MINUTE of the meeting of the Education Committee held in Clerwood House, 96 Clermiston Road, Edinburgh, on Wednesday 18 May 2016 at 9.30 am.

Transcription

1 16-18Educ(16)Min1 MINUTE of the meeting of the Education Committee held in Clerwood House, 96 Clermiston Road, Edinburgh, on Wednesday 18 May 2016 at 9.30 am. Present: In Attendance: Paula McEwan (Convener) Richard Bell, Craig Carson, Alison Chambers, Paula Cowan, Dorothy Ferguson, David Innes, Margaret Lannon, Vicky Lyon, David Mitchell, Lindsay Seywright, Derek Thompson, Simon Thompson Ken Muir (CEO), Tom Hamilton (DERPL), Ellen Doherty (SEO(PL)), Norrie McKay, SMEA), Vikki Robertson (SEO (FEPL), Zoe Robertson (SEO (RPL)), Charlaine Simpson (SEO (RPL)), John Adams (SMSS) (Item 6), Cheryl Loughbrough (PA DERPL) Apologies for Absence The Convener welcomed back Zoe Robertson (SEO(RPL) following her maternity leave. Apologies for absence had been received from Helen Budge and Jacqueline Morley (SEO(CLPL)). INDUCTION SECTION 1 Remit of the Education Committee (16-18Educ(16)1) Members noted the Remit and had no further comments Business Handover/Evaluation Report (16-18Educ(16)2) Members noted the Business Handover/Evaluation Report from the previous Committee. Derek Thompson highlighted the volume of work undertaken by the previous Committee. A list of key questions on the Curriculum for Excellence would be circulated to members, in particular the new members, of the Committee to help inform future discussion. Members agreed. Prepare and circulate list of key questions on the Curriculum for Excellence. DERPL and PA DERPL ASAP BUSINESS Declaration of Interest Derek Thompson and Margaret Lannon indicated that they both had daughters who were currently undertaking an Initial Teacher Education PGDE programme. Intimation of Any Other Competent Business The CEO advised members that a briefing paper was to be sent to the new Cabinet Secretary on the role of GTC Scotland highlighting main issues/projects Educ(16)Min1 - Press Page 1 of 9

2 2 1 Election of Vice Conveners The Convener explained the process for the election of a Vice Convener. David Innes was proposed by Derek Thompson and seconded by Richard Bell. David Mitchell was proposed by Dorothy Ferguson and seconded by Paula Cowan. Both nominees made a short statement. Following a secret ballot, David Mitchell was elected as Vice Convener. 2 Minute of the Meeting held on 28 January 2016 (14-16Educ(16)Min8) Members noted the Minute. 3 Matter Arising from the Minute There were no matters arising. 4 Registration Review of Registration Requirements Update The DERPL advised members that since Conditional Provisional Registration had come into effect at the beginning of January 2016 there had been an increase in applications for registration. This had been a very positive outcome but had also placed a strain on staff within the Registration department, in particular the Qualified Outwith Scotland section. The SMEA was currently working with staff to look at ways of dealing with the increase in applications in an effective and timeous manner and this was bearing fruit. Two meetings had been held with the Deans of Education and the Scottish Government to look at innovative programmes for entry into teaching. These discussions were continuing and would be reported on in future. Registration of other Education Professionals Working Group (14-16ROEP(16)Min4) Members noted the Minute of the previous meeting of the Working Group held on 17 February. The next meeting would be held on 27 May. Work had been carried out on a draft version of the Standards for Instrumental Music Instructors (IMIs) and discussions had included portfolio requirements and how panels would operate. The DERPL advised members that he had spoken at a Heads of Instrumental Teaching Scotland (HITS) Conference in February about GTCS registration. Linda Lees, Service Manager, Arts and Creative Learning at the City of Edinburgh Council had shown an interested in being involved in the Working Group and had been invited to attend the meeting on 27 May. The DERPL hoped to have some IMIs registered by the summer. The broader issue of registering other groups would be included in the future work of the Committee. (c) Registration of Teachers in Independent and Grant-Aided Schools Working Group (14-16RTIS(16)Min4) Members noted the Minute of the previous meeting of the Working Group held on 1 February. The next meeting would be held on 14 June. The Scottish Government had held a seminar on 7 March focussing on the registration of teachers in Independent and Grant Aided Schools. Representatives from many of the independent/grant-aided schools had attended and feedback had been positive Educ(16)Min1 - Press Page 2 of 9

