With reference to the parliamentary report (TMID, 5 July) regarding the current parliamentary debate on the Education Bill, it is imperative that one points out several incorrect statements that have been made and that can result in misleading and misinforming the general public on issues that are important.
The title of the report is completely incorrect. It is not true that “Teaching warrants will not be granted to Masters students”. It is ironic that the opening paragraph of the article immediately contradicts this title, stating that “anyone who has already applied or is reading a Masters degree will still be able to apply for a teaching warrant under the old law”. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment wants to inform the general public and all interested stakeholders that all those persons who hold a Masters degree or are already registered and reading for such a degree can apply for a permanent teaching warrant as prescribed in the Education Act (1988).
In the future, after the date of the coming into force of the current amendments, new provisions will regulate the issue of teaching warrants to holders of Masters degrees. A person who applies for a permanent teaching warrant and holds a Masters degree would also need to hold a first degree and have followed a pedagogical course. The new amendments do not create any obstacle to one becoming a teacher. The government’s sole objective is to ensure professionals who are appropriately trained and who can provide quality education for all students.
The article quotes Dr Galea as saying that “Under the new Act, warrants will not be granted to people without the necessary qualifications teaching for 15 years.” This is also definitely incorrect. Let us be clear once again. Persons who are already practising the teaching profession with a temporary warrant and who have been so doing for at least eight years, will continue to be able to apply for a permanent warrant under the same conditions as provided for in the current law. Under the new law, the present legal provision awarding warrants to this category of persons is being phased out.
The article goes on to misquote the Education minister stating that “Temporary warrants will no longer be granted”. This is totally incorrect. If one reads the amendments one will immediately note that temporary warrants would still to be issued to meet emerging needs.
The College system, that of bringing together a number of primary and secondary schools, each with their senior management teams, staff, students and school community, under the leadership of a principal, is proving to be a positive experience. The sharing of resources, experiences, best practices, services and initiatives, strengthens the impact and effectiveness on the child in class. So far, pilot projects in the State sector have been set up and further developments will be made next scholastic year. While keeping their leadership, their management styles and their ethos, Church and independent schools will be offered the opportunity to participate in the networking process with State schools so that all can learn from each other’s experiences and innovative approaches.
The ministry and the Education Division firmly believe that the amendments currently being discussed in parliament will improve the quality of education provided, so that we will have an educational system that provides the opportunity for all children to succeed.
Claude Sciberras
Communications Coordinator
Education Ministry