Friday, July 6, 2012

Student HIV scare reignites teacher training concerns

Student HIV scare reignites teacher training concerns

A student looks through a microscope

Tasmania's opposition parties say some schools have under qualified science teachers. (ABC News)

Tasmania's Education Department says it is working to increase specialist science teachers in the state.

A health scare sparked by a school science experiment has reignited concerns about teacher training levels.

Eighteen students from Dover District High School in southern Tasmania risked exposure to blood borne diseases, when their teacher used a single lancet to take their blood.

The Department has since sent letters home to parents urging them to have the children tested for HIV, and hepatitis B and C.

While the teacher's training background has not been revealed, the Opposition parties say some schools have under qualified science teachers.

Education Minister Lin Thorp says there will be an independent study into teacher profiles that will show where the gaps are.

Ms Thorp says measures are already in place to increase science teacher numbers, including incentives for science graduates who move into teaching.

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