John Swinney says coronavirus cases need to decline in 'emphatic fashion over a sustained period' before all pupils can return.
Education secretary John Swinney said HM Inspectors of Education will publish findings weekly.
Remote learning is in place for the vast majority of pupils across Scotland until at least February 1.
Educators remain optimistic that parents, staff and pupils will bounce back from the new coronavirus lockdown.
Schools will switch to remote learning for most pupils until February 1 as new coronavirus measures come into effect.
Schools have been given the go-ahead to reopen from August 11 and many local authorities have adopted blended learning.
Report says a quarter of the workforce could have lower skills by the mid-2030s if schools do not reopen.
Young people are preparing to be reunited with their classmates next month for the first time since March.
Group advising Scottish Government says no social distancing is required between pupils.
Think-tank calls for an extra six hours of teaching during the school week to mitigate effects of lockdown.
North Ayrshire Council praised for its commitment and vision but report says education is key area for improvement.
Education secretary John Swinney says he is 'wrestling' with the issues amid plans for a phased return to schools in August.
A new Scottish Government paper says children could return to school 'in blocks of a few days or a week at a time'.
The 28-year-old teacher should have been walking down the aisle but is volunteering at a key workers childcare hub instead.
STV Sports reporter and mother-of-three Stefani Dailly considers the impact on her children.
One Dundee nursery is waiving registration fees and offering care on an hourly basis.
John Swinney told MSPs that coursework, existing grades and prior attainment will be used to assess grades.
Primary pupils have been left devastated at the destruction of the popular facility.
