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The TVDSB document Procedures for Teacher Performance Appraisal recognizes that the teacher performance appraisal system must be consistent to be effective. The same procedures should always be followed. Teacher Performance Appraisal steps include the following:

1. Notification - within first 20 days after the teacher starts teaching at that school

2. Pre-observation meeting - Set a date for classroom observation which ensures time to prepare. Discuss the competencies to be observed. Hand in your Annual Learning Plan.

3. Classroom observation - attend in advance to the “look fors” noted in back of the Performance Appraisal document

4. Post observation meeting as soon as possible following the classroom observation, and review of parental and student input- Be proactive with your own critique and comments. Include evidence of compentencies not observed. Consider any process complaints (e.g. in adequate notice given, steps omitted in the process, unjust comments not based on the observation).

5. Within twenty days following classroom observation, completion of a summative report (teacher to receive copy) including a rating of the teacher’s overall performance - Teachers are required to sign the summative report but signing signifies receipt of report only.

During the Summer Leadership 2005 conference, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop session titled "Member Assistance for Performance Appraisal" presented by Rosemary Clark, Executive Assistant, Provincial OSSTF. Rosemary’s presentation was packed full of information and practical suggestions that would help members understand the Performance Appraisal process, prepare for their performance appraisal, and understand the importance and the “how to’s” of creating a Professional Portfolio. With her permission, I have included below the section of her Powerpoint presentation titled How Teachers Should Prepare. Although the presentation was directed primarily towards Teacher Bargaining Unit members, many of the same suggestions would also help the members of our PSSP and Con Ed Bargaining Units to prepare for their Performance Appraisals.

According to Rosemary, there are three ways in which members should prepare:

BE PROACTIVE

✓ Analyze your own best qualities as a professional and as a person. Decide in which class you want to be observed and suggest that during the pre-observation meeting
✓ Strategize how to showcase/market your best qualities either in class or in the pre-observation meeting.
✓ Learn the process, the forms, the rubric
✓ Prepare support materials in advance

CONSIDER THE EVALUATOR

✓ Find out who your evaluator is (Principal or Vice-Principal - not Department Head) and what his/her subject expertise is - know what he/she is likely to look for
✓ Find out any unwritten rules and biases (e.g. likes bulletin boards, likes discussion during lessons)
✓ Ask your colleagues for advice on how to approach the evaluator and the meetings

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

✓ Know your rights under the collective agreement and the board Teacher Performance Appraisal document
✓ Talk to your OSSTF branch president, or contract the District Office (659-6588) immediately if trouble arises
✓ Consider all eventualities
✓ Observe the performance of successful colleagues
✓ Consider requesting another evaluator if things go wrong


REMEMBER, if you are given an “unsatisfactory” rating on a summative report, call the District Office immediately for advice.
 

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