Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 465: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has read a report (details supplied); her opinion on the finding that the quality of teachers is the single most important factor in education; the steps she has taken to make teaching a more desirable occupation which attracts the highest calibre graduates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30560/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware of the report that the Deputy refers to. The report has a number of interesting things to say about what contributes to quality in education systems.

The report recommends getting the right people to become teachers. Irish teachers are relatively well paid by international standards with salaries that are higher than international averages, a factor that seems to contribute to attracting very high calibre candidates to the teaching profession.

Our trainee teachers at both primary and post-primary level are drawn from among the highest achievers. Entrants to colleges of education from Leaving Cert level in 2007 required 465 CAO points for entry to the two largest colleges. Half the students entering those colleges would have achieved 490 points or more based on their Leaving Cert results.

Similarly, at post-primary level, there is a quota system in place for entry to Higher Diploma in Education courses because demand for places on the courses far outstrips the number of places available. Successful candidates are drawn mainly from the highest achieving graduates from arts, science and business studies courses as well as a range of technology courses.

The McKinsey report also recommends developing teachers into effective instructors. Apart from recruiting talented and committed people to teaching, the other important factors in the development of effective teachers are the initial training and professional development supports provided for teachers throughout their careers. The report emphasised building practical skills during initial training, and mentoring teachers during the induction stage. We are currently implementing a pilot induction programme for primary and post-primary teachers. With regard to continuing professional development, almost 600 specialist teachers are currently deployed in providing professional development support for teachers, especially in the introduction of new curricula and syllabuses at primary and post-primary level.

The third major recommendation of the report is related to ensuring that the system is able to deliver the best possible instruction for every child. Much of our attention in this regard has focused on assisting children who might otherwise leave school without a good basic education, through dramatically improved supports for children with special needs and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

In addition to the above elements which contribute to attracting and supporting good quality teachers, the Teaching Council also has a specific remit to promote teaching as a profession. To date, it has produced a DVD, Croí na Múinteoireachta (the Heart of Teaching), in which the views of graduates and prominent members of Irish society are provided: it records the fact that teaching continues to be held in high esteem in Ireland and highlighted the value placed on good teaching by Irish people. The Council will, in all its work, continue to protect the standards of the profession.