Letters: Teacher training needs framework

Sir: Earl Russell (Letters, 15 June) is quite right in one respect. The Government would not attempt to tell a surgeon when to operate. What the Government does expect is that publicly funded medical training should teach him how to carry out a range of operations.

The same must be true for teachers: that is why Gillian Shephard has announced the introduction of tighter rules for the training of primary teachers in English and mathematics and the longer-term aim of a professional framework for all teacher training.

The purpose is not to prescribe when different teaching techniques should be used, but to ensure that all teachers know how to use the most effective ones.

Surely the noble Earl would not disagree that a wide range of proven professional skills is important in any profession?

ROBIN SQUIRE

Parliamentary Under-Secretary

of State

Department for Education

and Employment

London SW1