Teachers will get an extra day’s training in the next school year to ensure they are fully supported as Curriculum for Excellence rolls out across Scotland….
Teachers will get an extra day’s training in the next school year to ensure they are fully supported as Curriculum for Excellence rolls out across Scotland.
In a letter being sent to all teachers, Education Secretary Michael Russell will tell them they are to get an additional in-service day between August and December 2010.
The announcement follows discussions which have been held with the Educational Institute for Scotland (EIS) since Mr Russell published a 10 point plan to drive forward delivery of the new curriculum. The plan promised tailored support for teachers, including continuous professional development.
Curriculum for Excellence – already being successfully developed in primary schools – will be implemented in every school when pupils return to the classroom in August.
Mr Russell said:
“Curriculum for Excellence will improve pupils’ education and ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 21st century. Teachers are already using their expertise to ensure its success in primary schools and preparations are well underway among those working in secondaries.
“I have said all along that we will do whatever we can to support teachers during implementation. The 10 point plan I announced in March was designed to assist teachers and clarify expectations, and I have continued to listen to ideas they have put forward about what more can be done.
“The extra in-service day I am giving to teachers will enable them to address specific issues in their own school. Curriculum for Excellence is about method much more than content and therefore every school will approach it differently and set its own priorities. Local authorities and HMIE will work with schools to ensure the training is designed to meet their needs.
“Curriculum for Excellence will make a real and lasting difference to the lives of young people. We owe it to them to seize this opportunity now and make it work.”
Mr Russell also confirmed in his letter that the National Assessment Bank (NAB) will be switched off at the end of June, in response to requests from teachers. The move will free up teachers’ time, enabling them to focus on assessing their pupils’ performance. The new National Assessment Resource, which goes live in September, will support them in this task.