Vol. 459 No. 3
145 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education if she will report on the pilot scheme of teacher-counsellors regarding the number of teachers involved, the number of schools, location, operation of scheme; and the plans, if any, she has to extend the scheme in 1996. [18277/95]
The pilot scheme of teacher-counsellors is intended to offer special targeted support to selected disadvantaged schools which are encountering particular difficulty in coping with disruptive and disturbed pupils.
The key role of the teacher-counsellor is to co-ordinate a whole school approach to devising and implementing good practice and strategies which will help prevent the occurrence of disruptive behaviour; and to teach and counsel small groups and individuals who exhibit presistent behavioural difficulties in the classroom.
A total of 27 teacher-counsellor posts have been allocated under this initiative. The pilot scheme has been introduced in the Tallaght/Clondalkin and north inner city areas. Particulars of the individual schools involved are attached.
The scheme will be closely monitored by my Department's primary inspectorate. The question of further development of the scheme will be considered in the light of the review of the pilot phase of the initiative and having regard to resource availability.
