This work seeks to provide a sense of direction and impetus to the debate on primary education. It focuses on issues of policy and provision, the current national scrutiny of initial and inservice teacher training which is resulting in the development of a National Curriculum for ITE, the proposal of a general teaching council, and continuing professional development initiatives from the TTA. In addition, the book may prove to be of value in the design and implementation of courses in teacher education, and it takes a proactive stand on the issues in contrast to the dominant culture in teacher education, which is largely reactive to government policy shifts.

Informed professional debate about primary teacher education is long overdue. This book provides a sense of direction and impetus in this debate by focusing on pressing topical issues of policy and provision. There is focus on the current national scrutiny of initial and inservice teacher training, which is resulting in the development of a National Curriculum for ITE, the proposal of a General Teaching Council and Continuing Professional Development initiatives from the TTA. In addition, the book will be of direct use in the design and implementation of new courses in teacher education, and it takes a proactive stand on the issues in contrast to the dominant culture in teacher education, which is largely reactive to government policy shifts. All the contributions have been specially commissioned for this book, and will analyze trends, identify emerging issues and draw conclusions about likely future developments.