The NASUWT, the fastest growing teachers’ union in Scotland, is tomorrow (Saturday) holding a national conference to bring teachers from across Scotland together to discuss the National Improvement Framework and its implications for schools, pupils and teachers.

The Conference, which is being held in Edinburgh, will provide teachers with an opportunity to hear more about the Scottish Government’s proposals for schools, which include the introduction of standardised testing of pupils and measures around the professional development of teachers and school self-evaluation.

The Conference will be addressed by officials from the Scottish Government and Education Scotland.

Feedback from teachers will inform the Union’s ongoing discussions with ministers and employers over the implementation of the Framework.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:

“The National Improvement Framework and the proposals underpinning it will have significant implications for schools and pupils.

“It is critical that the voice of teachers is heard by the Scottish Government in taking these plans forward. This conference will offer teachers the opportunity to not only find out more about the plans, but to raise and discuss their issues.

“Likely to be of particular concern to teachers is the use to which the outcomes of the planned standardised tests will be put.

“Teachers will be looking to the First Minister to honour her commitment that this will not lead to the introduction of performance league tables for schools.”

Jane Peckham, NASUWT National Official Scotland, said:

“Excessive workload, resources and support to implement the plans contained within the National Improvement Framework will be high on teachers’ agenda.

“Teachers will want assurances that ongoing concern about a lack of resources and support from local authorities and national bodies which marred the implementation of the reforms to the curriculum and qualifications system will be not be repeated.”