Shona Robison is taking questions from MSPs as she fills in for Humza Yousaf who is continuing his trip to America.
The First Minister is in New York this week to give a keynote speech at a Climate Week event ahead of COP28.
Robison, the deputy first minister, will take his place at FMQs.
It comes as Scotland faces the threat of mass school strikes.
COSLA bosses will meet with unions on Thursday to agree a last-minute pay offer, STV News understands.
Janitors, cleaners, caterers, classroom assistants and administrative staff are due to walk out in a series of strikes beginning on September 26 in a dispute over pay.