TEACHERS of deaf children in Scotland must learn sign language better in order to handle complex lessons, according to MSPs.
A report issued yesterday found some professionals are less qualified in British Sign Language (BSL) than the pupils they are supposed to be educating.
Currently those wishing to teach deaf youngsters can enter the classroom with only the basic level one BSL qualification.
However, the report, by Holyrood’s Education and Culture Committee said this is “not sufficient for teaching complex concepts and subjects” and the minimum achievement level must be raised in the enactment of the British Sign Language
(Scotland) Bill.
The legislation will force public authorities to improve access to information in BSL, as well as promoting its use and understanding.
The Scottish Government will publish its first national plan on the matter by May 2017.
Estimates suggest more than a million Scots have some degree of hearing loss, including 57,000 with profound deafness.
Around 6,000 of this group count BSL as their first or preferred language, and around 3,000 children and young people under the age of 25 are thought to have severe to profound deafness.
There are currently around 80 teachers of the deaf (ToD) in Scotland, with 58 qualified teachers of children with visual impairment (QTVI).
The report said work should be carried out to determine if more are needed and called on ministers to consider incentivising professionals to enter these fields. Scottish Government data shows pupils with sight or hearing impairments achieve fewer qualifications than others.
Learning minister Alasdair Allan conceded there is “significant room for improvement” and Education Scotland said it would “challenge authorities further” on increasing inclusiveness.
However, the report found “basic technological failures” mean some pupils are unable to access learning materials or use their assistive technologies in school and a lack of statutory acoustic standards in schools may hold some learners back.
Committee convener Stewart Maxwell said: “It has become clear to us that education for pupils with a sensory impairment needs to be improved.
“Whilst there is some fantastic work going on in some areas of Scotland. for many this is not the case.
“Proper support is needed for those pupils in mainstream schools. For example, it is simply unacceptable that there are occasions when basic technological failures mean pupils are unable to access learning materials.
“But more than this, there needs be a greater understanding of what is needed for each child to ensure they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The Scottish Government said: “We agree that all children and young people with sensory impairments should receive the support they need to reach their full potential and thank the committee for the time given to this important topic.
“Their considerations have been wide-ranging and thought provoking and we will consider them fully before responding to the report recommendations.”
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