Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Nov 1998

Vol. 497 No. 4

Written Answers - Teacher Training.

Richard Bruton

Question:

180 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to include a module in pre-service training of teachers at both primary and secondary levels to cover the identification and support of children with specific learning disabilities; and the extent of participants of teacher in in-service training in this subject. [25280/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Students undertaking the bachelor of education degree or the graduate diploma in education primary teaching in St. Patrick's and Mary Immaculate colleges of education now follow a course module on special education. This module covers the broad range of issues in special education, including specific learning disabilities. In the case of the pre-service courses in the Froebel, Marino and Church of Ireland colleges, particular attention is paid to the skills and abilities involved in learning to read and to reading difficulties, including dyslexia, and their remediation.

In the university sector this particular issue is primarily addressed in units taught as part of the higher diploma in education. The topic is covered in the area of psychology and elements of it are dealt with in relation to the study of issues of social disadvantage. This matter is specifically addressed at UCD in the higher diploma in compensatory and remedial education and is also explored in other universities in such programmes as the masters in education, the higher diploma in educational management and the higher diploma in guidance and counselling.

The national remedial education training programme of my Department currently supports post-graduate courses for teachers from primary and post primary schools in six colleges and universities. Each course includes a module on specific learning disabilities which has a focus on diagnosis and appropriate pedagogy. In this academic year, 99 primary teachers and 64 post primary teachers are attending these courses. The in career development unit of my Department also supports financially the many short courses, seminars and conferences for remedial teachers and other interested teachers in the area of specific learning disabilities. These courses are generally organised and delivered by the Network of Education Centres, teacher organisations and other providers.