ABSTRACT
In launching the recent Teacher Training Agency (TTA) strategy documents Mrs Gillian Shephard was quoted as saying ‘we can't afford to spend GEST funds on in-service training which does not lead directly to school improvement’ (Times Educational Supplement, 31 March 1995). The initiative currently being undertaken by the TTA began with a statement which emphasised the focus of GEST (Grant for Education Support and Training) spending and the possibility of targeting funds on particular priority areas, but again no mention is made of the variety of approaches to the delivery of staff development or in-service training (INSET). What I believe the TTA should be interested in is the matter of the nature and quality of provision rather than what that provision is focused upon.
