Educators' Perspectives on the Challenges, Successes and Opportunities of the DEIS Programme
A new TASC report, commissioned by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), highlights the successes and challenges of the DEIS programme. While DEIS has improved student outcomes and social mobility, schools continue to face resource gaps, stigma, and unsustainable teacher workloads.
The report recommends a tiered funding model to ensure schools receive the support they need.
Key Findings
Michael Gillespie, TUI General Secretary:
‘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.’
Dr Sara Singleton, TASC:
‘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.’
Next Steps
The TUI is calling for increased investment in DEIS schools, while TASC continues to support policies that promote educational equality and social inclusion.