2026-10-15 — Competitions and Education Briefing
Ireland
Taoiseach offers mediation after strike closes schools
Most schools in Ireland closed on 14 October as teachers joined a nationwide, one-day public-service strike over stalled pay negotiations. Following the stoppage, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was willing to act as an intermediary to help resolve the dispute. The government reiterated its commitment to an additional €1.2 billion for public-sector pay, while unions continued to press for negotiations addressing living costs. The intervention did not amount to an agreement resolving the dispute. Read the AP report
United Kingdom
Speaking skills proposed for stronger role in England’s curriculum
Reporting published on 15 October says Education Secretary Lucy Powell is expected to propose a stronger role for speaking, listening and communication throughout education in England, from primary school to GCSEs. Ahead of a speech scheduled for today, the report says pupils’ ability to express themselves clearly would form part of GCSE assessment. More practical assessment in subjects including drama, physical education and music is also expected. These remain reported proposals ahead of the speech, rather than changes already in force. Read the report
United States
Gallup survey finds most educators using AI report time benefits
Findings published by Gallup on 14 October show that 59% of US K–12 educators used AI for work during the 2025–26 school year. Among users, 64% said it gave them more time for the aspects of teaching they valued most, while 7% said it cost them time. The survey covered 1,952 classroom educators, including teachers and paraprofessionals, between 28 July and 14 August. Reported uses included lesson preparation, creating materials, assessment, feedback and administration. The findings describe educators’ experiences, not measured improvements in pupil achievement. Read Gallup’s findings
Massachusetts survey identifies staffing and retention concerns
New results from the Annual Massachusetts Educator Survey, released on 14 October, identify demand for better staffing, pay and involvement in school decisions. Among 1,179 public K–12 educators surveyed between June and August, 66% selected additional support staff among their three preferred changes to improve teacher retention, while 85% selected higher salaries. Only 19% said they had participated in their school’s improvement plan. Alongside these concerns, 72% agreed that their students actively participated in learning. Read the original survey and methodology
West Virginia education board challenges adequacy of school funding
West Virginia’s Board of Education voted 7–1 on 14 October to take the position, in an ongoing lawsuit, that the state’s school funding formula does not provide an adequate education. The board highlighted financial pressures on county school systems, particularly the costs of specialised services for pupils with disabilities. It called for changes to how funding is allocated and directed the education department to provide guidance and technical support to counties. The vote establishes the board’s position; it is not a court ruling or a new funding settlement. Read the official announcement