An Investigation into Parental Attitudes and Preferences Regarding the Development of an Educate Together Post-Primary School

Irish society has, within recent years, experienced significant social and cultural change. Our nation has become more secular, pluralist and culturally diverse. The implication of these changes for post-primary education in an intercultural era has been considered. Specific attention has been applied to determining the attitudes of Educate Together primary school parents towards their willingness to develop a model of post-primary education based upon the principles of the Educate Together Charter. Parents have significantly contributed to this study through their participation in questionnaires and interviews. A focus group; comprised of Board of Management and Executive Committee members and parents met to discuss views and opinions regarding the possible development of an Educate Together post-primary school. Educationalists, working at primary, secondary and university levels have been consulted and their views documented. The purpose of this study has been to investigate parental interest in developing a new model of post-primary education; namely an Educate Together postprimary school. The results of this research have established that parents are indeed willing and eager to support this initiative. However, this research has determined that the burden of administration, on local school management teams involving parents, is severely limiting further exploration into future developments.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

National University of Ireland Maynooth

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• Devereux, Philip

• Education

Language dc:language

en