An Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta,
Rannog Oideachais Muinteoiri,
Bloc 2, Urlár1,
Sráid Maoilbhríde,
Baile Átha Cliath 1.
Department of Education and Science,
Teacher Education Section,
Block 2, Floor 1,
Marlborough Street,
Dublin1.
Circular 0052/2008
Online Certificate/Diploma in Education (Special/ Inclusive Education) 2008/2009
TO:
THE AUTHORITIES OF PRIMARY AND POST-PRIMARY SCHOOLS
1. The Programme 2008
The Special Education Department of St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, and the Institute of Child Education and
Psychology, Europe (ICEP), will jointly offer an online Certificate/Diploma in Education (Special/Inclusive
Education), to teachers at primary and post-primary level who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in the area
of Special/Inclusive Education.
The programme is part-funded by the Teacher Education Section of the Department of Education and Science
(DES) under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013.
A total of 150 places will be available in the year 2008-2009 to be allocated through two intakes, September 2008
(75 places), January 2009 (75 places). Please note on the application that you are requested to indicate which
intake you are applying for. Places will be allocated equally between primary and post-primary teachers. These
numbers are subject to change depending on demand.
2. Aim and Content
The aim of the programme is to develop teachers’ knowledge and skills in working with pupils with special and
additional learning needs in mainstream classrooms.
On completion, a qualification of Certificate/Diploma in Education will be awarded by Dublin City University.
Participants will be assessed on the basis of participation in the online teaching/learning environment, the
completion of tasks and a written assignment (2,500-3,000 words) per module. Further details may be obtained
from (01) 8842025 E-mail: admissions.office@spd.dcu.ie
Tá cistiú á dhéanamh ar Oideachais Múinteoirí ag an Roinn
Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013
Teacher Education is funded by the Department of Education
& Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013
3. Duration and organisation
The programme is delivered in a modular format using a blend of online and distance learning technologies and
pedagogies. Methodologies will include, for example, LiveClassroom™, Forum Activities, Webcasting, Video and/or
Audio Streaming and slide presentation. The duration is flexible to suit the needs of individual participants. The
Certificate consists of four taught modules and must be completed within 3 years from first registration The Diploma
requires an additional module, unassessed, on research methods and a dissertation of 7,500/8,000 words, on an
agreed topic, which must be completed within 4 years from first registration.
The structure of the course permits students to complete a maximum of three modules per year. The foundation
module, which is mandatory for all students, focuses on inclusive educational policy and practice. Upon successful
completion of this module participants will choose from a range of modules focusing on different aspects of special
educational needs including: Mild General Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Autistic Spectrum Disorders and
Challenging Behaviour.
Please note that successful completion of this programme will not result in any entitlement to additional
remuneration from the Department of Education and Science.
4. Registration
Registration for this programme, of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), recognised by the Department of
Education and Science (DES), will commence in September 2008.
Successful applicants will be required to attend at a chosen venue (to be notified) for registration and general
introduction to the course content and procedures.
5. Eligibility
Applicants should be currently employed in the Irish Education System
(a)
Primary:
Please note that all teachers must be registered in accordance with Section 31 of the Teaching Council
Act, 2001. Please see Department of Education & Science Circulars: 0085/2007, 0086/2007 & 0087/2007.
Applicants should have satisfactorily completed their probationary period. They must have recognised teaching
qualifications in accordance with Circular 140/2006
(b)
Post primary
Please note that all teachers must be registered in accordance with Section 31 of the Teaching Council
Act, 2001. Please see Department of Education & Science Circulars: 0085/2007, 0086/2007 & 0087/2007.
Applicants must be qualified teachers. While all applicants will be considered, priority will be given to class teachers.
Tá cistiú á dhéanamh ar Oideachais Múinteoirí ag an Roinn
Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013
Teacher Education is funded by the Department of Education
& Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013
6. Programme Requirements
In order to participate in the programme, teachers will need access to a computer, with headset and microphone,
and internet access. Broadband access is strongly recommended. Familiarity with the internet and email is an
expected requirement.
