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The recommendations of the Donaldson review will create a new generation of professional and dedicated teachers, Skills Minister Angela Constance said today.
In the formal response to the review in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Constance accepted the recommendations and announced the formation of a partnership group to take the work forward.
Ms Constance said:
"Change is needed in teacher education in Scotland to build on our existing strengths and ensure that we get the best people into teaching and make sure they stay the best throughout their career.
"Two months ago the Scottish Government welcomed the publication of Graham Donaldson's review into teacher education, which maps out a sensible and comprehensive future for educating teachers and aspiring teachers.
"We fully accept Mr Donaldson's recommendations. But we are clearly not the only body that needs to do so to make the review findings a reality.
"That is why we are putting together a group to consider how the education sector as a whole can work together and implement these recommendations. The group will report back in a matter of months on how the work will be taken forward.
"I believe the Donaldson review will bring about significant improvements to teaching in Scotland. Our teaching profession is already very strong but these improvements to their education and professional development will see our teachers join the world's best."
Graham Donaldson, author of Teaching Scotland's Future added:
"I am delighted that the Scottish Government has responded so positively to my report. The response from all stakeholders has shown that there is an appetite within Scottish education to build on current practice and take radical action where necessary in order to ensure that we achieve the best outcomes for all our young people."
Professor Richard Edwards, Head of School of Education, University of Stirling and Chair of the Scottish Teacher Education Committee (STEC), said:
"No-one doubts the challenges we face in realising the ambitious agenda set out in the Donaldson Review of Teacher Education.
"However, it is only with such ambitions that we meet the aspirations of pupils, parents, employers and the wider society. STEC welcomes the partnership approach being taken in response to Donaldson and the central role of universities in building on existing strengths, toward a new system of career-long teacher education."
Leslie Manson President of the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) said:
"Teaching Scotland's Future is a crucial report for education and will greatly influence matters for the next decade. ADES is delighted to be invited to co-chair the National Partnership Group and we see both short term as well as long term opportunities for the teaching workforce from the post induction stage through to leadership preparation and development.
"Ultimately this will result in improved opportunities for our young people who will be the main beneficiaries of the implementation of Graham Donaldson's recommendations."
Key recommendations of the Teaching Scotland's Future (the Donaldson Review included:
Teachers should be encouraged to continue their own education towards a Masters degree, including masters level credits being built into continuing teacher development
Improved selection of students for teacher education courses including diagnostic testing of literacy and numeracy
Gradual phasing out of traditional BEd degrees, introducing studies not solely aimed at school teaching
Greater flexibility in how non-contact time is used by teachers
Using a network of 'hub' schools with an excellent reputation for placements to enhance teacher education
Increased quality assurance of all parts of teacher education though greater continuity and partnership within the sector
Enhanced continuous professional development throughout a teacher's career
In the formal response to the review in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Constance accepted the recommendations and announced the formation of a partnership group to take the work forward.
Ms Constance said:
"Change is needed in teacher education in Scotland to build on our existing strengths and ensure that we get the best people into teaching and make sure they stay the best throughout their career.
"Two months ago the Scottish Government welcomed the publication of Graham Donaldson's review into teacher education, which maps out a sensible and comprehensive future for educating teachers and aspiring teachers.
"We fully accept Mr Donaldson's recommendations. But we are clearly not the only body that needs to do so to make the review findings a reality.
"That is why we are putting together a group to consider how the education sector as a whole can work together and implement these recommendations. The group will report back in a matter of months on how the work will be taken forward.
"I believe the Donaldson review will bring about significant improvements to teaching in Scotland. Our teaching profession is already very strong but these improvements to their education and professional development will see our teachers join the world's best."
Graham Donaldson, author of Teaching Scotland's Future added:
"I am delighted that the Scottish Government has responded so positively to my report. The response from all stakeholders has shown that there is an appetite within Scottish education to build on current practice and take radical action where necessary in order to ensure that we achieve the best outcomes for all our young people."
Professor Richard Edwards, Head of School of Education, University of Stirling and Chair of the Scottish Teacher Education Committee (STEC), said:
"No-one doubts the challenges we face in realising the ambitious agenda set out in the Donaldson Review of Teacher Education.
"However, it is only with such ambitions that we meet the aspirations of pupils, parents, employers and the wider society. STEC welcomes the partnership approach being taken in response to Donaldson and the central role of universities in building on existing strengths, toward a new system of career-long teacher education."
Leslie Manson President of the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) said:
"Teaching Scotland's Future is a crucial report for education and will greatly influence matters for the next decade. ADES is delighted to be invited to co-chair the National Partnership Group and we see both short term as well as long term opportunities for the teaching workforce from the post induction stage through to leadership preparation and development.
"Ultimately this will result in improved opportunities for our young people who will be the main beneficiaries of the implementation of Graham Donaldson's recommendations."
Key recommendations of the Teaching Scotland's Future (the Donaldson Review included:
Teachers should be encouraged to continue their own education towards a Masters degree, including masters level credits being built into continuing teacher development
Improved selection of students for teacher education courses including diagnostic testing of literacy and numeracy
Gradual phasing out of traditional BEd degrees, introducing studies not solely aimed at school teaching
Greater flexibility in how non-contact time is used by teachers
Using a network of 'hub' schools with an excellent reputation for placements to enhance teacher education
Increased quality assurance of all parts of teacher education though greater continuity and partnership within the sector
Enhanced continuous professional development throughout a teacher's career