| The
course itself originated from the Dyson Report "Practice
in mainstream schools for pupils with special educational
needs" in 1998. Dyson drew attention to the lack of accredited
training for Special Educational Needs co-ordinators in schools
and recommended that the Department of Education consider
setting up such a course in NI.
The Interboard Learning Support Group was given the task of
drawing up and validating a regional course in consultation
with Dr Rosemary Kilpatrick, Graduate School of Education,
QUB, and of delivering it in each of the education and library
board areas.
The course has 3 modules, running over a period of 18 months
and is delivered by education and library board advisory staff
in local venues. The education and library boards agreed to
fund up to 20 places per board as a pilot programme and this
first cohort completed their Diplomas in July 2001.
Mrs Moira Alexander commenting at the award ceremony said,
"I congratulate all the teachers on their success, especially
in light of their existing teaching commitments and would
also like to thank the advisory staff for their contribution
and commitment to this vital area of training."
The second cohort began their training in August 2001. |
