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Helen Liddell disappointed by EIS decision
18/09/1998
Today's decision by the EIS Executive Council to ballot their members on a boycott of Higher Still brings uncertainty for pupils, parents and teachers throughout Scotland, according to Scottish Education Minister Helen Liddell.
Mrs Liddell said that any disruption of this important reform was in nobody's interest and emphasised the action she had taken and the package of measures put in place last week by the Government to address the concerns of teachers.
Mrs Liddell said:
"The decision by the EIS to ballot their members on a boycott of Higher Still is in nobody's best interest - not teachers, not parents and certainly not pupils.
"The Government has done much to address the concerns which teachers have put to us.
"Last year we postponed the implementation of Higher Still to August 1999 because we recognised that teachers were rightly worried about the timescale and we wanted to get this important reform right. Implementation of Higher Still is also being phased - only existing Higher courses need to be replaced by Higher Still by August 1999.
"Last week I announced a £24 million package of measures specifically aimed at addressing the concerns which the unions were raising with us. Eighteen million pounds will go towards helping classroom teachers. The funding will provide class cover to allow additional preparation time, whatever are the key local needs.
"The Government has gone a long way to meet the concerns of teachers.
"Two additional in-service days will give teachers extra time to prepare for Higher Still. Support materials are already arriving on teachers' desks. Teachers will be better supported than ever before. Now is the time to move ahead with Higher Still.
"The Government remains fully committed to the implementation of Higher Still from August 1999. Our young people are entitled to the benefits of the prospect of more passes and raised attainment against rigorous standards. Parents are entitled to have the uncertainty removed from their children's secondary education and young people the boost to their educational achievement that Higher Still will bring."
News Release: 1888/98
18 September 1998