Teachers need evidence that promises to cut their workloads will make a real difference, the president of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has said.
Susan Quinn told delegates at the union’s annual general meeting in Perth that “over-bureaucratic systems” were developing around the planning and assessment of courses in the new curriculum.
She said: “We have heard reassuring messages from Mike Russell and those at Education Scotland in recent weeks around bureaucracy. But what teachers want to see is this being put into practice and making a real difference to their workload.
“What we really need is practical guidance to schools to move away from the hoops of red tape we currently have to a better way.
“For the evidence from our members is that if we don’t make progress in these areas then they are ready to take action.”
The EIS, which is Scotland’s biggest teaching union, launched a campaign last month calling for a reduction in workload. It warned that teachers were facing the twin challenges of implementing Curriculum for Excellence while financial cuts had reduced support for learning and teaching.
An online survey of almost 4,000 teachers found 81% felt the workload associated with CfE was either high or very high. Ms Quinn said the results showed there were “major concerns” and the union was committed to urging a reduction.
Education Secretary Mike Russell will address the annual meeting on Saturday.
Miss Quinn said: “I am hopeful that the cabinet secretary will celebrate the positives of Scottish education with us when he joins us on Saturday.
“But what I also hope he will share is how we can address the crucial issues for all teachers and lecturers in Scotland.
“How we can avoid teachers working till 68, meaning they are worn out and there are fewer jobs for those entering the profession? How we can balance the desire to have better qualified teachers with the reality of lower salary levels?
“How we can overcome a position where it is accepted teachers will use their own money to provide pencils, paper and books for pupils?”
During the three-day meeting, delegates will debate a motion proposed by the union’s Glasgow local association that calls for possible strike action unless workload issues associated with CfE are addressed.
The union also remains concerned about the implications of changes to the teachers’ pension scheme.
More than 90% of members taking part in a consultative ballot earlier in the year said they would be prepared to back industrial action.