In 2004, the Government committed to recruiting, training and supporting two cadres of HLTAs, specialising in secondary mathematics or science.
The TDA is committed to building capacity by 2008 to allow every secondary school that so wishes to be able to recruit an HLTA specialising in mathematics or science.
A TDA pilot project in 2005-06 explored the most effective ways of recruiting, training, employing and deploying mathematics and science HLTAs.
We have produced a research summary of the results of the pilot. This highlights the areas of work in which HLTAs can contribute and the increased confidence they gained through involvement with the pilot. It also covers a number of deployment issues.
Following the pilot, we aligned the mathematics and science specialisms with the existing HLTA programme. Trainees worked towards achieving HLTA status while simultaneously completing a year of academic study comprising subject knowledge and subject pedagogy (both theory and practice). The additional requirements for level 3 subject knowledge and level 4 pedagogy were dropped in recognition of the fact that these presented unnecessary barriers for candidates.
During 2007/08 funding was allocated to local authorities as grant funding with the aim of ensuring that at least 1,000 training and assessment placements are taken up by HLTA candidates working in a secondary mathematics or science context by March 2008. This figure was achieved by January 2008.
View a video describing the HLTA secondary science specialist role.
Regional providers of assessment (RPA) or local authority (LA) will have details of training in your area. Find your LA and RPA contact details.
Read popular questions and answers concerning the programme:
- recruitment
- candidate requirements
- training
- preparation and assessment
- continuing development
- roles and deployment
- funding
- networks
