This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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McConnell Launches Consultation To Ensure Quality Teacher Training
22/02/2001
Education Minister Jack McConnell today launched a consultation into quality assurance methods in initial teacher education.
Announcing proposals for a new process of collaborative review aimed at enhancing quality assurance arrangements in ITE Mr McConnell said:
"We need an effective system for monitoring the quality of initial teacher education to help raise standards in our schools. In order to harness the expertise already within teacher education and for efficiency's sake that system will be based on a process of collaborative review which will be guided by the Handbook that is being issued for consultation today. This initiative in quality assurance is an important development that demonstrates the Scottish Executive's determination to work in partnership with the education community.
"Raising standards in Scotland's schools is vital for our young people. Every education service is dependant on the quality and commitment of its teaching force, and Ministers will continue to do all we can to support and improve the teaching profession. More fundamental reviews of teacher education in Scotland are currently being considered following the agreement on teachers' pay and new contractual conditions. "
BACKGROUND
1. The new process is based on the Standard for Initial Teacher Education which was developed following a national consultation last year. It has been specifically designed to meet the needs of Scottish education and is an integral part of the Scottish Executive's drive to improve teacher education by setting up a two-stage review of the structure and content of initial teacher education and a framework for the continuing professional development of teachers.
2. The new process of collaborative review, which will evaluate against the Standard for Initial Teacher Education contained in the Handbook, is being developed jointly by representatives of higher education institutions, the General Teaching Council for Scotland, education authorities, schools, teachers' professional associations, HMI and the Scottish Executive. The Scottish Higher Education Funding Council and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education are acting in a supportive observer role. The collaborative review process is being specially designed for the Scottish education system
3. The draft Handbook, issued today, sets out the proposed new process which will be the subject of consultation until Easter 2001 and be piloted in session 2001-2002 The piloting will involve teacher training professionals, teachers, HMI and representatives of the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
4. When piloting is complete a programme of external collaborative view will be undertaken over the period 2002 to 2006. The programme will evaluate the initial teacher education provided in all higher education institutions and include their partnerships with education authorities and schools.
5. The work on quality assurance in ITE has been in hand for some time and consultation on this Handbook does not affect decisions about the scope or outcome of any review of ITE arising from the McCrone Inquiry's recommendations.
News Release: SE0437/2001
22 Feb 2001