don't know about you, but when I think about Special Education, in general, I think about 3 options - mainstream, special classes and special schools. However, special schools are not simply a one-size-fits-all solution with lots of different types out there that cater for particular needs. This week I talk to Debbie O'Neill, principal of Scoil Eoin, a school for students with mild general learning disabilities. It is also a type of special school that the Department of Education are trying to

en

51:12

Israel/Gaza

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/06/10

In this episode, I examine the complex topic of teaching children about war, specifically focusing on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Drawing from my personal background and experiences, I explore the intricacies of discussing such sensitive subjects in the classroom. After that, something completely different as I preview my interview with Paudie Moore, The Teacher's Coach, on maintaining teacher wellbeing. I also touch upon the goal of achieving 400 multi-denominational schools in Ireland and the

en

30:34

Interview 21: Paudie Moore - The Teacher's Coach

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/06/09

Over the last couple of years I've chatted to a number of people about wellbeing in the classroom but usually from a child's point of view. And I've talked about resilience, growth mindset, all that kind of stuff. But one thing I'm always interested in is about a teacher's own wellbeing. I was really happy to be joined by Paudie Moore, aka The Teacher's Coach. And that's exactly what he specialises in.

en

36:13

The Perennial Family without a School Place

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/05/27

In this episode of 'If I Were the Minister for Education', I delve into the struggles faced by families in securing school placements for children with additional needs, the inefficiencies of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and the dynamics of religious education. I also look at what can be learned from Singapore's education system, following a visit by John Boyle. Show Notes, as always, can be found on: https://anseo.net/?p=19743

en

35:52

It's (unfortunately) all about the money

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/05/13

AsMeja sang(I had to google her!), this episode is all about the money and it's all about the dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb decisions recently made by the Department of Education. I look at theSchool Book Grant, theAncillary Grant, and look forward to thesummer programme, all of which have had their funds cut.

en

31:58

Good GRACE!, Poland Bans Home, Warming to the...

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/04/29

This week we talk about thedivestment of the first Catholic school to Educate Together, followed by the findings of the Grace report, indicating adiscrepancy between the religious beliefs of teachersand their roles in Catholic schools. Whileone commentator blames the teachers, anotherblames the whole Catholic community.Next, I discuss thePolish government’s ban on homeworkfor primary students, questioning the relevance and format of homework in Ireland’s education system. I haven’t changed my stance

en

39:55

INTO Congress, Moral Panic and Gender, Book Grant...

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/04/15

In this episode, I explore the landscape of primary education in Ireland, focusing on the outcomes of the INTO Congress, the ongoing conversations regarding gender identity in schools, and the looming uncertainties over the primary school book grant scheme. I delve into the controversies surrounding teacher compensation for overseas work, the dominance of religious control in education, and the societal response to gender identity within educational settings. Additionally, I express concerns over

en

33:52

After Josepha, Physical Aggression Rising, Estonia is...

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/04/01

In this episode, I reflect on the implications of Josepha Madigan's departure as the Minister for Special Education and whether the position will ever exist again. I also ponder on the INTO's survey on physical aggression. Finally, we move to Estonia and explore why they are now kings and queens of Europe and why Ireland won't be the best education system in Europe by 2026.

en

27:58

Education News: Mid-March 2024

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/03/19

In this episode, I wonder about the quantum of SET agendas and why the IPPN has decided to go against its members. I discuss why the media have reduced a completely changed curriculum down to sex. Finally I deny that I've been looking through your bins. Links to articles discussed can be found on anseo.net

en

26:12

Education News: Late February 2024

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/03/05

In this podcast episode, I discuss the challenges in special education, specifically the issues with school allocations and the ineffectiveness of the current system. I also delve into the expansion of the school transport system and the complications arising due to patronage. Lastly, I touch on the topic of Irish exemptions and the audit of schools with high exemption rates. Additionally, I reflect on the ownership of newly built schools by religious bodies despite being funded by the state.

en

33:07

Education News: 1st half of February 2024

Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education ·

2024/02/20

In this latest episode of the podcast 'If I were the Minister for Education', I explore the recent happenings within the Irish primary education system, discussing the aftermath of SET allocations and the implications this had on schools and teachers. The episode also delves into the issue of Irish school buildings being gifted to private religious bodies and assesses the impact of this decision. Finally, I explore why the Scottish see the Irish education system in such a positive light, primarily

en

274 results

Similar Podcasts

Science Talk

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

五分钟心理学

柠檬心理

Daily Facts

Amalia Dupray and Montgomery Jones.

Les dents et dodo

BFMTV

Veterinary Clinical Podcasts

The Royal Veterinary College