Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021
473. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the continuous professional development opportunities available to teachers in the area of dyslexia; and the number of teachers who availed of such supports in each of the years 2018 to 2020. [7327/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraInclusive education is at the core of my Department’s policy which requires differentiated teaching approaches to cater for the varying levels of ability in the classroom, including providing additional supports to those experiencing difficulties in learning.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) Support Service now include the Special Education Support Service (SESS), the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) and the Visiting Teacher Service for children who are deaf/hard of hearing and for children who are blind/visually impaired (VTSVHI).
The development of this new Support Service within the NCSE means that schools will receive better and more integrated support. The NCSE Support Service provides advice and support to schools on the education and inclusion of students with special educational needs.
The support service also provides continuing professional development for teachers, and schools, including in relation to the provision of education for pupils who have Dyslexia, or specific learning disability.
As this question relates to the number of continuous professional development opportunities which were made available to teachers in the area of dyslexia; and the number of teachers that availed of such supports in each of the years 2018 to 2020, I have referred this question to the NCSE, for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
