What Grade Would You Give Your Teacher?

Do you ever wish that you could grade teachers instead of the other way around? It appears that this is now a likely possibility. 

School Education Minister Peter Garrett has announced that a first draft of the Australian Teacher Performance and Development Framework will be released today for different consultations. The framework provides a national set of guidelines in assessing the performance of teachers in all Australian schools. 

The framework also calls for class observation and clear evidence of a student’s performance and achievement, and will form part of the yearly reviews of external assessors and school leaders. Also part of the teachers’ annual performance goals are the improvement in student literacy and numeracy results. 

Garrett said the framework will provide teachers a clear idea on what is expected of them and how they will be measured. The way their students perform will also be reflected in how teachers will be assessed. These measures will be fully documented, specific and measurable. 

The framework will undergo a three-month consultation period. During this time, state and territory ministers hope the framework will get the sign-off. 

Teachers who will perform well will be rewarded accordingly. The Rewards for Great Teachers will reward excellent teachers with a bonus payment of up to $10,000. Garrett said teachers who consistently perform well in the yearly assessment should apply for certification of the bonus payment. 

Angelo Gavrielatos, national president of Australian Education Union, said that he hopes the program will encourage teachers to continue improving their craft and work on their professional development.

Tagged Angelo Gavrielatos, Peter Garrett