HC Deb 18 December 1980 vol 996 cc236-7W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why he has established the Northern Ireland Council for Educational Development; and what is its estimated cost to public funds.

Mr. Goodhart

The Northern Ireland Council for Educational Development was set up to replace the Northern Ireland Schools Curriculum Committee and the Northern Ireland Committee for Educational Technology. Its functions, which are wider than those of the two previous bodies, are:

  1. (i) to maintain general oversight of activities in curriculum development and education technology;
  2. (ii) to identify, encourage and disseminate "good practice":
  3. (iii) to liaise and co-operate with the Advisory Committee for the Supply and Training of Teachers (ACSTT) and with the Northern Ireland Schools Examinations Councils (NISEC);
  4. (iv) to consider priorities for curriculum development and to provide information and advice on the selection and use of appropriate equipment, teaching and learning materials, and methods for implementation;
  5. (v) to encourage broader and deeper participation by 237 practising teachers and lecturers in currriculum development programmes, educational technology and other associated activities.

The estimated cost to public funds in the financial year 1981–82 is £40,000.