This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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McConnell welcomes report on classroom assistants
04/09/2001
Education Minister Jack McConnell today welcomed the interim findings of a report into the impact of classroom assistants in schools.
Speaking during a visit to Balhousie Primary School in Perth, Mr McConnell said:
"Early signs show that this initiative is already letting teachers do more of what they do best - teach.
"Results indicate the employment of classroom assistants allows teachers to spend more time on teaching and planning which will improve the quality of education our children receive.
"Classroom assistants not only allow pupils to benefit from improved teaching, research also indicates that they can have a positive effect upon pupil learning experiences.
"They can keep pupils on task and encourage good working practices. They also work with groups of pupils on practical tasks, reinforcing learning and increasing their participation in a range of learning experiences.
"There are currently around 2600 classroom assistants in primary schools across Scotland. We are committed to raising standards in all our schools and have committed funds for councils to increase that provision to 5,000 by next March Secondary schools will also benefit from the extra funding we have pledged."
The Minister was at Balhousie Primary to open a new learning resource centre which will provide pupils, staff and parents with access to a range of learning resources.
BACKGROUND
In February 2000 the Scottish Executive commissioned the Scottish Council for Research in Education to undertake a 2 year research project into the impact of the classroom assistants programme.
The interim conclusions published today show that classroom assistants indicate a high level of satisfaction with the job and that where classroom assistants are employed teachers perceive that they spend more time on teaching and planning their activities. Classroom assistants can also help keep pupils on task and encourage good work practices.
The classroom assistants programme is part of the Excellence Fund. In total £65m has been allocated over the 3 years of the programme to recruit 5,000 classroom assistants.
Part of the agreement "A Teaching Profession for the 21 st Century" is the funding of an additional 3,500 support staff in schools by 2004. These posts will cover the full range recommended by the McCrone Committee and authorities will be able to use the funding to employ additional classroom assistants in primary and secondary schools.
Contact: Fiona Wilson.: 0131 244 2910 or 07881 500 656.
News Release: SE2057/01
MCCONNELL WELCOMES REPORT ON CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS
Education Minister Jack McConnell today welcomed the interim findings of a report into the impact of classroom assistants in schools.
Speaking during a visit to Balhousie Primary School in Perth, Mr McConnell said:
"Early signs show that this initiative is already letting teachers do more of what they do best - teach.
"Results indicate the employment of classroom assistants allows teachers to spend more time on teaching and planning which will improve the quality of education our children receive.
"Classroom assistants not only allow pupils to benefit from improved teaching, research also indicates that they can have a positive effect upon pupil learning experiences.
"They can keep pupils on task and encourage good working practices. They also work with groups of pupils on practical tasks, reinforcing learning and increasing their participation in a range of learning experiences.
"There are currently around 2600 classroom assistants in primary schools across Scotland. We are committed to raising standards in all our schools and have committed funds for councils to increase that provision to 5,000 by next March Secondary schools will also benefit from the extra funding we have pledged."
The Minister was at Balhousie Primary to open a new learning resource centre which will provide pupils, staff and parents with access to a range of learning resources.
Notes To News Editors
In February 2000 the Scottish Executive commissioned the Scottish Council for Research in Education to undertake a 2 year research project into the impact of the classroom assistants programme.
The interim conclusions published today show that classroom assistants indicate a high level of satisfaction with the job and that where classroom assistants are employed teachers perceive that they spend more time on teaching and planning their activities. Classroom assistants can also help keep pupils on task and encourage good work practices.
The classroom assistants programme is part of the Excellence Fund. In total £65m has been allocated over the 3 years of the programme to recruit 5,000 classroom assistants.
Part of the agreement "A Teaching Profession for the 21 st Century" is the funding of an additional 3,500 support staff in schools by 2004. These posts will cover the full range recommended by the McCrone Committee and authorities will be able to use the funding to employ additional classroom assistants in primary and secondary schools.
News Release: SE2057/2001
4 Sep 2001