3 3 Independent school teacher registration would be mandatory from February 2017 with a grace period of 3 years applied for those already in post. The DERPL had met with teachers from Gordonstoun School and Moray Council to talk about equivalence tests for registration. One possible solution to be explored is to have a restricted category for registration within the individual teacher s current school. An equivalence pilot had been arranged with Gordonstoun which would be held on 20 June at the school. The DERPL explained that it would not be appropriate for members of the Council to approve applications and so would approach external representation on the panel. Professor Ian Smith, University of the West of Scotland, and Jason Fitzgerald, Westhill Academy an ex-council member, had been suggested as they have both had experience of GTC Scotland s accreditation process. An external school representative would also attend the meeting. Margaret Lannon, SCIS, indicated an interest in attending the pilot as an observer. The outcome of the pilot would be reported to the next Committee meeting in September, as well as the outcome following discussion about a restricted category and additional qualifications. Secure panel members for equivalence pilot to be held on 20 June. DERPL and PA DERPL ASAP Dual Registration The SMEA advised members that Dual Registration would be piloted from this summer. The Dual Registration Working Group met on 17 May at which guidance had been provided. The Flexible Route would also be taken into account. 5 Professional Update Professional Update Annual Evaluation Draft Update Report (16-18Educ(16)3) The SEO(RPL) guided members through the draft report that had been circulated and explained the results of the PU Evaluation Survey. Overall the outcome of the survey had been positive but there were still areas of concern including lack of PRD meetings and a disconnect between those being coached and those doing the coaching. There was still a misconception about what PU was. Guidance material on the GTCS website would be reviewed to ensure the appropriate advice was provided. There was a need to look at time, support, professional dialogue and engaging with Standards. A Professional Update Seminar would be held on 20 May and all local authority, university and national organisation PU representatives had been invited. Views would be sought then on what would be helpful guidance mechanisms. A section on what support was still needed would be added to the report. A further draft would be circulated to members and then to Council. Simon Thompson complimented the authors on the professionalism of the report and recommended that it should be shared with other educational organisations. The CEO advised that PARN had produced an article in their most recent journal on PU and would be keen to get a copy of this report. Also John Hattie, who is a world renowned researcher, was also looking at the area of Professional Learning and would benefit from receiving a copy of the final report. It was hoped he would be in Scotland as a presenter in the near future Educ(16)Min1 - Press Page 3 of 9

4 4 Missing section of report to be circulated to members for information and copy of draft report to be provided for next full Council meeting. Review guidance on website SEO(RPL) ASAP Professional Update Steering Group (14-16PUSG(16)Min4) Members noted the Minute of the previous meeting of the Working Group held on 3 February. The next meeting would be held on 3 June and would be a round-up meeting of the current group. A new group merging with the MyPL group would then be established for future discussions. (c) GTCS Staff Validation Process (16-18Educ(16)5) Members noted the circulated paper. Following discussion, it had been agreed that it would be inappropriate for a member of the Education Committee to sit on any panel meetings for this process. Members of the Professional Update Working Group would be approached to be part of these panels. Members noted that Hayden Llewellyn, Chief Executive of the Education Workforce Council (EWC), was also keen to be involved in the process. (e) MyProfessionalLearning/National E-portfolio (16-18Educ(16)6) Members noted the circulated paper. The DCDDHR advised members he had prepared a brief paper on the background of the initiative and that the PA DERPL would circulate this to members following the meeting. Circulate MyPL briefing paper. PA DERPL 20 May 2016 (f) College Sector - National Roll Out over Phase 1 (14/15) and Phase 2 (15/16) The SEO(FEPL) advised members that from the Phase 1 Pilot - 15 lecturers from Dundee and Angus College - 8 lecturers had completed the online survey. They had also engaged in focus groups, the reports from which would be available in the next couple of weeks. Phase 2 has a larger cohort - 16 from Forth Valley College, 7-9 from Dundee and Angus College and 15 from West Lothian College. The data from the PU sign-off will be looked at following the 31 October 2016 sign-off date. The SEO(FEPL) reported on the current validation engagement within the College sector - Forth Valley College validation event planned for August Glasgow Kelvin College and Glasgow Clyde College pre-validations were ongoing and both colleges, as well as South Lanarkshire College, were keen to encourage full registration of lecturers. The CEO had met with the College Development Network and the Scottish Government to discuss the location of the FE Standards. No decision had been made yet about where the Standards should lie. GTC Scotland might look at the FE Standards at the same time as the review of the other professional Standards Educ(16)Min1 - Press Page 4 of 9

