Denis Naughten
Ceist:257 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if primary school teachers receive training in identifying dyslexic students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8755/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 March 2004
Ceisteanna (257)
Freagraí scríofa
Existing pre-service teacher training programmes provided by the colleges of education include specific elements aimed at equipping all primary teachers to recognise and cater for children with specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia.
In addition, the learning support teacher service has a particular role to play in addressing the special educational needs of such children. This service, which was extended in 1999 to cover all primary schools with a pupil teacher ratio of 10:1 or above targets specifically the children in question. At present, there are 1,531 learning-support teachers in primary schools.
My Department is engaged in an ongoing programme of specialist training for learning support teachers to enhance their capacity to address the needs of children with literacy and numeracy difficulties. A significant proportion of learning-support teachers have already participated in this programme.
The courses in question are supported and directly funded by the in-career development unit of my Department. Course syllabi include training in the diagnosis and identification of reading difficulties and in appropriate techniques for remediation. In particular, there is a focus on the problem of specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia, in regard to diagnosis and pedagogy.
Many shorter courses, including on-line courses, for primary teachers in the area of specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia, have been and are currently supported by the special education support service which was established by my Department in September 2003. Similar courses are also provided through the network of education centres, through teachers' organisations and through the programme of summer courses for primary teachers.