Teacher tests 'complete jigsaw'

Published on 26/01/2011 16:55

A CONTROVERSIAL report which called for tests in maths and English for new teachers could help drive up Scotland's poor international standing in education, its author has told MSPs.

Former HM inspector of education Graham Donaldson told Holyrood's education committee that his recommendations were aimed at increasing expectations of teachers and "building up" the profession.

"If I look at where we are in Scotland and compare that with what's happening internationally, it does seem to me this could just be an area which - I hesitate to use the word magic bullet - but it could be the thing that completes the jigsaw in terms of quality," he said.

"We should be doing better in those indicators. I believe we can, and I believe part of it will be addressed in the kind of things we've reflected in this report."