Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 48: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the updated supports that are in place to ensure the upskilling of teachers for the enhanced delivery of the literacy and numeracy strategy. [2972/12]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 49: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills under the literacy and numeracy strategy, the in-service sessions that have been provided for teachers in Irish medium schools; and the plans he has put in place to ensure the rollout of the literacy and numeracy strategy in the Irish medium school sector. [2964/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 48 together.

The Professional Development Service for Teachers is charged with leading the teacher support element of the Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life strategy. An integrated plan to support the strategy has been developed by the PDST and the other support services. Thus far seminars have been held for all school leaders which outline the responsibility of the school in the implementation of the strategy at a local level.

Provision has been made for continued support 2012 and planning is advanced in this regard. Additional posts have been provided to the PDST for this purpose. All schools receive a similar level of support including schools who teach through the medium of Irish. A number of additional literacy and numeracy Summer courses were provided in 2011; there will be further development in this area in 2012 and all summer courses will include a school self-evaluation and school improvement focus. Access to summer courses will also be extended to post-primary teachers in 2012