Radical Reform in Irish Schools, 1900-1922

This book examines the radical reform that occurred during the final two decades of British rule in Ireland when William Starkie (1860-1920) presided as Resident Commissioner for the Board. Following the lead of industrialized nations, Irish members of parliament sought to encourage the establishment of a state-funded school system during the early nineteenth century. The year 1831 saw the creation of the Irish National School System. Central to its workings was the National Board of Education which had the responsibility for distributing government funds to aid in the building of schools, the payment of inspectors and teachers, the publication of textbooks, and the cost of teacher training. In the midst of radical political and cultural change within Ireland, visionaries and leaders like Starkie filled an indispensable role in Irish education. They oversaw the introduction of a radical child-centered primary school curriculum, often referred to as the 'new education'. Filling a gap in Irish history, this book provides a much needed overview of the changes that occurred in primary education during the 22 years leading up to Ireland's independence.

Introduction.- The Antiquated Administration of Irish Education.- The Revised Programme of Primary Instruction.- Attempts to Influence Government Policy.- Policy on School Inspection and Visits to Schools.- Continuing Efforts to Seek to Improve Irish Primary School Education.- The Inclusion of the Irish Language and Irish History in Primary Schools.- The Disaffection of National School Teachers and the Establishment of the Dill Committee.- The Commissioners and the Killanin and Molony Inquiries.- Conclusion.