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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 2 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 6

Written Answers - Teacher Training.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

66 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to introduce a module in teacher training to deal with special education needs, including special needs arising from socio-economic and environmental factors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25824/98]

Issues relating to disadvantage and special educational needs are covered within a number of programmes in third-level institutions.

Students undertaking the batchelor 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 special needs arising from socio-economic and environmental factors.

In the Church of Ireland and Coláiste Mhuire, Marino colleges of education, particular attention is paid to special needs and learning difficulties arising from various factors under method studies in English and mathematics.

In the case of the Froebel College of Education, students have a course module under remedial work. This deals with learning difficulties arising from special needs, including those from socio-economic and environmental backgrounds.

The higher diploma in education programmes in the universities address issues relating to learning difficulties within subjects such as psychology. Issues relating to socio-economic disadvantage are also covered.

Courses such as the higher diploma in compensatory and remedial education specifically explore the topic of learning difficulties. Other graduate programmes, like the master's degree in education, higher diploma in educational management and the higher diploma in guidance and counselling also explore issues of learning and socio-economic problems.
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