22/06/2012
In a first for a Scottish Parliament committee, the Education and Culture Committee will mark the end of the first year of this Parliament by getting an in-depth ‘progress report’ from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.
Committee Convener Stewart Maxwell MSP said:
“Over the last few months, our committee has heard from a range of expert witnesses on key topics affecting the education and life chances of children and young people in Scotland today. We have taken evidence on issues such as additional support for learning, early years, attainment and, of course, the curriculum for excellence.
“By inviting the Cabinet Secretary to respond before the summer recess we are reflecting issues of key concern to children, parents and education professionals across the country. This is a chance to get immediate answers to the questions raised by witnesses, and our committee, during our evidence sessions.”
Background
The committee will take oral evidence from Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, on Tuesday 26 June.
The committee has held dedicated evidence sessions on the following topics:
- Early Years
- Additional Support for Learning
- Attainment
- The provision of children’s services by the third/voluntary sectors on behalf of local government and other public bodies
- School Buildings
- Curriculum for Excellence
A wide range of witnesses provided evidence including the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, the National Parent Forum of Scotland, academics and ENABLE Scotland.
Issues raised during these sessions include: secondary schools’ preparedness for implementing the Curriculum for Excellence; how attainment levels in Scotland’s schools can be improved; the variation of support across the country for children with additional support needs; and the cost of upgrading Scotland’s school estate.