At last, education chiefs have recognised computer education in schools is hopelessly out of date.

Information communication technology (ICT) teachers are expected to stay in touch with and teach the latest technology but they are paid less than a low-level computer technician.

Head teachers, directly responsible for the way teaching is carried out in their schools, are often accused of being out of touch with reality.

All that is set to change this week as the International Curriculum and Assessment Agency (ICAA) announces a new scheme which will enable schools to develop a "visionary strategy" for ICT and ensure its use becomes a fundamental part of their approach to education.

This is the first scheme of its kind to provide heads of department and head teachers with the skills to maximise the potential of ICT throughout the whole curriculum, focusing specifically on their leadership and management skills.

The initiative, Managing Schools of the Future with ICT, could herald a new approach to teacher training and encourage collaboration between schools and teachers.

Chief executive Ben Kelsey said: "The New Opportunities' Fund (NOF) has helped many schools embrace ICT and we have developed this new initiative to build on its success.

"We believe there is now a growing need to take a strategic approach to drive the use of ICT even further and ensure it becomes a vital part of teaching, learning and management within a school."

The initiative goes a long way beyond providing a simple training course. The ICAA will work in close partnership with schools to assess their needs and goals and develop a plan to ensure ICT is successfully integrated into all aspects of learning.

The ICAA already uses this approach to help schools develop more effective learning programmes using ICT in its highly-successful NOF training programme.

Mr Kelsey said: "The British Educational and Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA) strongly believes that ICT is key to improving the quality of teaching, learning and management within a schools."

Quite right, Mr Kelsey. The Government has made considerable investments in its national grid for learning and in advancing ICT skills in the classroom but independent research has shown many teachers are still not confident about using ICT.

It is now time to teach the teachers and help schools face the challenge of creat-

ing a successful long-term strategy.

At first glance, the new IACC programme looks like an excellent idea. It will use a combination of consultancy, face-to-face instruction and computer-based learning to help head teachers and heads of department develop the requisite skills to do their jobs properly.

Professional development of this nature tends to be rare for these groups. It will help enhance strategic thinking, management, planning and implementation skills.

As well as providing support by telephone, the ICAA will offer an online mentoring service, so school leaders also have easy access to a consultant. It will also offer private tuition to teachers who need support with personal IT skills.

There is no provision for a more appropriate level of pay for hard working IT teachers but I suspect appreciation of their special skills and respect for their knowledge will increase as a result of these new measures. I just hope it is enough to retain their services.

www.icaa.com