7. Applications and Selection
An Application Form accompanies this Circular for completion by teachers interested in and eligible to participate in
the programme.
Important
Eligible teachers supported by their school authorities who wish to be considered for admission to the Programme
should send their applications to The Programme Director, Joint online Certificate/Diploma in Education,
Admissions, St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 to be received not later than 5pm on 05th June 2008.
Phone: (01) 884 2197, E-mail address: courseinfo@spd.dcu.ie . All applications must be accompanied by a
non-returnable administration fee of €25 (payable by postal order or cheque). Applicants are advised that
they should retain evidence of postage.
8. Funding
Part funding for the programme is provided by the Teacher Education Section of the Department of Education and
Science under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013, as follows:
There will be a fee of €925 per module. The Department of Education and Science will pay 60% of the applicant’s
programme fees (i.e. €555 per module) up to a maximum of 5 modules per applicant. Individual applicants will be
responsible for 40% of their fees (i.e. €370 per module up to a maximum of 5 modules and a project and for 100%
of fees for any additional modules.)
The DES will not provide Travel and Subsistence for attendance at the registration and induction day or any face to
face elements of the course. As participants will not be required to be absent from school, the provision of substitute
cover or of extra personal vacation (EPV) days will not be necessary.
9. Master’s Programme
This inservice programme Certificate in Education (Special/Inclusive Education) amounts to 20 credits on the
European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and the Diploma in Education (Special/Inclusive Education) amounts to
30 ECTS at Level 9 on the National Qualifications Framework. These credits may be taken towards a Master’s in
Education Degree in St Patrick’s College, subject to certain conditions, including the attainment of a sufficiently high
standard in the Diploma and the availability of places on the Master’s in Education Programme.
Alan Wall
Principal Officer
April 2008
Download Application form (File Format Word 140 KB)
Tá cistiú á dhéanamh ar Oideachais Múinteoirí ag an Roinn
Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013
Teacher Education is funded by the Department of Education
& Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013
An Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta,
Rannog Oideachais Muinteoiri,
Bloc 2, Urlár1,
Sráid Maoilbhríde,
Baile Átha Cliath 1.
Department of Education and Science,
Teacher Education Section,
Block 2, Floor 1,
Marlborough Street,
Dublin1.
Circular 0052/2008
ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE, DRUMCONDRA/COLÁISTE PHÁDRAIG, DROIM CONRACH
(Coláiste de chuid Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath)
APPLICATION FORM FOR ADMISSION TO
Online Certificate/Diploma in Education (Special/ Inclusive Education) 2008/2009
Please complete this form and return together with a €25 administration fee (payable by
postal order or cheque) to
On-Line Certificate/Diploma in Education, Admissions Office, St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra,
Dublin 9,
on or before 5pm on June 5th. Phone: (01) 8842025
E-mail address: admissions.office@spd.dcu.ie
Tá cistiú á dhéanamh ar Oideachais Múinteoirí ag an Roinn
Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013
Teacher Education is funded by the Department of Education
& Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013
1.
Personal Details
Name: ______________________________________ School Name: _________________________________
Home Address: _______________________________ School Address: ________________________________
____________________________________________ ______________________________________________
____________________________________________ ______________________________________________
____________________________________________ ______________________________________________
Home Ph: ___________________________________
School Roll No: _________________________________
Mobile: _____________________________________
School Phone: ______________ Fax: _______________
Personal e-mail: _______________________________ School e-mail: __________________________________
Teacher No: __________________________________ Principal: ______________________________________
Year of probation ______________________________
Are you a registered teacher with the Teaching Council?
