12th March 2018
The DES has published circular 16/2018 (pdf) clarifying how schools should re-engage with SSE.
This circular amends the previous SSE circular 39/2016 (pdf) which was subject to a Directive by INTO. INTO lifted its Directive to facilitate benefits under the PSSA, including the progress of pay restoration, INTO participation in the new entrant pay process, and full restoration of qualification payments to teachers who started since February 2012.
This revised Circular, 16/2018, was published following discussion between the DES and INTO on the need to address workload in schools. The circular reduces the subjects to be selected as the focus for SSE between now and 2020.
Schools are asked to select one or two curriculum areas or aspects of teaching and learning rather than the two to four areas set out in Circular 39/2016. The revised circular also allows for an additional school planning day in 2018/2019 to assist with the implementation of the Primary Language Curriculum .
The INTO is on-going discussion with the DES about the establishment of a forum on workload to address the management and sequencing of initiatives in schools.
Download Circular 16/2018 (pdf) Re-engaging with the School Self-Evaluation (SSE) process in primary schools