Ronnie Smith, general secretary of the EIS teaching union, said the publication of the guidelines represented "an important milestone" in the process of implementing the curriculum.

BBC: Teachers schooled on curriculum

Ronnie Smith, general secretary of Scotland's largest teaching union, the EIS, said he was "well aware" of the issues raised in the survey, while pointing out that deprivation had a major impact on pupil performance.

BBC: Pupils 'not performing' in maths

Ronnie Smith, general secretary of Scotland's largest teaching union, the EIS, said the McCormac review had come at a time when "increasingly beleaguered" teachers were having to sacrifice some conditions while facing a pensions raid and a pay freeze.

BBC: McCormac review recommends more teacher flexibility