5 6 Teacher Education and Accreditation Arrangements 5 Report from joint ITE Programme validation/accreditation event with the University of the Highland and Islands and GTCS (16-18Educ(16)7) Members noted the report. Schedule of Forthcoming Accreditations The DERPL advised members that the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland wished to become an ITE provider in its own right and had brought forward a Dance Pathway programme for accreditation. This would be a joint event held at the Conservatoire on 17 June. David Mitchell had already confirmed his availability for this event and the Convener confirmed her interest in attending. A local authority representative would now be sought to attend as an external member of the panel. Members noted that the University of Worcester was nearly through the university processes for its e-pgce Programme but GTCS still did not have a date for accreditation. The DERPL had been in discussion with the University of Aberdeen about taking forward the accreditation of its Top-up programme. It was suggested that, as this was a variation of its PGDE Primary/Secondary programme, this could be a paper exercise rather than a full panel meeting. The University also wished to bring forward a Business Studies programme for accreditation and it was suggested that this could be looked at at the same time as the Topup programme. Following discussion at which various options were looked at, e.g. video conferencing, having only the Dean attend, members agreed that this should be an actual but truncated accreditation event and that a date should be sought. Paula McEwan, David Innes and Simon Thompson all expressed an interest in being involved. The University of Dundee s ITE programmes were due for accreditation during 2016/17 and it had suggested also looking at its TQFE. This would be considered next session. Other possible routes into teaching were briefly discussed as was the need to develop and accredit more Returners to Teaching programmes. The possible role of GTCS in publicising teaching as a career was discussed. Agree date for University of Aberdeen accreditation event and make necessary arrangements. DERPL and PA DERPL End of June 2016 (c) Accreditation Working Group: (i) Minute (14-16AWG(16)Min5); Members noted the Minute. (ii) (iii) Draft revised Policy Statement: Accreditation of Programme of ITE in Scotland (16-18Educ(16)8); Draft revised Evaluation Framework: Accreditation of Programme of ITE in Scotland (16-18Educ(16)9) Educ(16)Min1 - Press Page 5 of 9

6 6 The DERPL advised members that the Scottish Government was to fund a National Improvement Framework (NIF) post within GTC Scotland. The work done by this post may impact on what is contained in the circulated guidance documents. Members noted and approved the Policy Statement and Evaluation Framework, with a caveat that they may be updated further to the work done by the NIF post (and amendment of a typo on page 5 of the policy document). Student Placement System and Student Registration Update The SMSS reported that this year s placements are now complete. The process had been more successful this year than in previous years due to improvements made to the Student Placement System and a greater understanding of the system. The Student Placement Management Group had the lead role in ensuring the system ran smoothly. Ongoing, and increasing, issues with the provision of pre-school placements were noted. The Student Registration project had been postponed due to workload and the need to resolve some philosophic and practical questions. 7 Further Education Update This item was covered under item 5(f). 8 Research Update The SEO(RPL) updated members on current research developments including the upcoming Professional Update Evaluation Survey, Practitioner Enquiry, the Teacher Researcher Programme and the new resources available on the GTCS website. A Memorandum of Understanding between BEMIS and GTCS was being developed for Practitioner Enquiry. The SEO(RPL) had recently attended a meeting at the Teaching Council for Ireland to discuss practitioner research. Members suggested that more could be done to highlight the online resources and statistics available to teachers. 9 GTCS Gaelic Language Plan (16-18Educ(16)10) The SEO(PL) reported to members the need for this document in demonstrating GTC Scotland s commitment to the development of Gaelic language speaking and supporting the professional development of Gaelic language teachers. Members noted the document and supported the development. ITEMS FOR NOTING 10 Matters for Future Discussion/Action Aspect Review of the Education Authority and University ITE Partnership Arrangements (phase one) (16-18Educ(16)11) Improving Schools in Scotland: An OECD Perspective news.scotland.gov.uk/news/oecdreview-of-scottish-education-206d.aspx (c) National Improvement Framework for Scottish Education Educ(16)Min1 - Press Page 6 of 9

