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THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS COMMENTS ON THE OFSTED REPORT ON T
Added: (Mon May 22 2006)
The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics today welcomed the Ofsted report on the teaching of 14-19 mathematics.
�Of course we are very aware of the issues and challenges facing mathematics education,� said David Burghes, Director of NCETM, �but the report adds valuable evidence and insights to support the direction of the strategies we are already developing to address these issues.�
Like NCETM, the report places the quality of teaching as the most important influence on student achievement and highlights the need for appropriate continuing professional development which focuses on effective practice and promotes sharing of good practice.
�Collaborative professional development across mathematics departments is at the heart of the work of NCETM,� says Professor Burghes. �We will not only build on the successful work of the Standards Unit, as recommended in the report, but also on many years of experience of developing successful models of collaborative practice, both here and internationally. NCETM is actively promoting the use of such practice and supporting teachers in working collaboratively within and between their schools and colleges.�
Supporting non-specialist teachers is also a priority for NCETM and members of the core team are currently working with the Training and Development Agency and the Advisory Committee for Mathematics Education in developing innovative courses for these teachers.
Background
The National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM) is a major initiative by the Department for Education and Skills to enhance professional development across mathematics teaching. It is being established in direct response to recommendations in Professor Adrian Smith's report 'Making Mathematics Count'.
The Centre is for all teachers and lecturers of mathematics, in all phases of education. Working with the wider mathematics community, it will facilitate, enhance and provide strategic direction and leadership for all aspects of continuing professional development in mathematics.
The National Centre will be a virtual centre with a web portal as the main point of contact. Development of the portal is already underway. All its facilities are being designed to support the professional development of mathematics teachers. Features will include forums for teachers to network and share practice; links to business and commerce; international links to encourage CPD; and targeted support for trainee teachers, newly qualified teachers, advanced skills teachers, heads of department and maths co-ordinators.
NCETM will be officially launched by the Secretary of State in June 2006. The core team are now in place and work is underway to appoint regional staff and identifying regional and local network hubs.
The Centre has a major role to play in coordinating professional development in mathematics and is already supporting many initiatives designed to make the teaching and learning of mathematics more effective.
www.ncetm.org.uk
Professor David Burghes, Director
David is Professor of Mathematics Education at Plymouth University and Director of the Centre for Innovation in Mathematics Teaching (CIMT). He has taught mathematics from Year 1 in Primary to Masters degree Level at University.
He has directed two international longitudinal studies of mathematics, the Kassel project and IPMA, and he is passionate about putting the research evidence into practice in UK schools and training institutions in order to improve teaching and learning.
For further information contact:
Catherine Dhanjal
TheAnswer Ltd
Tel: 01883 650434 or 0794 166 9925
Email: Catherine.dhanjal@theansweruk.com
Mike Whetter
Marketing and Communications Officer
NCETM
St Mary's Court,
55 St Mary's Road
Sheffield, S2 4AN
Telephone 0114 219 1007
Email: mike.whetter@ncetm.org.uk
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