Teacher Performance Appraisal in Educational System: Issues and Way Out

It is an indisputable fact that teacher plays an invaluable role in the educational system. Shreds of evidence suggest that teacher quality is the most important school variable influencing the achievement of learners. This paper examines the issues noticeable in teacher performance appraisal in the educational system. In particular, it examines the meaning of the act, the rationale for it in the educational system, and techniques for carrying it out, such as classroom observation, self-assessment, learning outcome measures, and use of the Annual Performance Evaluation Form, among others. The paper also examines the issues at stake which need attention, such as subjective assessment of teachers, non and low motivation of teachers, and non-use of the report of appraisal, just to mention a few. It recommends measures for improving the act, such as the use of the report of it by school administrators and government, provision of instructional and other needed materials for teachers, regular training and orientation of teachers, as well as the motivation of teachers in the educational system.