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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Feb 2000

Vol. 515 No. 2

Written Answers. - In-career Development Programme.

Ceist:

219 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the in-career training available for science teachers in their subject; the number of science teachers who participated in these courses in the last year for which data is available; and the plans, if any, he has to improve the training available. [5639/00]

As part of the wide-ranging initiative introduced by my Department in March last year in the areas of physics and chemistry, a comprehensive in-career development programme for teachers in those leaving certificate subjects is being implemented at present. This programme started in the autumn 1999 and is due to continue for three years until the end of the school year 2001-02. The plan is to provide two and a half days for each leaving certificate teacher concerned in the current school year. Further training will be provided in the remaining years of the programme for these teachers as well as other supports.

Training for teachers involved at junior certificate level will be provided in the context of the new junior certificate syllabus being developed at present by the NCCA.

My Department gives financial support annually for the provision of a range of other courses which address the particular needs of teachers in the various science areas. These are organised by a number of course providers, including the Irish Science Teachers Association, the Royal Irish Academy and the Royal Dublin Society. My Department will continue to support this type of provision to meet identified needs.

Further in-service will be provided to meet needs arising from any future syllabus changes. Information on the number of science teachers who attended courses will be sent to the Deputy in due course.

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