AN advisory committee on teacher education has recommended that all graduate teachers in secondary schools be specially trained.
In the long term, all graduate teachers should possess a local post-graduate certificate in education (PGCE) or diploma in education, said committee chairman Professor Felice Lieh-Mak.
'People entering the profession should be familiar with local curriculum development and our students' needs,' she said.
The recommendation would markedly improve the quality of education in schools, as less than 70 per cent of graduate teachers were trained.
The requirement would be introduced by phases to ensure no disruption to the supply of graduate teachers.
By September 1, 1997, all holders of non-local degrees will require a local pre-service PGCE to become eligible for employment as graduate teachers. The same requirement would be extended to holders of local degrees by September 1, 2004.