Yes
No
Conditional
2. Current Teaching Position
2 (a) Please tick which of the following best describes the teaching position you will hold in 2008/2009:
Class teacher in a mainstream primary school
Subject teacher in a mainstream second level school (specify which subject)
_______________________
* Resource teacher for pupils with special educational needs (SEN)
(circulars 8/99, 8/02) in a mainstream school(s) (please state number of schools)
Special class teacher in a mainstream school
Other (please Specify)
2 (b)
Please state the number of pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) whom you are currently teaching______
How many of these pupils have High Incidence SEN: __________
How many of these pupils have Low Incidence SEN:__________
Please see Appendix 1: Low Incidence Special Educational Needs (DES circular 02/05) and Appendix 2: High incidence
Tá cistiú á dhéanamh ar Oideachais Múinteoirí ag an Roinn
Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013
Teacher Education is funded by the Department of Education
& Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013
Special Educational Needs (DES circular 8/02).
2 (c)
Please tick which of the following best describes your current Employment Status:
Permanent

Contract of Indefinite Duration (CID)

Fixed Term Contract

Other, please specify: _________________________________________
If employed in a part time capacity, for how many hours are you employed? ________________________
If other, please specify
_____________________
If employed in a part time capacity, for how many hours are you employed per week_____________________
2 (d)
2(e)
Please state:

Your total number of years teaching
_________________________________

Number of years teaching in your present school
_________________________________
Please indicate when you would like to commence: September 2008
January 2009
3 .Professional or other qualifications held
College, University
or other Awarding
Body
Dates of attendance
and whether fulltime or part-time
Degree or other
Qualifications
obtained/to be
obtained
Tá cistiú á dhéanamh ar Oideachais Múinteoirí ag an Roinn
Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013
Grade
/Class
(if
any)
Subject(s)
Date of
Award
Teacher Education is funded by the Department of Education
& Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013
4.
Previous Professional Development
Name & Dates of
Professional
Development Course
Duration
Grade/
Class
(if any)
Subject(s)
Date of
Award
Accrediting Body
No interviews will be held for places on this Certificate/ Diploma in Education. In the event of the course being oversubscribed, places may be allocated by lottery.
I have read the description of the programme of continuing professional development as set out in Circular 0052/2008 and I
agree to fulfil the necessary conditions of participation in the Certificate/ Diploma in Education for which I am making
application. I certify that all the information given on this form is correct and if admitted to the programme, I undertake to
observe all the rules and regulations of St. Patrick’s College, Dublin.
SIGNED:
___________________________________
DATE:
__________________________
For completion by school authorities
I confirm that the information in this application form is correct.
SIGNED:
_______________________________________________________________________
(Principal)
DATE:
_______________________________________________________________________
COUNTER SIGNED:
_______________________________________________________________________
(Chairperson, Board of Management, Director/Manager/Chief Executive Officer/)
DATE:
_______________________________________________________________________
Please complete this form and return together with the €25 administration fee to
Online Certificate/Diploma in Education (Special/ Inclusive Education) Admissions Office, St.
Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9,
on or before 5pm on Thursday June 5th 2008. Phone: (01) 884 2025;
E-mail address: admissions.office@spd.dcu.ie
Tá cistiú á dhéanamh ar Oideachais Múinteoirí ag an Roinn
Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013
Teacher Education is funded by the Department of Education
& Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013
APPENDIX 1 – SP.ED 02/05
Physical disability
Such pupils have permanent or protracted disabilities arising from such conditions as congenital deformities, spina bifida,
dyspraxia, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, brittle bones, or severe accidental injury. Because of the impairment of their
physical function they require special additional intervention and support if they are to have available to them a level and
quality of education appropriate to their needs and abilities.
Many require the use of a wheelchair, mobility or seating aid, or other technological support.
They may suffer from a lack of muscular control and co-ordination and may have difficulties in communication, particularly in
oral articulation, as for example severe dyspraxia.
Pupils with a physical disability who have learning difficulties arising from the disability may need resource teaching where
there are consequent significant learning difficulties. Others may need assistive technology only.
