Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

189. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to provide cover for teachers taken out of the system to train for the new junior certificate. [51597/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is essential that all teachers have adequate opportunities to avail of the continuing professional development (CPD) being provided so that they are fully informed about the changes to teaching, learning and assessment required for the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle. 

A variety of delivery methods is being employed to facilitate the attendance of teachers at CPD. Schools may close for a day of whole-school planning and self-evaluation for Junior Cycle implementation for each year of implementation up to 2021/22.  This day is facilitated by my Department’s support service Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT). A second school closure day is used to facilitate CPD activities, including subject specific CPD and is also delivered by the JCT.  These CPD days are delivered in the cluster model of delivery, which allows several schools in a geographical region to close on the same day, ensuring that all teachers in each of these schools can come together for the purpose of attending Junior Cycle related CPD.  The Deputy should note that the majority of support for the Framework for Junior Cycle is delivered during school closure days, for which substitute cover is not required.

CPD for teachers with second subjects is delivered off-site and does require substitution.  To assist schools in planning for the release of teachers, JCT notifies schools of the arrangements for these CPD events as early as possible.  There are also on-line professional development opportunities provided.  It is recognised that the scale of CPD being delivered to support the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle is significant and efforts will continue to be made to minimise disruption to schools.