§ Mr. Anthony CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what proportion of teacher training college syllabuses contain the study of economic awareness as a mandatory requirement;
(2) what steps the Government are taking to monitor the level of practical training in classroom management offered by teacher training colleges.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Government's criteria for initial teacher training courses set out in the Department's circular 3/84 include a requirement that all courses should provide students with the skills of classroom management. They also require that students have an understanding of society's economic and other foundations. The Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education was set up by the Government to review all courses to ensure that they meet the criteria. Her Majesty's inspectorate has also inspected all initial teacher training institutions and will of course continue to carry out periodic inspections of teacher training provision.