Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Debate: Teacher Training Programme

Liz Smith S5M-05595 That the Parliament is concerned by the recent evidence presented to the Education and Skills Committee by trainee teachers, which revealed some serious concerns about the teacher training programme in Scotland, specifically about the organisation of teacher trainee placements and some perceived gaps in the programme regarding supporting trainees in learning key skills for the classroom; believes that these problems are, in some key areas, having a detrimental impact on the preparedness of trainees to meet the challenges of the curriculum for excellence and their ability to deliver better teaching in literacy and numeracy, and calls on the Scottish Government to work with the teacher training institutions and the General Teaching Council for Scotland to take urgent action to implement the necessary improvements to the teacher training programme in Scotland. John Swinney S5M-05595.2 As an amendment to motion S5M-05595 in the name of Liz Smith (Teacher Training Programme), insert at end “, and, in acknowledging and valuing the vital role and contribution that new and existing teachers make to children’s education, agrees to engage with local authorities, as teachers’ employers, to ensure that all teachers are confident in teaching literacy and numeracy.” Iain Gray S5M-05595.1 As an amendment to motion S5M-05595 in the name of Liz Smith (Teacher Training Programme), after “literacy and numeracy”insert "; further believes that more initial teacher training in the support of pupils facing particular challenges, such as living in care or with adoptive families, could help close the attainment gap".