TEACHERS’ COURSES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29523, 26 May 1961, Page 20

TEACHERS’ COURSES

Training Plan Recommender!

(N.Z. Press Association)

PALMERSTON NORTH.

In-service training and refresher courses at teachers' colleges for young primary schoolteachers were among many recommendations lodged today with the Commission on Education in New Zealand, on the final day of its sessions in Palmerston North.

It was argued by the New Zealand Teachers' Colleges Association that additional facilities and staffs for such courses be provided at the teachers’ colleges rather than by the development of separate' in-service training institutions. Ultimately residential accommodation should also be provided. In the meantime, existing facilities at the teachers’ colleges should be made available for such courses. Young teachers with several- years' service should be released from the classroom for periods of up to a term in order to attend.

The association recommended that University Entrance be regarded as the desirable minimum academic qualification for admission to the college, but that the way be still left open for the bestquality students with less academic standing. Mr F. Baird, president of the association, said he believed that, as the public and parents realised more and more the higher status of the teaching profession, more and better applicants would come forward.