Managing Teacher Appraisal: an exercise in collaboration

Schools in Britain have worked hard since the publication of the Department for Education Regulations in 1991 to implement effective teacher appraisal arrangements. The implications of introducing such arrangements for managers in schools have been considerable and have required them to demonstrate a range of strategies and skills in their attempts to gain the confidence and commitment of staff. This contribution offers an account of a local education authority (LEA)-maintained school's experience of working collaboratively with the LEA to set up arrangements for appraisal. It also highlights the role of the school's staff development committee in taking the lead in planning the implementation of appraisal on behalf of their colleagues. The collaboration between members of the committee, and between them and the appraisal coordinator, is highlighted as a key feature of the successful introduction of appraisal.