Hearing impairment
Such pupils have a hearing disability that is so serious to impair significantly their capacity to hear and understand human
speech, thus preventing them from participating fully in classroom interaction and from benefiting adequately from school
instruction. The great majority of them have been prescribed hearing aids and are availing of the services of a Visiting
Teacher. (This category is not intended to include pupils with mild hearing loss.)
Schools that have a pupil who has been assessed as having hearing impairment and no other assessed disability, may be
allocated a maximum of 4 hours teaching support per week from a resource teacher, or from a visiting teacher and resource
teacher combined.
Where a pupil with a hearing impairment also meets the criterion for another low-incidence disability category, provision is
allocated as for multiple disabilities.
Visual impairment
Such pupils have a visual disability which is so serious as to impair significantly their capacity to see, thus interfering with
their capacity to perceive visually presented materials, such as pictures, diagrams, and the written word. Some will have
been diagnosed as suffering from such conditions, such as congenital blindness, cataracts, albinism and retinitis
pigmentosa. Most require the use of low-vision aids and are availing of the services of a Visiting Teacher. (This category
is not intended to include those pupils whose visual difficulties are satisfactorily corrected by the wearing of
spectacles and/or contact lenses.)
Schools that have a pupil who has been assessed as having a visual impairment, and no other assessed disability, may be
allocated a maximum of 3.5 hours teaching support per week from a resource teacher, or from a visiting teacher and
resource teacher combined.
Where a pupil with a visual impairment also meets the criterion for another low-incidence disability category, provision is
allocated as for multiple disabilities.
Emotional disturbance and/or behaviour problems
Such pupils are being treated by a psychiatrist or psychologist for such conditions as neurosis, childhood psychosis,
hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and conduct disorders that are significantly
Tá cistiú á dhéanamh ar Oideachais Múinteoirí ag an Roinn
Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013
Teacher Education is funded by the Department of Education
& Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013
impairing their socialisation and/or learning in school. (This category is not intended to include pupils whose conduct
or behavioural difficulties can be dealt with in accordance with agreed procedures on discipline.)
Some pupils in this category may need resource teaching support. Care support from a special needs assistant may be
required where a pupil’s behaviour is a danger to himself or others or where it seriously interferes with the learning
opportunities of other pupils. In certain circumstances, some pupils may require both supports.
Moderate general learning disability
Such pupils have been assessed by a psychologist as having a moderate general learning disability.
A maximum allocation of 3.5 hours teaching support per week from a resource teacher may be made to schools in respect
of each pupil assessed as having a moderate general learning disability (the pupils full-scale IQ score will have been
assessed in the range 35 – 49).
Severe or profound general learning disability
Such pupils have been assessed by a psychologist as having a severe or profound general learning disability. In addition,
such pupils may have physical disabilities.
Five hours teaching support per week from a resource teacher may be made to schools in respect of each pupil with a
severe/profound general learning disability (the pupil's full-scale IQ score will have been assessed as being below 35).
Autism/autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)
A psychiatrist or psychologist will have assessed and classified such pupils as having autism or autistic spectrum disorder
according to DSM–IV or ICD–10 criteria.
In the interest of the pupil with an ASD and in order that the needs of the pupil are adequately addressed, it is important,
where feasible, that for a definitive assessment of ASD, a multi-disciplinary assessment team should be involved. The need
for a multi-disciplinary assessment is also in keeping with the policy of the National Educational Psychological Service
(NEPS).
A maximum allocation of 5 hours teaching support per week from a resource teacher may be made to schools in respect of
each pupil assessed as having ASD.
Pupils with special educational needs arising from an assessed syndrome
The level of additional support to be provided for pupils who present with a particular syndrome e.g. Down syndrome,
William’s syndrome and Tourette’s syndrome will be determined following consideration of psychological or other specialist
reports which describes the nature and degree of the pupils special educational needs.
Where a pupil with an assessed syndrome has a general learning disability, resource teaching support will be allocated to
schools in line with hours allocated to pupils assessed as being within the same IQ band (moderate/severe/profound GLD).
