Institute also warns against the adoption of the 'Teach First' style of recruitment used in schools in England

THE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SCOTLAND (EIS) has expressed its concern about the possible introduction of free schools in Scotland after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon failed to rule it out in a recent documentary.

Common Weal director Robin McAlpine questions how much unions are representing the wider interests of the people

HOW would my friends in the trade unions respond to me taking the following position:

"I support independence. One of the biggest barriers to independence is the opposition of the Labour party and its networks. The Trade Union Bill will seriously weaken the Labour party and its networks. And since self interest comes before consideration of right and wrong, I support the Trade Union Bill."

Five schools shut as West Dunbartonshire teachers go on strike

TEACHERS at all five of West Dunbartonshire secondary schools have gone on strike in protest over a 'restructuring' which the EIS union said would damage the quality of education on offer in the region.

Picket lines were set up this morning [12 January] as the one-day strike began. Teachers will also work to contract from Wednesday.

EIS union says that new testing regime "not the answer" to the attainment gap

SCOTLAND'S LARGEST teaching union Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has said that the re-introduction of standardised testing is a "damaging, retrograde step".

The union said it shared the government's ambition of closing the 'attainment gap', the difference between the educational achievement of better off and poorer students, but said that standardised testing would not help in that endeavour.

First Minister announces return to standardised testing in primary schools and early years at secondary School

FIRST MINISTER Nicola Sturgeon has announced that the Scottish Government will reintroduce standardised testing for primary Schools and in the first years of secondary school.

The measure was announced as part of the Scottish Government's programme for government for 2015-2016.