Government Agencies
National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics
The £15m three-year government programme to drive the centre will be formally launched in June 2006, the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics will be a virtual centre with a web portal to support activities, along with resources at regional and local level.
Department for Education and Skills
The Department for Education and Skills web site provides links to and information on the vast range of areas of responsibility for this government department. These include school performance, research and statistics, curriculum online, training, school education, childcare, adult education, higher education, learning and skills, and funding, new school initiatives, and the numeracy and literacy strategies.
Key Stage 3 National Strategy
The The Key Stage 3 National Strategy ITT team of Regional Directors (RDs) provide briefings, materials and resources to all ITT providers through regional network meetings and newsletters. Their aim is to ensure all providers are well informed about Strategy developments. Elaine Judd is the ITT RD for mathematics and Caroline Dodgson is the Operations Co-ordinator.
Their aim is to ensure all providers are well informed about Strategy developments particularly in mathematics. If you would like support on the development of the Key Stage 3 Mathematics Strategy within your courses you should contact Elaine Judd (01453 824128 or 07919 331110). For queries concerning Strategy resources, network meetings and general administrative matters contact Caroline Dodgson (0118 9021025).
Office for Standards in Education
The Office for Standards in Education is a non-ministerial government department who main aim is to help improve the quality and standards of education and childcare through independent inspection and regulation, and provide advice to the Secretary of State. They also undertake reviews of local education authorities, inspect initial teacher training course, the private, voluntary and independent nursery sector, independent schools and service children’s education and report on LEA-funded youth services. They also report on the impact of government initiatives such as education action zones and the national numeracy and literacy strategies as well as inspecting post-16 education and training provision. Their web site includes detailed information on inspection procedures and copies of inspection frameworks as well as copies of all published inspection reports.
Department of Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DELLS)
The Department of Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DELLS) is a Policy Department of the Welsh Assembly Government, with responsibility for: Education and Training, Skills and Youth Services, Careers Information, Advice and Guidance, and Children and Young People.
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Education and Skills. It maintains and develops the National Curriculum and associated assessments, tests and examinations. It also accredits and monitors qualifications in colleges and at work. Its website has useful material in a range of areas including Key Stage assessments, inclusion and Assessment for Learning.
Training and Development Agency For Schools
The Training and Development Agency For Schools is the government body responsible for the recruitment and retention of teachers, and other matters relating to teacher education, in England and Wales. The Effective Practices and Research Dissemination team is developing services for the Initial Teacher Training community to record and disseminate the knowledge that exists within ITT, to facilitate the shaping of effective practices and to provide exemplification and support in key areas.