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Teachers 'not making the grade' Teachers 'not making the grade'
(about 3 hours later)
Some teachers have not "stepped up to the mark" and need to change their attitude to suit a new era in schools, the education minister is to say later. Some teachers in Scotland have not "stepped up to the mark" and must adapt to a new era in schools, the education minister is to say later.
In a keynote speech to teachers in Glasgow, Peter Peacock will say the Scottish Executive has created a new framework following the McCrone review. In a keynote speech to teachers in Glasgow, Peter Peacock will demand more flexibility from staff, in return for improved working conditions.
The minister will say most teachers have moved into the "post McCrone era". The minister will say most teachers have adapted to change following the 2001 McCrone review of the profession.
However, he will repeat plans to put poorly performing teachers on "probation" to secure improvement. He will repeat plans to put poorly performing teachers on "probation".
If they do not improve they will be removed from schools.If they do not improve they will be removed from schools.
'Professional standard''Professional standard'
Speaking ahead of his speech at the Scottish Learning Festival, Mr Peacock said: "We will continue to invest in the profession, giving teachers the trust and professional freedoms it needs to flourish. Speaking ahead of his speech at the Scottish Learning Festival, Mr Peacock said: "We will continue to invest in the profession, giving teachers the trust and professional freedoms needed to flourish.
"However, I am making it clear that we expect the highest standards from our teachers."However, I am making it clear that we expect the highest standards from our teachers.
"That means taking action to improve the performance of those failing to make the grade.""That means taking action to improve the performance of those failing to make the grade."
Ronnie Smith, general secretary of the largest teaching union, the EIS, said teachers had to reach a "very high professional standard" before they could qualify.Ronnie Smith, general secretary of the largest teaching union, the EIS, said teachers had to reach a "very high professional standard" before they could qualify.
He said: "In the fairly rare instances where an individual teacher is experiencing difficulty in meeting the agreed standard, then assistance and support should be provided in an attempt to remedy the situation.He said: "In the fairly rare instances where an individual teacher is experiencing difficulty in meeting the agreed standard, then assistance and support should be provided in an attempt to remedy the situation.
"However, if any individual is completely and consistently failing to meet the agreed standard, then it is probably not in anyone's best interest for that person to remain in a teaching role.""However, if any individual is completely and consistently failing to meet the agreed standard, then it is probably not in anyone's best interest for that person to remain in a teaching role."