§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action he intends to take to make teacher training more relevant to the actuality of the classroom.
§ Mr. FallonThe Secretary of State's criteria for the accreditation of initial teacher training courses have recently been revised to reflect more closely what is expected of beginning teachers, including the requirements of the Education Reform Act 1988. Institutions are now required, inter alia, to provide that:
- (i) courses of less than four years should include at least 75 days, and four year courses at least 100 days, of teaching practice and other school experience, in more than one school;
- (ii) experienced school teachers must contribute to course planning, student selection, lectures and seminars;
- (iii) lecturers must periodically review their own school teaching experience which, by academic year 1992–93 has to be the equivalent of not less than one term in every five years;
- (iv) no degree or other qualification attracting qualified teacher status should be awarded unless the student has demonstrated a satisfactory standard of practical classroom work;
- (v) all courses should include training in the application of the students' subject specialisms to the teaching and assessment of pupils.
These criteria are to be further reviewed by the end of the year.
The Government have also introduced the articled teacher scheme, in which 80 per cent. of the training takes place in schools. The first cohort began their training in September 1990; a second cohort will start in September
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§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 5 June 1991]: Pending conclusion of the Uruguay round, participants met on 16 May to discuss an interim extension of the existing multi-fibre arrangement. No decision was reached and a further meeting is expected to take place later this month.