St. Angela’s College, in association with the Special Education Support Service(SESS) and the Teacher Education Section(TES) of the Department of Skills(DES), launched the fifth year of this innovative programme which was designed to assist teachers to meet the learning and teaching needs of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) with particular reference to Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). It offers a recognised Post-Graduate qualification for all serving support teachers working in the area of ASDs. This year the group represented sixteen counties of Ireland and were working as mainstream primary class teachers, resource teachers at primary and post-primary levels, class teachers of students with ASDs attached to primary and post-primary schools, in special schools and as principals of special schools.

It is accepted internationally that there is no definitive evidence to support the exclusive use of one particular educational intervention for all students with ASDs. This qualification at NQAI Level 9 provides teachers with a repertoire of evidence-based skills that enables them to implement a student-centred approach to meeting the learning and teaching needs of all students with ASDs.

The Co-ordinator of the programme, Ms. Fiona Jennings explained that “the framework of the programme allows participants to avail of course credits within a two-year period, commencing in September each year. Participants complete a menu of SESS courses which are aligned with the modular structure of the programme Sequencing of the modules provides participants with the most practical avenue for completion of the programme. Teachers can avail of the modules on a regional basis, ensuring that this Certificate/Diploma is accessible nationwide. Programme content includes a mixture of face-to-face and on-line elements.” Mr. Eugene Toolan, Head of Education, addressed the participants and invited them to take the opportunity to reflect on their own practice and to challenge taken for granted assumptions. He emphasised the cascade effect their studies could have in their schools.

The Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity (CSENID) also welcomes a new intake onto the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs. The course commenced its first four week block on Monday the 10th of September.

This programme offers teachers an opportunity to avail of continuing professional development (CPD), in order to respond to emerging trends and the needs of pupils/students experiencing special educational needs within the current and evolving legislative and policy context. The programme aims to enable participants to acquire a thorough professional knowledge and understanding of special educational needs and learning difficulties. It also equips participants with the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to be effective in supporting the education of those with special educational needs and learning difficulties in various contexts.

While the programme offers those in north-west of the country local access to CPD, this year we are delighted to welcome those who have travelled from as far afield as Wexford and Belfast.  Participants were welcomed by Mr. Eugene Toolan, Head of Education at St. Angela’s College, who invited them to reflect on their own assumptions and practice during the course of the programme.  The coordinator of the programme, Dr. Pauline Kerins, also welcomed participants and stated that the programme “enables participants to develop an awareness of the importance of adopting a holistic and systemic approach towards facilitating the inclusion of all pupils in our schools.”  

We wish all the participants well on the course for the coming year!

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