Kids fail to learn from teachers' pounds 2bn deal.

A DEAL worth pounds 2billion to modernise teaching has failed to improve kids' education, schools inspectors said yesterday.

The Executive brought in sweeping reforms six years ago, including a 23 per cent pay rise for teachers.

They also guaranteed a 35-hour maximum working week for teachers and gave the go-ahead to hire hundreds of classroom assistants.

But a report by inspectors says: "Important aspects of pupils' learning and achievement have not improved significantly."

Chief schools inspector Graham Donaldson added: "We should not underestimate the scale of the work that has been carried out.

"As ye t, however, the agreement has largely affected teachers' pay and conditions, professional development and career structures.

"While we found specific examples of good practice, widespread impact on children's learning remains to be fully achieved."

The report also said teachers were struggling to get their work done in a 35-hour week and questioned the success of a scheme that encourages staff to gain extra qualifications.

The reform package was agreed by ministers, education chiefs and unions in 2001. Ministers, who have already announced a review, defended the reforms yesterday.

Education Minister Hugh Henry said: "Teaching is now seen as a rewarding and worthwhile career for graduates and I'm pleased to see applications for teacher-training rise."

Scottish Secondary Teachers Association general secretary David Eaglesham said: "The agreement was reached against a background of plummeting morale and deep disenchantment. The improvements were primarily intended to address this."

CAPTION(S):

REPORT: Donaldson

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Publication:	Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland)
Date:	Jan 9, 2007
Words:	243
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