‘Promotion Slow’ In Special Schools

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31047, 30 April 1966, Page 23

‘Promotion Slow’ In Special Schools

The Intellectually Handicapped Childrens’ Society will again urge the Education Department to establish a training scheme for teachers of handicapped and special class children.

Delegates at the society's annual conference in Christchurch also decided to press for equal opportunities of promotion for teachers working in this specialised field. “Many teachers are being forced to leave our special schools to seek promotion,” Mr M. S. Blomfield said. “They leave wiser and more mature teachers, but they should not have to leave.” Mr D. H. Ross, supervisor of special classes for the Education Department, who had been invited to the conference said there were ample opportunities for advancement in the advisory service. “That’s no consolation,” Mr Blomfield said. “There are too many chiefs, and not enough Indians now. We still need someone to teach the children.” Mr S. King (Invercargill) said that many teachers came

to the job with no background, and applied their own theories. “There must be ‘a best way’ as with normal children,” he said. “We should have specialised training.” Mr Ross said that a residential course was now in progress at Templeton. He said 18 persons were attending. “It is a modest beginning,” he said, “but this does represent 15 per cent of total staff. Courses of this nature are the most effective way to develop professional competence. At this stage we have no intention of establishing a college course.” Delegates also emphasised the importance of pre-school work for handicapped children. A remit put forward by the Otago branch asking for assistance in this aspect of the work of the society was approved unanimously.