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Stand up for Quality Education
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Behaviour Summit
The second of the Scottish Government’s summits on pupil behaviour took place in Edinburgh on 25th October 2023.
The meeting focused on relationships and behaviour in schools, with Colin Finlay, our representative from the Education Committee, attending to highlight the issues members are facing on a daily basis in our schools.
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- There are more learners, with a greater number and wider complexity of additional support needs, being taught in mainstream classes without adequate support.
- In addition to violent incidents, teachers are reporting a significant rise in challenging behaviour – for example, learners refusing to follow reasonable instructions; verbal abuse; misuse of mobile phones; disruption to learning by pupils roaming corridors; and increasing use of vapes on school premises, to name but a few.
- There is a need for significant investment in core education funding, particularly in relation to ASN, to address these issues.
- Smaller class sizes, increased investment in specialist ASL teaching and support staff and funding to reverse the deep cuts to health, social work and support agencies are also necessary to effect the necessary change.
- Restorative approaches are the most effective way to address behavioural issues in schools, provided they are appropriately resourced, consistently applied with clear consequences and that teachers are supported, through provision of sufficient time and professional learning, to implement them in classes.
- The next summit will take place on Wednesday, 15th November 2023, with the Behaviour in Scottish Schools research due to be published later this month.
- We await the Scottish Government’s response to the Behaviour Summits but are clear that teachers expect these to be more than a talking shop; they must result in action to address disruptive behaviour and violence in schools.
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EIS FELA - National Industrial Action
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The NJNC has met several times recently. Constructive discussions have taken place in the most recent meeting regarding the inclusion of a statement on job security in any agreement, however, no agreement has been reached as yet. Preparations continue for a statutory re-ballot for industrial action to commence in the coming weeks.
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City of Glasgow College - Industrial Action
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EIS-FELA representatives of City of Glasgow College were informed by senior management in May that the college workforce would be reduced by up to 100 using compulsory redundancies.
City of Glasgow College branch have been taking part in sustained strike action.
They have now secured a second industrial action mandate via a statutory ballot and further action will commence on 14th November.
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Informal Equality Networks - Upcoming Meetings
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The informal EIS Equality Networks are informal spaces to meet others, make connections and find out more about how the work of the EIS relates to you. The Networks advise the EIS Equality Committee on equality issues, and provide an opportunity for members to help shape EIS policy.
Upcoming Meetings:
EIS Disabled Member Network: Wednesday 13 December, 4:30pm, online
EIS BAME Network: Thursday 16 November, 4:30pm, online
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Justice for Colombia Scotland Public Meeting with Families Fighting for Justice
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Justice for Colombia Scotland invites you to a special meeting at the Scottish Parliament on Colombia’s ongoing efforts to gain justice for victims of army killings in the 2000s.
Date: Wednesday 15th November
Time: 5:30pm - 7pm
Rally: Committee Room 5, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP
Between 2002 and 2008, the Colombian army murdered 6,402 civilians yet few officials have been held to account.
We will hear from relatives of two victims as they describe their quest for justice and the ongoing struggle for peace and human rights in a society scarred by violence.
Please RSVP to Michael Sharpe at michael@unityconsulting.scot
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St Andrew’s Day March and Rally 2023
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From Erskine to Elgin, the Far Right is Not Welcome!
Date: Saturday, 25th November 2023
Assemble: 10.30am at Glasgow Green
March off: 11am
Rally: 12pm at Technology and Innovation Centre, Strathclyde University
Bring your banners and flags!
This is a crucial year in the fight against racism. Racist UK immigration policy and rhetoric is only getting worse. We need to stand together in a show of solidarity after a year of the far right trying to gain footholds in our communities.
Join us on 25th November and make your voices heard!
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Israel and Palestine - Understanding the Conflict
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With the latest outbreak of violence in the region, members may find this skills-based resource, focusing on the conflict between Palestine and Israel, helpful in supporting pupils to understand the conflict.
In a turbulent world, it is essential that pupils are equipped to navigate contested topics, evaluate evidence and arrive at their own conclusions.
Materials, containing both Student and Teacher Guides, can be accessed on our website.
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Our Wellbeing, It Matters! – Saturday 13th January 2024
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We warmly invite you to come along on Saturday 13th January, 10am-2.30pm, to the Radisson Blu, Glasgow, for a day focused on collaboratively building our workplace wellbeing, while strengthening our own.
Members from across Scotland are invited to participate in a variety of workshops that will consider wellbeing through an equalities lens, building a collective wellbeing voice, and practical tools for enhancing workplace wellbeing.
The day will include music, wellbeing activities, information stalls, and opportunities to share your thoughts on the topic.
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Professional Learning Courses, Webinars and Resources
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Online and in-person courses being delivered throughout November and December are now available to book.
Topics cover: leadership, conflict resolution and restorative practices, and health and wellbeing.
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We support and train members to become school-based EIS Representatives, including Health & Safety and Equalities Reps.
The EIS works with the college tutors to deliver TUC accredited Reps’ training. If you are a member who has an interest in becoming a Rep, want to learn more, or have recently taken over as a new Rep then please explore our courses.
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Are you a Probationer Teacher? - EIS Membership & Support
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Unions are strongest when members are engaged, and we hope you'll become an active participant during your probation year or once you are a fully quaified teacher.
Remember, we’re here to help if you need us. If there are any areas where you would like us to deliver training or awareness sessions particularly related to your probation year, please get in touch with your Organiser or LA Secretary.
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Get Ready for Celebrations with EIS Extra
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November is filled with exciting events and activities, from Christmas Market shopping to Black Friday. Thanks to the top offers and discounts available through EIS Extra, you can make great savings along the way!
EIS Extra is always on hand to ensure you get everything you need and want without breaking the bank, from clothing and gifts to food and tech. So, whatever your plans this month, you can enjoy big savings. Get started today by logging in to your account and browsing offers from top brands like H&M, Tesco, Currys and many more!
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