Vol. 520 No. 3
138 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans if any he has to introduce a system of whole staff in service training in literacy on a school to school basis so that the important individual and team skills could be developed to help the school implement an effective policy for improving literacy. [15697/00]
A comprehensive programme of in-service training in English and Gaeilge is in course of delivery as part of the primary curriculum support programme. In addition to a two-day "Introduction to the Primary Curriculum" seminar, the teaching staff of every primary school attended a two-day seminar on either English or Gaeilge. These seminars were held outside schools and each was followed by a planning day within schools to enable them to plan for implementation of the curriculum.
As a follow-up to training provided during the current school year, there will be further support for schools in the language area of the curriculum during the coming school year when the training programme will provide for a language support day for each school. Trainers will also provide on-going support to schools, which will be tailored to the needs of the particular school. In this way, schools will be given time to develop a comprehensive curriculum plan which will address all aspects of curriculum implementation, including measures to improve literacy.
As well as support provided by the primary curriculum support programme, the education centre network will play an important role in developing courses to meet the needs of teachers and schools in relation to implementing their curriculum plans within the context of the revised curriculum.
The school development planning initiative introduced by my Department during the current school year provides a further source of support to schools in addressing their particular developmental needs.
In addition to the above, a substantial range of in-service courses is provided for learning support, remedial, teachers including a one year diploma course and many courses of a shorter duration. My Department financially supports all of these courses.
