SSC Pathway to Competence CPD Course for Teachers of Children and Young People who are Deaf or Visually Impaired

Introduction:
This course is a completion certificate that demonstrates that a teacher has matched the set of competences advised in the Scottish Government guidelines relating to The Requirements for Teachers (Scotland) Regulations 2005(SS1 2005/355).

This course is for all those working with children and young people who are sensory impaired. This is not a taught course; teachers will fulfil the learning outcomes through work-based learning, professional visits and by referring to relevant readings and other sources of reference.

The maximum time allowed to complete the course is 5 years. (Teachers who work wholly or mainly with hearing impaired or visually impaired learners are expected to demonstrate an appropriate qualification within 5 years of taking up post, not from the start date of this course.) Applicants may be accepted subject to availability of places but thereafter applicants will be added to a waiting list for the next intake.

The pathway to competence CPD course is a completion certificate and may be eligible to apply for accreditation of prior learning (APL) towards a formal programme of study; the assignment and any professional experiences that are evidenced to support this claim would be required to be undertaken at postgraduate level.

Content: This course offers an evaluation framework that provides teachers with the opportunity to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding that is required to support the needs of the pupils that they support.

Teachers must be currently registered with the GTCS (as defined in Regulation 4 of The Requirements for Teachers (Scotland) Regulations 2005). All participants must have access to relevant pupils.

The course has four main components:

  1. Professional Development Portfolio with evidence of competences.
  2. Evidence of placements.
  3. Observational visit(s).
  4. Written Assignment.

Teachers may complete the whole competences course comprising seven areas of competence:

  1. Assessment
  2. Multi-Agency Working
  3. Language and Communication
  4. Medical/disability related knowledge
  5. Specialised technology
  6. Specific legislative policy
  7. Teaching and Learning.

Teachers may prefer to complete one or more section(s). Each section of competences has been further divided into elements. A minimum of 5 elements must be selected.

Assessment:
Teachers will be required to present a portfolio and accompanying commentary outlining each of the pieces of evidence used to substantiate their claim.

To ensure an adequate breadth of experience it is necessary for teachers to demonstrate their acquisition of knowledge, understanding and skills in contexts other than with the children and young people they normally support. Time for this is negotiable with the teacher’s line manager but a minimum of two FTE days.

The teacher will be entitled to two placement visits from a suitably qualified person (recognised by the SSC/University of Edinburgh). Teachers will receive formative feedback.

A written assignment demonstrating the role and responsibilities of a Teacher of the Deaf/Visually Impaired within the teacher’s own context (2000 words) must be submitted.

During the second placement visit the submission date for the portfolio and written assignment will be agreed. (This will usually take place the term before the teacher intends to submit.)

Assessment criteria:
A suitably qualified person will assess the assignment and portfolio. The submission will be moderated following the SSC/University of Edinburgh procedures. Both pieces of work will be assessed individually. A satisfactory or unsatisfactory result will be awarded. If an unsatisfactory result is awarded the teacher will have the opportunity to resubmit, within a three-month period.

The teacher will receive a Pathway to Competence CPD Course Certificate if both pieces of work are satisfactory.

Starting Dates:
The course will have two starting dates each year in September and March if places are available. Teachers will have 5 years, from the start date to complete the course including the submission of the portfolio and written assignment.

Course Costs:
The fee includes:

NB: The course fee is not refundable.

Application Form:
There is a downloadable form in MS Word format and pdf at the top left of this page. These can be posted or emailed to the SSC.

Applications will be acknowledged by email or postcard. The decision regarding acceptance onto the course rests with the Course Tutor. When a place is confirmed an invoice will be raised and sent to the person/service nominated on the application form. Also, at this time, confirmation of introductory session will be confirmed.

Submission dates for applications:
Applications for a October intake should be received no later than the third Friday in September and, for the following March intake, it will be the third Friday in February each year.