Where a pupil with an assessed syndrome has any of the other low-incidence disabilities, resource teaching support will be
allocated on that basis.
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Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013
Teacher Education is funded by the Department of Education
& Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013
Specific speech and language disorder
Such pupils should meet each of the following criteria:









The pupil has been assessed by a psychologist on a standardised test of intelligence that places non verbal or
performance ability within the average range or above.
The pupil has been assessed by a speech therapist on a standardised test of language development that places
performance in one or more of the main areas of speech and language development at two standard deviations or more
below the mean, or at a generally equivalent level.
The pupil’s difficulties are not attributable to hearing impairment; where the pupil is affected to some degree by hearing
impairment, the hearing threshold for the speech-related frequencies should be 40Db;
Emotional and behavioural disorders or a physical disability are not considered to be primary causes.
Pupils with speech and language delays and difficulties are not to be considered under this category.
In the case of specific speech and language disorder it is a pupil's non-verbal or performance ability that must be
within the average range or above. (i.e. non-verbal or performance IQ of 90, or above).
The pupil must also have been assessed by a speech and language therapist and found to be at two or more standard
deviations (S.D.) below the mean, or at a generally equivalent level (i.e. - 2 S.D. or below, at or below a standard score
of 70) in one or more of the main areas of speech and language development.
Two assessments, a psychological assessment and a speech and language assessment are necessary in this case.
A maximum allocation of 4 hours teaching support per week from a resource teacher may be made to schools in
respect of each pupil assessed as having specific speech and language disorder.
Multiple disabilities
Pupils assessed with multiple disabilities meet the criteria for two or more of the disabilities described above. A maximum
allocation of five hours teaching support per week from a resource teacher may be made to schools in respect of each pupil
assessed as having multiple disabilities
Learning Support
The general allocation model provides additional teaching resources to assist schools in making appropriate provision for:
Pupils who are eligible for learning support teaching: In determining eligibility for learning support teaching, priority should
be given to pupils whose achievement is at or below the 10th percentile on standardised tests of reading or mathematics
Pupils with learning difficulties, including pupils with mild speech and language difficulties, pupils with mild social or
emotional difficulties and pupils with mild coordination or attention control difficulties associated with identified conditions
such as dyspraxia, ADD, ADHD.
Tá cistiú á dhéanamh ar Oideachais Múinteoirí ag an Roinn
Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013
Teacher Education is funded by the Department of Education
& Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013
APPENDIX 2- SP ED 08/02
Borderline Mild General Learning Disability
Such children have been assessed by a psychologist as having a borderline mild general learning disability. A psychologist
may recommend such children for additional teaching support or special class placement on account of a special learning
problem such as:
• Mild emotional disturbance associated with persistent failure in the ordinary class (disruptive behaviour on its own,
however, would not constitute grounds for special class placement or additional teaching support);
• Immature social behaviour;
• Poor level of language development in relation to overall intellectual level. A recommendation to place such a child in a
special class or to allocate additional teaching resources to support a school in catering for his/her needs should take into
account the extent to which the child is making progress in his/her present learning environment and the other existing
support available to the child in his/her school.
Mild General Learning Disability
Such children have been assessed by a psychologist as having a mild general learning disability.
Specific Learning Disability
Such children have been assessed by a psychologist as:
1. Being of average intelligence or higher; and
2. Having a degree of learning disability specific to basic skills in reading, writing or mathematics which places them at or
below the 2nd percentile on suitable, standardised, norm-referenced tests.
Children who do not meet these criteria and, who in the opinion of the psychologist, have a specific learning disability are
more properly the responsibility of the remedial teacher 1 and/or the class teacher.
1
This circular should be interpreted in accordance with the terms of circular 02/07
Tá cistiú á dhéanamh ar Oideachais Múinteoirí ag an Roinn
Oideachais agus Eolaíochta faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007-2013
Teacher Education is funded by the Department of Education
& Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013