Vale of Clwyd AM, Ann Jones, has called on headteachers and governing bodies to more consistently and effectively challenge underperforming teachers and take action if teachers do not reach the standards that their pupils deserve.
Speaking in the Assembly, Ms Jones gave her support to the Education Minister, Huw Lewis and his new proposals to extend support for teachers continuing professional development as a means of raising standards of teaching.
Ms Jones – Chair of the Assembly’s Children, Young People and Education Committee said:
“Poor teaching has dire consequences for our children’s educational outcomes. While most lessons in Wales are of high quality, Estyn has found that there are a stubborn number of lessons which do not effectively enhance learning and that is unacceptable. Every unsatisfactory lesson delivered highlights missed opportunities.
“Teaching is the one single factor which has the highest bearing on ensuring that our children achieve the grades they need for their future and I am worried that there are still a small group of teachers in our classrooms who are only going through the motions or are simply not up to the demanding and highly professional career.
“Too often governing bodies and headteachers are afraid to undergo capability procedures with teachers, afraid of upsetting individuals. However, it is absolutely right that where poor practice is identified and does not improve following additional support, schools recognise that the education of our children is too important.
“We need a highly professional, skilled and fully committed workforce to deliver the world class education that our children not only deserve, but need to equip them for their future”.
“The new deal” announced yesterday by the Minister will provide practitioners with the opportunity to access high quality professional learning at every stage of their career development that will improve overall performance in the classroom and improve the attainment levels of Welsh learners.
It will be supported by a National Professional Learning Model, designed to improve the quality of professional practice while building respect for the workforce. In return for this support, the Welsh Government expects teachers, leaders and support staff to take responsibility for their own professional learning and to share their knowledge and good practice with others – a feature of any high status profession.
