Literacy news
New teachers in Scotland feel ill-prepared to teach basic literacy
3 Aug 2010
Many new teachers in Scotland feel ill-prepared to teach basic literacy, according to a new report by the HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIe).
The report from HMIe has been submitted to its former head, Graham Donaldson, who has been commissioned by the Scottish government to carry out a review of teacher training. According to HMIe the need for improvement is great, as research has indicated that Scottish education is less successful than other countries in closing the gap between the achievements of children from well-off and less well-off homes. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) teaching union said its members would welcome better provisions of in-service courses, however, it disputed that teachers were ill-prepared.
In its report, HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIe) said:
"A number of head teachers, students and newly qualified teachers expressed concern about NQTs' preparedness to teach the basics of reading."
It also said a number of head teachers and education authority staff had been "strong in their criticisms of the literacy skills of a few newly qualified teachers, highlighting deficiencies in basic spoken grammar.
The watchdog said it was concerned by the variable standard of training and mentoring from university education faculties, schools and education authorities.
Student teachers and head teachers reported inconsistencies in the rigour with which tutors supported and challenged students.
Inspectors also claimed there was a need for good Continuing Professional Development (CPD) (in-service) courses to "refresh" teachers' expertise.
The report said:
"Many other professions do not allow members to practise if they have not fulfilled CPD requirements."
The review, with recommendations for the Scottish government, is to be published by the end of this year.
Read more on the BBC Scotland website.
