Motion no: 41
Congress recognises the devastating consequences of cutbacks in education during the austerity years and the changing political context where many public services are underfunded, and where uncertainties are compounded by Brexit. Congress believes that progress can be made in the engagement and achievement of pupils at risk when Governments invest in education intervention programmes and reductions in class size as evidenced by the success of the targeted programmes. Congress calls on Governments North and South to: Provide an accessible and inclusive public education system as a prerequisite for an equal society and demands that schools which cater for students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are adequately supported in terms of preferential teaching, funding and support services. Ensure all pupils with special educational needs have access to additional teaching support and therapeutic services at school level according to their needs Increase spending on education to re ect 7% of GDP. Invest in teacher professional development to support teachers to enhance their professional knowledge and skills throughout their teaching career Reduce class size in primary schools, to the OECD average of 20. Recognise that decent pay and conditions for teachers are a pre-requisite to providing quality education.
