asked the Minister for Education when and by whom it was decided to change the entrance standard from a two year foundation course to a one year foundation course for the art teachers' certificate as stated in appendix 3 of the Report of the Higher Education Authority; and if he will restore the two year course to ensure the high standard of art teaching needed in Irish schools and to maintain the professional qualifications of art teachers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Art Teachers' Certificate.
90.
The course of pedagogical training in the National College of Art for the art teachers' certificate is, and has been for a very considerable time, a one year's course. Eligibility for entry to the course is conditional on the attainment of first-class passes in specified subjects at examinations conducted by the Department of Education. These examinations are taken by students during the course of their studies at the National College of Art or at the Schools of Art at Cork, Waterford and Limerick and at a number of technical schools.
The induction course to which the Deputy refers is a general introductory course for all students attending the National College of Art irrespective of whether they propose to proceed to teaching or to the practice of the arts. This preliminary course was a two years course but in the 1969-70 session a new course covering one year was introduced at the instance of the College Advisory Council, on which teachers and students were represented.