Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
324. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to amend the requirements for acceptance on a professional master of education, PME, course in order that recognition of prior learning is taken into account; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that more persons would apply for PME if previous qualifications were considered (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14968/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy’s question refers to recognition of additional post-graduate qualifications which a candidate may already have before applying for a post-primary Professional Masters in Education (PME), in such a way that the overall duration of the PME would be reduced for that candidate.
The introduction of changes to the duration and content of post-graduate initial teacher education (ITE) programmes were made in response to recommendations in the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011-2020 and were incorporated into the Teaching Council’s Policy Paper on the Continuum of Teacher Education and Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers. Both were published in 2011.
The increase in duration, to two years for post-graduate ITE programmes, allows for substantial periods of school placement as well as a number of mandatory elements such as Literacy & Numeracy. These reforms are focused on improving the quality of teaching in our schools, which is central to the educational outcomes of our children.
The Deputy may wish to note that I have recently convened the first meeting of a new Teacher Supply Steering Group, on 26th March 2018, which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department. The Group has a mandate to consider the issues that impact on teacher supply, including the length of ITE programmes, and oversee a programme of actions according to strict timelines and clear deliverables to meet important needs. In undertaking its task, the Group will be cognisant of the requirement that all persons wishing to teach in recognised schools must meet the professional registration standards and criteria set by the Teaching Council, which is the professional regulatory body for the teaching.
