Quality or survival?: the consultation document on the reform of initial teacher training for secondary education

Abstract

This critique of the recent government consultation document on initial teacher training is concerned with both curricular and managerial aspects of the proposed reforms. It is argued that the model of teaching, and of partnership with schools, put forward in the proposals, fails to grasp the complexity of the nature of teaching as an activity, and undermines the contribution that both schools and institutions of higher education could make to initial professional formation. The consultation document also fails to acknowledge the resource and other managerial implications of the proposals, including the potential impact on INSET provision and teacher supply. It is suggested that teachers and teacher educators pursue the key questions of quality, cost and control to redefine notions of ‘survival’ teaching and training that permeate the government's proposals.