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Department of Education and Science
Professional Development Service for Teachers - Primary
 

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The PDST works in close collaboration with the Education Centres Directors, so as to address the professional development needs in the region. Pivotal to our approach will be the enabling dimension of the support provided, which aims to empower schools toward self sufficiency and ongoing self evaluation.

Below are a list of professional development opportunities available to primary schools and teachers in Region 2. (Updated 5 April 2012)

Region 2 Primary Schools - Application for school support
 


Junior Maths Clustered Workshops

In order to address the great demand from schools for support in the area of Numeracy, PDST is adopting a clustered approach by inviting schools within certain geographical catchments to attend a programme designed for infant—2nd classes entitled, ‘Skills-based learning: Getting children to think and talk mathematically.’ There is a particular focus on the Ready Set Go Maths model which has been a huge success in DEIS schools.


The use of concrete materials and problem solving will be central to the course content. The course is of four weeks duration -and will take place after school for 2 hours. We are targeting various areas in the region at various times so please keep an eye out for your invitation from your local education centre.

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Comprehension: Teaching for Meaning


This series of three 2 hour workshop is designed to highlight the importance of the explicit teaching of Comprehension Strategies in a cross-curricular way. Participants will be enabled to:

  • Become familiar with a range of comprehension strategies
  • Reflect upon and share best practice
  • Examine a range of assessment tools
  • Select appropriate resources


Participants are asked to choose either an AM or PM slot.
Please note that substitute cover is NOT provided for am sessions.


Dublin West Education Centre: April 17th, May 1st, 15th (11.30am-1.30pm) OR (3.15pm-5.15pm)

Kildare Education Centre: April 17th, 24th. May 1st (11.30am-1.30pm) OR (3.15pm-5.15pm)

Blackrock Education Centre: May 1st, 8th, 15th (11.30am-1.30pm) OR (3.15pm-5.15pm)

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Team Teaching


A practical approach to the planning and organisation of team teaching in the primary classroom. This workshop identifies the hallmarks of effective team teaching, clarifies the roles of all involved and the preparation needed to get it off the ground in your school. To book a place —contact relevant Education Centre (details above)

Dublin West Education Centre: March 6th (4pm-6pm)
Kildare Education Centre: April 19th (7pm-9pm)

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An Introduction to Guided Reading

 

Guided Reading as a model of instruction has become increasingly popular in recent times and has proven itself to be a most effective approach to the teaching of reading in the small group context. This introductory workshop will outline the key features of guided reading and provide step by step guidance in setting it up in your school for the first time.

Participants will also gain an insight into the essential elements of guided reading such as the  identification of high quality library books and the grouping of children following assessment techniques that match readers to suitable texts.

Dublin West Education Centre: April 26th (3pm-5pm)
Kildare Education Centre: May 2nd (3pm-5pm)
Blackrock Education Centre: April 24th (3pm-5pm)
To book a place —contact relevant Education Centre (details above)

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Support for All schools—School Self Evaluation

The National Strategy “Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life” requires all schools to engage in a process of self evaluation towards putting in place a 3 year improvement plan for literacy and numeracy. The PDST has designed the first of a 2 day workshop for principals and one other staff member towards providing guidance and practical support for carrying out the process in their schools. Primary school participants are asked to choose either an AM or PM slot. To book a place —contact relevant Education Centre (details above) These workshops will take place in the education centres as follows:


Primary Schools
Dublin West Education Centre: March 6th (9.30am - 11.30am) OR (12.30am-2.30pm)
Kildare Education Centre: March 12th (11.30am -1.30pm) OR (3.15pm- 5.15pm)
Blackrock Education Centre: March 14th (11.30am– 1.30pm) OR (3.15pm—5.15pm)


Please note that substitute cover is NOT provided for am sessions.

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Support for DEIS Primary Schools

All urban Band 1 and Band 2 primary schools may apply for DEIS support by following this link.:
https://sites.google.com/a/pdst.ie/pdst/home/application-for-deis-schools
Following processing of application you will be contacted by a DEIS advisor to discuss your needs. Every effort will be made to assign your previous DEIS advisor to your school.

 


Reading Recovery

Reading Recovery is a school-based, short-term intervention designed for children aged around 6 years, who are the lowest literacy achievers after their first year of school. These children are often not able to read simple books or even write their own name before the intervention.

The intervention involves intensive daily one-to-one lessons with a trained Reading Recovery teacher.  Each programme takes on average of 12 to 20 weeks. The programme is different for every child depending on his/ her needs. The goal of Reading Recovery is for each child to be able to read and write independently.  

This programme is delivered by specially trained Reading Recovery teachers. Dublin West Education Centre has a Reading Recovery Unit.  Two Teacher Leaders provide this specialised training which is accredited by the Institute of Education, London.  

The yearlong training involves 4 assessment training sessions and 18 in-service sessions in the centre.  Teachers in training receive 4 to 6 support visits in their schools by the Teacher Leaders.  Trained Reading Recovery teachers continue to receive ongoing CPD after the initial year of training.

Any school interested in Reading Recovery should contact
Vanessa Timon (vanessatimon@pdst.ie) or Sinéad Harmey (sineadharmey@pdst.ie)
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