7 7 Developing the Young Workforce Joan McKay, Education Scotland, had been invited to attend the next meeting of the Committee to discuss Curriculum for Excellence. 11 Professional Recognition/Registration Professional Recognition/Registration Systems Various discussions between David Mitchell and the SEO(CLPL) had taken place to take this matter forward. This item was ongoing. Professional Recognition Programme Accreditation Panels - Minutes from meetings held on 26 January, 30 March and 26 April 2016 (16-18Educ(16)12/13/14) Members noted the Minutes of the panel meetings. (c) Professional Recognition statistics as at 6 May 2016 (16-18Educ(16)15) Members noted the statistics. Professional Registration statistics as at 6 May 2016 (16-18Educ(16)16) Members noted the statistics. 12 Teacher Induction Scheme/Fitness to Teach - Probation Statistics (16-18Educ(16)17) Members noted the statistics. 13 Standard for Headship Professional Interview Panels Members noted the Minutes from panel meetings held between 20 January and 6 May A large volume of panel meetings that had taken place recently but as the route was now closed, panel meetings would soon come to an end. STANDING ITEMS Matters for the Next Council Meeting The following items were identified: For Approval: (i) (ii) ITE Programme Accreditation Documentation Policy Statement and Evaluation Framework approved with a caveat that documentation may be updated further to the work done by the National Improvement Framework post Educ(16)Min1 - Press Page 7 of 9

8 8 For Noting: (i) Briefing Paper to Cabinet Secretary Briefing paper being prepared for the new Cabinet Secretary on the role of GTC Scotland highlighting main issues/projects. (ii) Registration of Other Educational Professionals Instrumental Music Instructors The aim to have some IMIs registered by the summer and the broader issue of registering other groups included in future work of the Committee. (iii) Registration Equivalence Pilot An equivalence pilot had been arranged with Gordonstoun School to be held on 20 June. The outcome of the pilot would be reported to the next Committee meeting in September. (iv) GTCS Staff Validation Process Validation Guidelines and Criteria for General Teaching Council for Scotland Staff Professional Update noted. (v) Further Education Standards FE Standards to be looked at alongside the review of the other professional Standards. (vi) Forthcoming Accreditations Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Dance Pathway programme accreditation event to be held on 17 June. (vii) Student Placement System This year s placements are now complete. (viii) Research Current research developments including the upcoming Professional Update Evaluation Survey, Practitioner Enquiry, the Teacher Researcher Programme and the new resources available on the GTCS website. (ix) GTCS Gaelic Language Plan Document demonstrating GTC Scotland s commitment to the development of Gaelic language speaking and supporting the professional development of Gaelic language teachers. (x) Developing the Young Workforce Joan McKay, Education Scotland, had been invited to attend the next meeting of the Committee to discuss Curriculum for Excellence. 16 Any Other Competent Business The Convener advised members that this would be the last Education Committee Tom Hamilton would service before his retiral in August. Members thanked Tom for all his hard work, advice and help in developing the various educational policies, procedures and guidance over the years Educ(16)Min1 - Press Page 8 of 9

9 9 Tom thanked members and expressed his pride at the work that had been undertaken by the Committee. There was no other competent business. 17 Date of Next Meeting The next meeting of the Education Committee would be held on Thursday 1 September 2016 at am. Acronyms: CEO DERPL DCDDHR PA DERPL SEO(CLPL) SEO(FEPL) SEO(RPL) SEO(PL) SMEA SMSS CPSO Chief Executive Director of Education, Registration and Professional Learning Director of Communications, Digital Development and Human Resources PA to DERPL Senior Education Officer (Career-Long Professional Learning) Senior Education Officer (Further Education and Professional Learning) Senior Education Officer (Research and Professional Learning) Senior Education Officer (Professional Learning) Senior Manager Education Administration Senior Manager Student Support Council and Panel Support Officer 16-18Educ(16)Min1 - Press Page 9 of 9