Scottish schools have too many mediocre teachers

Glasgow University's submission to a Scottish Government review of teacher training was critical of those already in classrooms.

It said: "There are too many mediocre teachers in Scotland and too little desire to develop their capacities, challenge them or counsel them out of teaching."

The views were made as a part of a review by the former head of the school inspectorate, HMIe, Graham Donaldson.

Meanwhile, a submission by Stirling University criticised a reluctance among subject specialists to teach cross-curricular work - an ominous sign for the incoming Curriculum for Excellence which has a cross-subject ethos. And Stirling's education faculty was also critical of the quality of some training.

The submission said: "Some of the current professional preparation is not fit for purpose and fails to develop an adequate knowledge base for the teaching profession today.

"At present, many qualified teachers do not have sufficient grounding in education literature for the tasks they face, which would be the equivalent of an English graduate never having read Shakespeare or a surgeon not understanding anatomy."

The university also said it would like to see more people with life experience becoming teachers, saying there is a danger trainee teachers who come straight from school simply replicate their pupil experience.

The University of the West of Scotland said there should be higher entry standards to the profession, and other professions such as musicians and artists could be given teaching qualifications so they could work in schools without joining the profession full-time.

The review by Mr Donaldson was announced last November by the Scottish Government amid concerns that too many people new to the profession lack practical skills and knowledge.

Earlier this month the profession's regulator warned trainee teachers could be left unprepared because they are being taught by staff who have no recent experience in the classroom.

The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) also criticised outdated tips from staff who had been away from the classroom for too long, coupled with cutbacks to education faculties in universities.

Issues have previously been raised on the lack of compulsory science and languages training.

Mr Donaldson's final report is expected in the autumn.

Des McNulty, Labour education spokesman said:? "Teachers must be given the opportunities for professional development they need throughout their careers.

"But opportunities for continuing professional development have been restricted because of education cuts."

"We now have 2,500 fewer teachers in the classroom, which itself is also having a serious effect in the delivery of education in our schools."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "The Donaldson review has been set up to make sure we have the right education and training in place for teachers throughout their careers."

"We are sure the review will fully consider all the responses and look forward to receiving the recommendations in due course."