More talks are planned after second-level teachers' unions rejected draft proposals aimed at resolving the Junior Cycle reforms dispute.
After meeting in Dublin today, the unions said significant aspects were not acceptable to teachers.
The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland and the Teachers Union of Ireland said they wanted substantial change, clarification and negotiation on the exam proposals before agreement was possible.
The proposals came from Dr Pauric Travers, who has been chairing talks between teachers and the Department of Education aimed at resolving the dispute.
Dr Travers backed Minister for Education Jan O'Sullivan's view that proper reform required teachers to assess 40% of their own students' work, with a further 60% to be assessed by the State Examinations Commission through a formal written exam.
He suggested that these two aspects should be kept separate, even on the final certificate.
Teachers have consistently said they are unwilling to engage in assessment for state certification.
In his document, Dr Travers also called on teachers to suspend any further industrial action.
He also asked the department to delay the implementation of the next phase of reform, which was to be science.
TUI president Gerry Quinn said there were elements of the plan that were to be welcomed but unfinished business remained.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime, Mr Quinn said further negotiations were needed in order to reach a successful conclusion.
He said the union was available for further discussions and he would be in contact with Dr Travers with a view to meeting him as soon as possible.
The unions also said it was regrettable and damaging that a confidential document was leaked to the Irish Independent in advance of today's meeting.
The minister said she was disappointed at the initial reaction of the unions.
In a statement, Ms O'Sullivan said she believed the Travers document went a long way to framing a fair and equitable solution to the issues and "while I will seek clarification on some points it is a positive development".
She said the document was intended to be a draft agreement and not a starting point for negotiations.
Ms O'Sullivan said she understood that Dr Travers was available to both sides for clarification next week in advance of the Thursday deadline which he set for acceptance or rejection of the document by both sides.
The minister said her officials had met a number of education partners, including students' representatives, the National Parents' Council and management bodies and the general view of Dr Travers' report was "very positive".
Dr Travers said the price of meaningful reform could mean additional resources for schools and he said negotiations should begin as soon as possible on this issue.
This would include negotiations on more teacher time to implement planned changes.
Dr Travers said such ambitious reform required the wholehearted engagement of teachers.
He said the response of teachers had been influenced by a range of issues, some with deep roots.
Dr Travers said many teachers had been left alienated and distrustful by salary cuts, casualisation and deteriorating career structures.
