7.5.1 CONTROL
7.5.2 TYPES OF TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND COURSES
7.5.3 TRAINERS
7.5.4 CURRICULUM FOR INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING
7.5.5 QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS
7.5.6 POST-QUALIFICATION INDUCTION PERIODS
7.5.7 KEY PRIORITIES, INNOVATIVE PRACTICES AND RESEARCH IN INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs (SEN).18
Staff working with children who have special educational needs (SEN) are employed in both mainstream and special schools. 18
All teachers working with children with SEN must be qualified initially to teach in mainstream primary or secondary schools and registered with the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) as primary or secondary teachers. Further specialist qualifications can be gained following completion of the probationary period, although teachers can be employed in teaching children with special educational needs without these additional qualifications.18
However, teachers of deaf or partially deaf children in special schools or special classes are required by the Schools (Scotland) Code 195613 to be qualified teachers and to hold a special 1st qualification to teach deaf children. Broadly similar requirements apply to teachers in special schools or special classes working with others, such as children who are blind or are mentally or physically handicapped.19
Over recent years the integration of children with special educational needs into mainstream schooling has increased significantly. In particular, children with hearing or visual impairment are now commonly found in a mainstream setting. There is no mandatory requirement for an appropriate specialist teaching qualification where children are taught in a mainstream setting.19
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs (SEN). 18
The Scottish Executive supports in-service staff development and training for school staff working with children with SEN. In-service training is offered in a variety of ways; nationally through Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED) seminars, or courses offered by teacher training institutions, education authorities, and locally in consortia of schools or individual educational establishments.18
Qualified teachers need to continue to develop specialist skills required for working with children with special educational needs. The Scottish Office provides financial support through the In-Service Special Educational Needs Training Grant. This is allocated to education authorities to expand the range and depth of teaching and non-teaching staff with specialist SEN qualifications and expertise.19
Postgraduate courses in SEN are available at many faculties of education in Scottish universities. These range from a general Master's degree in Special Educational Needs to more specific SEN courses, such as a Master's degree in speech therapy. 18
The major postgraduate qualifications are the Diploma and the Certificate in Special Educational Needs, and the Master of Education; certificate courses which can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis, normally in a teacher training institution. Specific courses are provided for teachers of the visually and hearing impaired. A SEED Circular is issued annually which sets out the opportunities for training.18
General SEN postgraduate programmes
The following general SEN postgraduate degree programmes are available:
PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Support for Learning - available at the University of Strathclyde.28
For further information on these courses, see 7.5.4.
Specialised SEN courses
In addition, various specialist SEN courses are offered. For example, the University of Strathclyde offers a postgraduate qualification in autism and one in speech therapy. See 7.5.4. for further information.28
Edinburgh University too offers several specialised SEN courses in, for example:
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses
The University of Aberdeen and Edinburgh University offer CPD courses, which vary in length, in the area of special educational needs.24 20
See 7.5.4 for further information.
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs. 18
To gain admission to professional CPD courses and training in the area of special educational needs, it is necessary to have first achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for teaching in mainstream schools. Following this, teachers may choose to specialise in the area of special educational needs through continuing professional development. Individiual training institutions specify their own admissions requirements. 18
See section 7.5.4 for further information.
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs. 18
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BEING COLLECTED.
