Evaluating the Level of Student and Teacher Involvement in Second-Level School Processes and Participation in Decision Making: an Irish Case Study

The Act emphasises the rights, roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, including parents, teachers and pupils in schools. Since 1998 the Department of Education and Skills (DES) has stressed the need to implement mechanisms, reflecting an increased role for teachers and pupils in decision making. It is timely to explore the implementation of this more collaborative school environment and the response of teachers and students to it. This study focuses on a rural second-level school of approximately 600 students. A survey by questionnaire was completed, and interviews conducted, with transition year students (aged 15–16, entering senior secondary education) and their teachers. It finds that while the school is proactive in involving students and teachers in decision making, a source of social, personal and professional empowerment, experienced teachers, and students in particular, want a more substantial voice in decisions. Overall, participation is considered important by all stakeholders.