Limerick third level college backs annual education showcase

LIMERICK’S Mary Immaculate College has backed a national educational conference.

Schools backed by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB) and educational partners gathered in Naas for the annual Realising Inclusive Special Education, or ‘Rise’ showcase.

It highlighted how inclusive practice is already improving learning, belonging and engagement for young people across the system.

Led by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) in partnership with Mary Immaculate College, whose main campus is located in South Circular Road in Limerick, the Rise strategy supports schools to plan inclusively, collaborate within and across schools, and use resources more effectively for the benefit of all students.

Throwback Thursday: Pictures from the Limerick Leader archives

Schools at the showcase demonstrated clearer whole‑school planning, smoother student transitions and stronger teamwork, reflecting a shift from isolated supports to shared responsibility.

Now in over 220 post‑primary schools nationwide, Rise is increasingly recognised as a practical model for system integration.

Limerick native Dr Johanna Fitzgerald, ETBI’s national inclusion, special education and research co-ordinator, plus Rise lead said the initiative is a celebration of belonging, progress and partnership across school communities.

“Rise provides an architecture for self‑improving schools. It shows what is possible when policy ambition is matched with sustained support for implementation. The showcase also reflected the national momentum following Minister Naughton’s and Minister Moynihan’s announcement on enhanced resources to schools to continue providing inclusive special class provision. Dr Fitzgerald noted that many schools are already working in this way. “Special classes are most effective when they operate as a whole school resource, not a separate space,” she said.

“The Minister’s announcement strengthens work already happening across our schools, where students stay connected to their peers while accessing flexible supports.”

ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

Tags: