NASUWT: Teacher support at the heart of good maths education
Tuesday, 22 May 2012 3:44 PM
Commenting on the publication of the Ofsted report, Mathematics: Made to Measure, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, said:
“No one can doubt the crucial role played by mathematics in ensuring that all pupils receive their entitlement to a rounded, relevant and engaging education.
“It is right that Ofsted’s report should highlight the considerable improvements made in ensuring that all pupils progress and achieve a secure understanding of mathematics.
“The work of teachers in helping record numbers of pupils reach nationally expected standards should be recognised and celebrated.
“A key issue arising from Ofsted’s report is the need to support school leaders in creating the conditions in which teachers’ professional knowledge and skills are best used to meet the needs of all pupils.
“Teachers will continue to do a good job if they have access to high quality and sustained professional development opportunities to enhance their professional practice.
“It is deeply regrettable that teachers’ access to quality professional development has been reduced as result of cuts to school budgets and that punitive and debilitating monitoring and surveillance of teachers is replacing supportive and developmental performance management of teachers.
“Ofsted’s findings raise serious questions about the coalition government’s reckless pursuit of a discretionary system of professional development for teachers.
“Improving mathematics education requires a national commitment to teacher development and supporting teacher quality rather than continually berating the efforts of teachers.”
ENDS
Lena Davies
Journalist and acting press officer
Campaigns and Communications Team
NASUWT
0121 457 6250 / 07867 392 746
lena.davies@mail.nasuwt.org.uk
