TASC Research Highlights Urgent Need for Greater Support in DEIS Schools
New research conducted by TASC, the Think-tank for Action on Social Change, in collaboration with the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), highlights the need for increased supports across multiple areas within the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) programme.
The study underscores the positive impact of DEIS in improving student outcomes and promoting social mobility while also identifying critical challenges such as resource inequities, stigma, and the administrative burden placed on teachers.
A key recommendation of the report is the introduction of a tiered funding model to ensure that all school communities receive the tailored supports they require.
This research draws on both quantitative and qualitative data, including surveys of 227 teachers and 49 school leaders, as well as focus groups and interviews with school management.
Commenting on the findings, TUI General Secretary Michael Gillespie said:
‘The DEIS programme has led to notable improvements in outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and the report makes clear that teachers in these schools find their roles personally rewarding, particularly in supporting vulnerable students. 62% of teachers in DEIS schools agreed that the programme improved access to higher education, while 73% saw enhanced access to further education.’
‘However, it is of serious concern that most teachers believe class sizes are still too large, while the fact that 33% of respondents in DEIS schools describe science labs and sports facilities as being ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ is unacceptable for a country of our resources.’
‘In terms of the report’s recommendations, the introduction of a tiered funding model to match specific school needs would allow for greater autonomy, as no two school communities are the same. Similarly, there would be significant and obvious merit in prioritising resources to achieve smaller class sizes in DEIS schools and also to reduce the burden of unsustainable teacher workloads.’
‘The TUI has called for such further resourcing for a number of years, and in our interactions with the new Minister, we will be urging that the achievements of the DEIS programme are further built upon through additional, targeted investment.’
Dr Sara Singleton, Head of Public Education & Senior Researcher for Social Inclusion at TASC, emphasised the broader significance of the findings:
‘Schools in Ireland, particularly those within the DEIS framework, play a pivotal role in addressing the deep-rooted inequalities present in Irish society. By supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and providing them with the resources and opportunities they might otherwise lack, these schools are vital in breaking cycles of poverty and inequality. However, despite these efforts, educational inequality cannot be viewed in isolation from broader societal inequities.’
‘The persistent stigma attached to DEIS schools remains one of the most prominent challenges. Negative stereotypes about students' abilities, often rooted in assumptions of their socio-economic background, hinder both their academic progress and the professional esteem of their teachers. These perceptions affect student confidence, enrolment patterns, and public support for DEIS initiatives. Addressing this stigma through public awareness campaigns that celebrate the achievements of DEIS schools, alongside better recognition of the contributions made by teachers in these settings, is essential to combat these misconceptions.’
‘Overall, addressing the challenges identified in this research requires a collaborative effort from policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders. The recommendations outlined in this report—from increasing funding transparency and improving professional development opportunities to addressing stigma and reducing administrative burdens—are essential to ensuring the continued success of the DEIS programme in helping to overcome the complex and interconnected issues of educational and societal disadvantage.’
Read the full report: https://www.tasc.ie/publications/educators-perspectives-on-the-challenges-successes-and-oppor/
This report has garnered significant media attention, including coverage in: