Skip to main content
Normal View

Performance Management Systems

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2013

Wednesday, 17 April 2013

Questions (20, 24)

Dara Calleary

Question:

20. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends to introduce annual evaluations and reviews of teacher performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17527/13]

View answer

Micheál Martin

Question:

24. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to introduce annual evaluations and reviews of teacher performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17542/13]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 24 together.

School boards, principals and teachers are accountable for the work of the school including the quality of learning and teaching. The new school self-evaluation system, introduced during this school year, requires principals and teachers to identify what they are doing well and what needs to improve. In addition, there is a well-established system of external inspection covering all schools. The Inspectorate's evaluations are based on classroom observations of teaching and a strong focus on learner outcomes. Reports arising from whole-school evaluations and subject inspections are published regularly. Evaluations and reviews of individual teachers' performance are also conducted during the probationary phase for newly-qualified teachers, and as part of a formal process for dealing with underperforming teachers. I believe the combination of effective school self-evaluation and robust external inspection will enable effective evaluation and monitoring of schools and teachers. Accordingly, I am not planning to introduce additional separate performance evaluations and reviews of teachers and principals.

Top
Share