Reform of teacher training to focus on literacy and maths

MAJOR reforms of teacher training and class time dedicated to literacy and maths are to be introduced by Education Minister Mary Coughlan.

They include a renewed focus on schools and teachers continually assessing pupils’ literacy and numeracy in order to target resources and assistance at pupils who need most help.

The biggest move proposed by the Tánaiste is the extension of the Bachelor of Education (B Ed) degree, by which most primary teachers qualify from three to four years, with a revised focus on teaching literacy and numeracy. For second-level teachers, the Higher Diploma in Education course is to be extended from 18 months to two years.