`Writs will fly’ on probation rights
Lawyers are set to profit from increased levels of teacher-led litigation when the professional development arrangements of the McCrone package are fully implemented, secondary heads have been warned. Douglas Weir, of Strathclyde University’s education faculty, said the “trickle” of probationer teachers appealing against GTCS decisions not to grant full registration or extend probation would increase considerably.
Despair of lost generation
Matt MacIver, registrar of the GTCS, warned that the induction arrangements for probationer teachers must not create another “lost generation”. Since 1995, some 5,500 teachers had remained on the provisional register and could not find full-time employment, including 438 history teachers. They saw themselves as a lost generation and feared the new induction system could leave them at the back of the queue.
Rift over path to chartered status
Experienced teachers will walk away from chartered status unless there are substantial changes to the current proposals, key GTCS members have warned. They are demanding more recognition of classroom practice and experience and less academic focus. But at a full council meeting their concerns sparked a furious row with Gordon Kirk, dean of education at Edinburgh University, who dismissed any revision that would create a two- tier route.
Oscars take centre stage
The first of what is planned to be an annual celebration of educational success and achievement has been launched by Jack McConnell, first minister, in Glasgow. Initiated by Mr McConnell when he was education minister, the Scottish Education Awards have brought on board the Daily Record, BT Scotland and the CBI, which all helped to stage the ceremony with a host of showbiz and sporting stars.
Kurds stage under-cover protest
Hundreds of Kurdish women made V signs and chanted slogans demanding the right to be taught in Kurdish, during an International Women’s Day demonstration in Istanbul. Turkey does not recognise the country’s 12 million Kurds as a minority, fearing that it would lead to the break-up of the state. Kurdish is outlawed in education and broadcasts other than music.
