Dundee’s teachers could take strike action if the city council fails to properly consult department heads about the planned rollout of new Higher exams.
The Courier has learned that a union leader has written to the council warning of industrial action if principals are not asked whether the new qualification should be implemented next year.
Last year education secretary Mike Russell conceded principal teachers can opt for the existing Higher exams in 2015, delaying implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence for some S5 pupils.
However, EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan insists nine local authorities have not properly consulted department heads and The Courier understands Dundee is among them.
Speaking to MSPs at Tuesday’s meeting of the education committee, Mr Flanagan said: “We have made clear that any local authorities where a unilateral decision on the new Higher is the directorate decision we would initially seek a professional grievance at school level and we would be prepared to escalate that to a dispute because we don’t think that’s acceptable.”
Minister for learning Dr Alastair Allan later told MSPs at the education committee that there is “no evidence of blanket decisions being taken”.
A spokeswoman for Dundee City Council said: “There was a consultation with head teachers.”
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