Education Scotland is responsible for the operation of the Scottish Continuing International Professional Development (SCIPD) programme for International Education.
Benefits for teaching and learning
In this context, SCIPD individual and group study visits widen teachers’ horizons by providing an opportunity for them to look closely at different approaches, reflect on their own practice, develop a global perspective and improve learning and teaching. Many visits fit in with the Scottish Government’s commitment to benchmark Scotland against international practice, particularly through the work of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Sharing experiences from study visits enables others to draw on the good practice for their own work and helps to compare Scottish education against international practices.
This principle also applies at a policy-making level, where international comparisons can provide us with a variety of data about policies, processes, systems and performance. We already engage in international surveys, for example PISA, and with many European and international bodies across the portfolio, from children’s wellbeing to higher and adult education.
International research, for example the OECD review of the quality and equity of schooling in Scotland, along with information sources such as the EU's Eurydice network, are valuable when comparing our education system and policy developments with those of other European countries.
Programme
The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring greater equity in access to, and participation in, the SCIPD programme for teachers and authorities across Scotland.
On an annual basis, Education Scotland will determine programme priorities following discussions with the Scottish Government, the Reference Group and other bodies.
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