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs. 18
The following universities offer post-qualification courses in special educational needs and the content of the courses is described below:
General special educational needs (SEN) postgraduate programmes
Aberdeen University - PGCert/PGDip/MEd in Special Educational Needs
The MEd in Special Educational Needs consists of 1800 hours of part-time study (12 modules). It aims to help teachers improve the educational experience of children and young people, particularly those with special educational needs. The aim is to give experienced teachers the time, opportunity and support to examine existing practice in special educational needs, in the light of new knowledge and insights. The course also aims to enable practitioners to build upon the range of experiences and different perspectives found among groups of colleagues supporting children with special educational needs, in a variety of contexts and settings.21
Applicants are normally graduates or are able to provide evidence that they can work at postgraduate level. They must have appropriate previous teaching experience in this area and be able to undertake work related to special educational needs in their workplace setting or other appropriate agency.21
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Special Educational Needs is awarded to participants who successfully complete the following programme of study:
The content of the two core courses is designed to address the general aims of the programme. 'Understanding policy and practice and provision for special educational needs' is a required course for any participant undertaking a postgraduate award in SEN.21
Within the programme it is possible to have a specialisation in:
To obtain such specialisation, the student must have completed a minimum of 50 per cent of the programme of study within that given area.21
In addition, students are required to complete a programme of advanced study with an appropriate combination of four further courses relating to an aspect of special educational needs. Examples of recommended courses are: partnership and collaboration; disturbed and disturbing behaviour; whole school approaches to behaviour; meeting special educational needs in mainstream; staff development; specific learning difficulties (dyslexia); family support; communication and language in learning; a collaborative approach to effective provision for children with language and communication disorders; implementing circle time in schools; managing student support; meeting the challenges of the able learner; and independent study.21
Formative assessment is a feature of all courses. Formative and summative assessments are designed to arise naturally from the work. Major assessments focus directly on workplace applications.21
Further information is available at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/education/learninghub/med/pubinf/ent.hti
University of Dundee - PGCert/PGDip/MEd in Special Educational Needs
This course is designed for teachers with at least two years' teaching experience.22
Course modules include:
For the MEd qualification, students also have to complete a dissertation.22
Further information is available at the following link: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/fedsoc/cpdbroch/medspecedu.htm
Edinburgh University - PGCert/PGDip/MEd in Education Support
The Faculty of Education at the University of Edinburgh offers a postgraduate taught Master's degree in Education Support. It is possible to focus on the area of special educational needs when following this programme. As part of the programme, students are able to take a variety of different modules in the areas of:
The modules studied include:
Entry requirements are a first degree or equivalent and candidates should also normally be qualified teachers with General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) registration.26
Further information is available at http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/hss/subject.php?id=73
University of Strathclyde - PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Support for Learning
The PGCert comprises three generic modules and one specialist module. The generic modules are:
The specialist module is chosen from the following areas:
The PGDip involves the study of four further modules, including a second specialist module, a choice of optional modules and a research module. Modules include:
Most students complete the PGDip in two years of part-time study.28
At Masters level, students who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Support for Learning and who choose to research in the area of special educational needs/support for learning are required to do a significant piece of research, equivalent to four modules, in order to gain the MSc in Support for Learning.28
Entry requirements are a first degree or equivalent, plus a recognised teaching qualification in primary, secondary or further education, two years' post-qualification experience, and full GTCS registration.28
Further information is available at http://www.strath.ac.uk/edsupport/pg-info/suplearn.htm
Specialised special educational needs (SEN) courses
The University of Strathclyde offers postgraduate qualifications in:
Edinburgh University also offers several specialised postgraduate SEN courses:
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses
The University of Aberdeen and Edinburgh University offer CPD courses, which vary in length, in the area of special educational needs.
Edinburgh University also runs several short, 'one-off' CPD courses in the area of special needs education, such as 'Including children with dyspraxia', 'Including children with visual impairment', 'Including children with developmental disabilities', 'Including children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)', 'Including children with specific language impairment', and 'Including children with dyslexia'.24
The Faculty of Education at Aberdeen University offers a variety of CPD programmes, through a variety of flexible learning models, including face-to-face courses, electronic conferencing, web based support, short/long term consultancy and negotiated development work.20
Course examples include:
In addition, the University of Strathclyde's Faculty of Education has a Professional Development Unit which offers courses designed to meet the continuing professional development (CPD) needs of teachers, including courses on special educational needs (SEN). There is a Department of Educational Support and Guidance, which is nationally recognised for its work in the field of special education. It also provides a range of professional development programmes for education authorities, schools and voluntary organisations.27 29
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs. 18
Teachers with (post-initial qualification) diplomas in special educational needs (SEN) are qualified to work either with children with significant learning difficulties or with difficulties which arise from the curriculum. Guidelines have been produced on training these teachers, which should, to some extent, break down this distinction. However, the guidelines are also designed to preserve a form of highly specialised training, as these teachers are expected to act as consultants and to work with children who have complex special educational needs.18
Such qualified learning support teachers have the key role in helping children with learning difficulties or special educational needs in mainstream schools by:
The qualifications entitle the holder to teach in mainstream schools and special schools, and to teach either primary or secondary level pupils depending on the qualification type.18
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs. 18
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs. 18
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs. 18
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BEING COLLECTED.
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs. 18
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BEING COLLECTED.
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs. 18
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BEING COLLECTED.
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs. 18
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BEING COLLECTED.
In Scotland it is not possible to train specifically as a special needs teacher during initial teacher training. Specialisation in this area is gained through continuing professional development (CPD) courses and training. However, some initial teacher training courses offer a module in special educational needs. 18
Qualified teachers need to continue to develop specialist skills required for working with children with special educational needs. Through the In-Service Special Educational Needs Training Grant, the Scottish Office provides financial support to education authorities to expand the range and depth of teaching and non-teaching staff with specialist SEN qualifications and expertise.19