Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2017
105. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure that in-service training is provided for teachers before the new junior cycle begins (details supplied); if there are issues precluding this training from happening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45552/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) support service was established in July 2013 by my Department to support schools in implementing the Framework for Junior Cycle.
In general, continuing professional development (CPD) commences for each junior cycle subject the year before the new subject specification is introduced into schools, so that teachers are provided with the resources and supports necessary to ensure that their students have a successful experience with Junior Cycle. Teachers are provided with further CPD in the years following the introduction of the subject specification.
I am not aware of issues that would preclude the delivery of training as communicated to schools. The number of teachers that have now registered with JCT stands at over 31,000 which reflects the fact that teachers in all post primary schools are now in a position to avail of the training and resources offered by JCT. It is intended that all teachers registered with JCT will be offered CPD during the current school year. There is provision within current arrangements to respond to unforeseen events and schools are kept informed in this regard.
A comprehensive programme of CPD will be delivered to teachers during the current school year as follows:
1. Whole-school support and CPD aimed at whole staff in schools.
2. Subject specific CPD in the form of school cluster events. This is where some 6 to 10 schools close to students on the same day and all subject teachers come together in host schools for training purposes. Each cluster this year will involve some 14/15 subject specific CPD workshops
3. Level 2 Learning Programme (L2LP) CPD workshops are provided for mainstream school teachers via the school cluster CPD events. L2LP CPD is also provided in the special school sector upon request. An L2LP workshop aimed specifically at school leaders was provided in various locations nationwide during Sept 2017.
4. Dedicated CPD workshops are provided in education centres nationwide for school leaders, one in the autumn and one in the spring.
5. JCT has a strong online and social media presence. Live webinars are set to be broadcast across all subject areas in the coming year.
