Margaret O' Donnell

Dr Margaret O’ Donnell is a lecturer who has wide experience in the field of special education, teacher education, curriculum studies, assessment and educational policy and practice. She has held the post of Director, Curriculum and Assessment, with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) where primary responsibilities related to the production and redrafting of the Guidelines for Teachers of Students with General Learning Disabilities, the production of Guidelines for Teachers of the Exceptionally Able Student, developing a DVD for parents – The What, How and Why of your Child’s Learning and advising on all matters relating to equality of access to and participation in curriculum and assessment for pupils with special/additional learning needs. The area of teacher education has long been a topic of interest and study. Her Doctorate studies examined teacher efficacy – the extent to which teachers believe they are adequately prepared with the knowledge, skills and competencies to implement inclusive policies in practice. In addition, she has wide research experience, both at a personal and national level, gleaned through her own studies and through her involvement in major national commissioned research projects.