Reform of teacher training to focus on literacy and maths [eircom.net]
- Published: 24 November 2010
They include a renewed focus on schools and teachers continually assessing pupils' literacy and numeracy in order to target resources and assistance at pupils who need most help.
The biggest move proposed by the Tánaiste is the extension of the Bachelor of Education (B Ed) degree, by which most primary teachers qualify from three to four years, with a revised focus on teaching literacy and numeracy. For second-level teachers, the Higher Diploma in Education course is to be extended from 18 months to two years.
Earlier this year, leading educationalist Dr Andy Burke described many aspects of the training programmes for primary teachers as dysfunctional, largely due to just 17 weeks being spent in classrooms before graduates begin their careers. He said the shortness of the B Ed course was harmful to student teachers' professional development and suggested the creation of a four-year degree.
This echoed a 2001 expert group on primary teacher training to the Department of Education, something previous education minister Mary Hanafin said in 2006 was not necessary.
Full Story: www.eircom.net
