Minister launches on-line Special/Inclusive Education Courses for Primary and Post-primary Teachers

The Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin TD, announced an exciting new initiative in special education on 13 March, at a reception in Croke Park. This initiative was developed as part of a collaborative project between St Patrick's College and the Institute of Child Education & Psychology (ICEP Europe). It involves the development of an accredited on-line diploma in special/inclusive education for primary and post-primary teachers. It will address the needs of mainstream teachers in meeting the challenges posed by recent legislative changes, an increasingly diverse student population and the inclusion of students with significant special educational needs in mainstream schools.

The courses, which will be accredited by St Patrick's College, will be delivered using a blended approach incorporating the best combination of face-to-face and online pedagogies. This will facilitate access by the widest possible range of teachers, removing traditional geographical barriers to participation. Speaking at the launch, the Minister congratulated ICEP and St Patrick's College on their initiative. Dr Travers, President of the College, said that the initiative was a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

The first intake of students will be in the next academic year 2007-08. Participants will be part funded by the Department of Education and Science. For further details about these courses, please contact John Smith, St Patrick's College on 01 8842166 or Alister Kidd, ICEP on 045 982628

Link to Minister's Press Release

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: Thursday March 15 2007