Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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38. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide continuous professional development for second level teachers in respect of the teaching and learning of computer science at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14419/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) has prepared a comprehensive continuous professional development (CPD) programme to support the 40 schools selected to participate in Phase 1 of the implementation of Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject. This CPD programme, which will be implemented over the coming two and a half years, is guided by key underpinning principles of effective CPD required to support the introduction and embedding of a new subject. It comprises a range of CPD supports as part of a sustained professional learning pathway to equip those teachers nominated by the schools to lead the implementation of Computer Science in 5th Year from September, 2018.

These supports comprise a series of national professional learning seminars, regionally based clusters, specific skills based workshops, webinars and access to relevant online resources known as MOOCs. These professional learning supports aim to assist schools in becoming fully familiar with the Computer Science specification and enable them to draw upon a range of exemplar resources and pedagogic approaches towards high-quality practical classroom implementation, meaningful learning experiences for students and preparation for the practical coursework and final examination for certification in 2020. The PDST will also provide professional support for the school leaders of these 40 schools towards assisting them to facilitate the effective introduction and implementation of this new subject in their schools.

The supports required to facilitate schools in Phase 2 of the implementation of Computer Science will also be a key focus of my Department in the coming months.