8th November 2012 9:00
By Blue Tutors
The government has unveiled plans to introduce tougher new tests for those wishing to become teachers. From next September the candidates will face tests in English, Maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, in an attempt to “raise the quality and standing of the position”.
The tests have been designed by a panel of head teachers following complaints that the standards teachers currently have to attain are too low. It is intended to ensure that only the best candidates are selected for teaching positions, which it is hoped will mean that pupil’s achievements will be improved. This, said education secretary Michael Gove, should help close the gap between students from rich and poor backgrounds.
However, critics from the teaching union ATL have pointed out that the standards required by the new tests are have already been achieved by teachers in their A’ Levels and degrees. This means that an expensive programme will be put in place which effectively requires candidates to re-sit qualifications they already have. Further, the government has not addressed the issues of pay and pensions which makes teaching a less attractive prospect for the best graduates.