The dispute: What the action could involve

A BOYCOTT of developments surrounding the Curriculum for Excellence could only take place after a ballot of the membership of the EIS.

This is because a boycott would constitute a refusal of work and, therefore, is a form of industrial action.

It would not mean refusing to teach the Curriculum for Excellence, as that was introduced into all schools last August and is already being taught.

However, it could mean, if it was approved by EIS members, that teachers could refuse to carry out any new initiatives.

It is difficult to establish exactly what that would mean as these are future initiatives which have not yet been put forward, but could see teachers refusing to teach new materials, courses or even qualifications.

In theory, it could mean teachers not teaching the new National 4 and 5 qualifications, which are due to replace the discredited Standard Grade and Intermediate courses.

However, as they are not set to be introduced until the session beginning 2013-14, it would appear unlikely that any proposed boycott would last for two years.

It could also see teachers ignoring any new instructions or guidance from council education directors on how or what to teach, or even from central government.