TRAINING AND
DEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR SCHOOLS News Release issued by The
Government News Network on 22 June 2007
A revised set of
professional standards for teachers is published today by the
Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA). The revised
standards, a key element of the "new professionalism"
for teachers, will replace existing classroom teacher standards
from September 2007. This is the first clear, progressive
framework of standards to help teachers plan their careers and
identify their future development with their line
managers.
The standards set out the professional attributes, knowledge and
understanding and skills expected at each stage of a
teacher's career.
The standards have been drawn up for the Secretary of State for
Education and Skills and, together with revised performance
management arrangements and the new national strategy for
supporting teachers' Continuing Professional Development, are
part of the Government's package of support for new teacher professionalism.
TDA Chief Executive Graham Holley said:
"The revised standards are a significant step forward in
helping teachers make the most of their abilities and helping
schools make the most of their staff. The standards will act as
backdrop to the revised performance management arrangements,
helping teachers identify how theyneed to develop professionally
to progress in their careers; and enable fair and consistent
decisions to be made as they do so."
The professional standards for teachers can be found at: http://www.tda.gov.uk/standards
Hard copies are available to download or order.
-Ends-
Notes to editors
1. The standards do not replace the professional duties contained
in the School Teachers' Pay and Conditions Document, which
set out the roles and responsibilities of teachers.
2. As now, to access each career stage a teacher will need to
demonstrate that he/she has met the relevant standards. The
process for this varies depending on the standard concerned. For
example, teachers seeking Excellent Teacher or Advanced Skills
Teacher (AST) status need to apply and be assessed through an
external assessment process; teachers seeking to cross the
threshold are assessed by their head teacher. The standards for
Post Threshold Teachers, Excellent Teachers and ASTs are pay
standards and teachers who are assessed as meeting them also
access the relevant pay scale.
3. All the standards are underpinned by the five key outcomes for
children and young people identified in Every Child Matters and
the six areas of the Common core of skills and knowledge for the
children's workforce. Further information can be found at:
http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
4. The Secretary of State for Education and Skills asked the TDA
to bring coherence to the occupation and professional standards
throughout the school workforce; provide clear, high quality
guidance to schools on Professional Standards and give leadership
to local authorities; monitor the quality and coverage of
Professional Standards and help shape national Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) strategy and priorities; and
coordinate specific CPD programmes where appropriate.
5. Prior to 16 July 2007 the pay standards are subject to
Parliamentary approval.
The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) was
established under the Education Act 2005. Its responsibilities
relate to England only.
The TDA's principal aim is to secure an effective school
workforce that raises educational standards, provide every child
with the opportunity to develop their potential and thereby
improve children's life chances. It will continue its work
with schools and local authorities to support implementation in 2007/08.
Teaching enquiries
People interested in becoming a teacher should visit http://www.teach.gov.uk or
contact the Teaching Information Line (tel: 0845 6000 991 - 992
for Welsh speakers; Minicom: 01245 454343).
General TDA enquiries: 0870 4960 123
For further information on the Training and Development Agency
for Schools please see our website at http://www.tda.gov.uk