This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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FE lecturers' training to be reviewed
25/11/2002
A review which aims to update and expand the initial teacher training and continuing professional development of Further Education lecturers was announced today.
Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Minister Iain Gray told the Lecturer's Journey of Professionalism conference in Glasgow that it was essential such teaching was of the highest standard for the 46 FE colleges which provide a broad range of education and training to almost half a million people each year.
Mr Gray said:
"The FE sector is at the forefront of the Executive's drive to provide opportunities for lifelong learning and to improve the skills of the Scottish workforce.
"The Executive attaches great importance to ensuring lecturers are trained to the highest possible standard and that they have opportunities throughout their career to update and enhance their skills'.
"By improving teaching standards we can better equip Scottish graduates with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to find and create employment opportunities.
"The Scottish Further Education Funding Council is already taking steps to boost the proportion of further education lecturers who have Teacher Qualifications and the review will make sure that they are trained to the highest standards.
"The review will also take into account various legislative changes to ensure colleges are better able to assist young people who have disabilities or learning difficulties.
"Making our colleges more accessible and inclusive of people from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities is a high priority for the Executive.
"The review will therefore consider the provision of appropriate accredited training and development courses for all college staff to equip lecturers with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to provide a supportive learning environment for all groups in our society.
"To take the review forward, a steering group will be appointed in the New Year to be responsible for conducting and overseeing the review, which will begin with a consultation period beginning in January.
A consultation paper will be issued in early January and sent to all FE college and other interested bodies. The consultation period will last four months and it is expected it will take about a year to complete the review.
Professional training and development provisions for FE lecturers were introduced in 1997, with the publication of the 'National Guidelines on Provision Leading to the Teaching Qualification (Further Education) and Related Professional Development'. More recently, the Beattie Committee recommended a colleges develop a more inclusive approach.