This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Setting the standard for teachers
25/09/2001
The first national professional standard for all new
teachers in Scotland is to be in place within the next
year.
Consultation will now take place over the next few months to
agree the skills framework that teachers will be required to
achieve before they are formally registered to work in
schools.
Education Minister Jack McConnell said:
"The Standard for Full Registration will, for the first
time, provide a clear and concise national statement of the
professional standard we expect from all teachers.
"It is another important element in the developing
professional framework for teachers and will be the baseline
from which we expect all teachers to develop their professional
skills throughout their teaching career.
"It will also provide a clear and concise description of the
professional qualities and capabilities against which we can
measure whether a teacher should be allowed full registration
with the General Teaching Council Scotland.
"This is an excellent example of a collaborative effort
between the Executive, the GTCS and other stakeholders. We are
working together to raise professional standards within
Scotland's education service and, as a result, for the
improvement in education for pupils.
"I would urge everyone with an interest in education to take
part in the consulation so that we can establish a professional
standard in which we have confidence and can take pride."
BACKGROUND
1. The SFR will be issued with a covering letter from the
GTCS Chief Executive Matt MacIver to all Head Teachers as well
as other organisations and individuals. The consultation period
will run to November 19.
2. When introduced from August 2002 the SFR will serve two
main purposes. It will provide:
- a clear and concise description of the professional
qualities and capabilities teachers are expected to develop
in the course of induction
- a professional standard against which reliable and
consistent decisions can be made on the fitness of new
teachers for full registration with the GTCS
3. The SFR builds on the work already done to create a
continuity of standard and expectation between initial teacher
education, the probationary period for trainee teachers and
their entry into the profession.