Teaching in a DEIS School
“I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. I thought I knew a lot before I began as I have worked in a DEIS school for 17 years, but I certainly have learned an awful lot this past week. It was great reading all the comments from others and I have come away with some good ideas from other teachers as well as from each of the modules on this course.” – Teacher
Course Information and Key Themes
Maybe you are a new teacher or principal in a DEIS school? Or an experienced educator who just wishes to better understand what makes a DEIS school different and how all the supports work together to combat educational disadvantage? Maybe you are considering taking on the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) role but want to find out more about what they do?
This course explores educational disadvantage, the HSCL Coordinator, Tusla Education Support Services, the work of Social Workers, DEIS planning and real examples of successful initiatives in DEIS schools to improve attendance, literacy, numeracy and wellbeing.
Course Overview
Course Outline
Module 1 - What is DEIS?
In this module we will explore what ‘Disadvantage’ actually means. We will delve into the origin & history of DEIS. The practical features of DEIS School Supports will be examined and we will see how and why some schools get DEIS status and others do not.
- To better understand socioeconomic and educational disadvantage in an Irish context
- To familiarise yourself with the Delivering Equality of Opportunity In Schools programme
- To comprehend how these DEIS supports can help teaching and learning in school
Module 2 - Tusla and the Work of the HSCL
This module highlights the work of the newly named Tusla Education Support Services (TESS) and why it’s important for teachers to understand their supports. It also details the expansive role of the Home School Community Liaison Coordinator which is a temporary (5 year) job carried out by teachers who are released from classroom duties.
- To explore the various education welfare services which support schools
- To understand the role of the HSCL and how he/she supports teachers, parents and pupils
Module 3 - Education Support Services and Family Support Servic
This module explores the work of organisations trying to improve school attendance, participation and progression. It outlines supports available to families who are struggling and focusses on the Meitheal process which is often led by the teacher.
- To explore the School Completion Programme and its remit
- To evaluate the law in respect of Education Welfare, particularly the statutory role of the Education Welfare Officer in the Irish education system
- To identify the supports available to families in crisis from Tusla Family Support Services
- To examine the teacher’s role in the Meitheal process
Module 4 - DEIS Planning and Practice
Module 4 examines the main DEIS Themes that schools should be keeping at the core of all their teaching and learning. We explore DEIS Planning and how it relates to School Self Evaluation with practical examples and templates.
- To define the main focus areas of DEIS in schools’ teaching and learning
- To review the DEIS planning process
- To appraise SSE in a DEIS school
Module 5 - Building Partnerships with Parents
Module 5 delves into the phenomenon of childhood trauma, especially as it relates to the disadvantaged child. We see the impact of transitions to and from school have on a child and examine practical initiatives that schools can learn from to build partnerships with parents.
- To classify common Adverse Childhood Experiences of children in disadvantaged settings
- To critique how trauma and experiences of disadvantage take effect in the classroom setting
- To evaluate the importance of building partnerships with parents
- To explore the nature of transitions
Course Author
Jason Byrne
“The DEIS school supports can be a powerful driver of positive social change. I designed this course to meet the need for professional development specifically for teachers and principals in the DEIS school community.”
Bio
Jason is a primary school teacher from Scoil Chroi Iosa, Galway City. He is currently working as a Home School Community Liaison Coordinator (HSCL) with Tusla Education Support Services (TESS). He also works as a Wellbeing and PE Associate with the PDST Primary Health & Wellbeing Team. Jason is an experienced primary teacher holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership from NUI Maynooth. He is committed to lessening the effects of educational disadvantage through his work as a HSCL, and as a teacher in the classroom.
What Participants Say About This Course
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