Last year, in an effort to upgrade our appraisal system we trialled new appraisal documentation. We bought a resource that looked like it ticked all the boxes however after trialling it for a year, informal feedback was clear - no-one wanted to continue with it.
An informal review using the self review tool from TKI found:
- 2014 process fulfils mandatory requirements but was not focused on improvement
- appraisal process not assessed in relation to how it affects individual teacher performance
- feedback was general; and often based on opinion rather than evidence
- self reflection rarely goes beyond descriptions of practice
- one off yearly process
- goals tend to be structured in established ways (e.g. there are always three, related to the school strategic plan, the team and a personal aim) - and often not directly related to student learning goals or outcomes
- appraisal reports are brief and capture decision points and planned actions
These findings were also true of the system we had been using prior to 2014.
After discussion at a staff meeting the staff are agreed that we don't want to go back to the old process.
After discussion at a staff meeting the staff are agreed that we don't want to go back to the old process.
Purpose: Appraisal is a process to help you improve your teaching practice, and to prove that you are meeting the obligations and requirements of being a professional.
We want our schools appraisal process to integrate the two of these - into a process that is based on evidence, mutual trust and respect.
Teaching as Inquiry is when teachers inquire into: what is most important; what strategies or approaches are most likely to work; and the impact of teaching on students.
This is by far the most reflection I have written down -lots still doesn't make it to print. I like the open structure and it has shifted my thinking around appraisals. Before it was 'some bureaucracy that must be done' and now it focuses me on what I must do. Very helpful.
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