Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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142. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties in getting teachers to agree to facilitate a student for a ten-week teaching placement in view of the fact that they believe the length is overly disruptive on the yearly plans of work; and if she has spoken to the Teaching Council regarding this matter. [3350/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Teaching Council is the statutory body that reviews and accredits programmes of initial teacher education. The school placement experience is integral to all initial teacher education programmes and is governed by the Council's accreditation criteria, published in June 2011 (Initial Teacher Education: Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers) which must be adhered to by all providers of initial teacher education providers. My Department supports the changes introduced.

Based on existing good practice, the Teaching Council has prepared School Placement Guidelines in partnership with stakeholders. The Guidelines provide a structure for the school placement and are aimed at promoting collaboration and a balance of responsibility between programme providers and schools.

The operation of the school placement is a matter of concern to the Teaching Council, schools, ITE providers and students alike and it is being examined. While the practical implications of implementing the guidelines are acknowledged, stakeholders in education need to work together to resolve any issues. The regulatory framework will evolve to meet the needs of schools, students and initial teacher providers.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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143. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has spoken to the Teaching Council regarding the potential for introducing a streamlined approach for teacher training colleges to find places for their students' teaching practice placements in view of the projected increase in numbers and the current lack of a standardised approach. [3349/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Teaching Council is the statutory body that reviews and accredits programmes of initial teacher education. The school placement experience is integral to all initial teacher education programmes and is governed by the Council's accreditation criteria, published in June 2011 (Initial Teacher Education: Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers) which must be adhered to by all providers of initial teacher education providers.

The extended duration of the placement allows for the development of a more reflective, enquiry-oriented approach and facilitates the development of the teacher as a reflective practitioner. My Department supports the changes introduced.

Based on existing good practice, the Teaching Council has prepared School Placement Guidelines in partnership with stakeholders. The practical implications for participant HEIs, students and schools are acknowledged. I understand that discussions are ongoing as to how a more streamlined approach can be introduced nationally. My Department will provide support, as appropriate.