ABSTRACT

Headteachers will encounter a number of problems in implementing a performance management scheme. There may be clashes of personality which need careful handling on the part of the headteacher. It may be necessary to complement the observation of the team leader with observation by a member of the senior management team or the headteacher to ensure that the teacher concerned is judged fairly. In practice many teachers will be prepared to give up time for performance management if they feel that they are gaining some benefit from the process. All the major teacher unions have issued guidance to their members. In general the unions stress the importance of involving teachers in decision making about the implementation of performance management, and each union has advice to offer its members and its representatives on the school staff. Pro-formas for classroom observation should be agreed and trialled and team leaders trained in using them and giving feedback to teachers.