TPAD Appraisal Process: An Animated Guide
The Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) process is designed to enhance supervision and ensure the continuous monitoring of teachers’ performance at the institutional level. It is an open and ongoing process that helps to improve teaching standards and professional competencies. This guide breaks down the TPAD appraisal process into clear, actionable steps.
Step 1: Developing the TPAD Calendar of Activities
Before the term begins, the head of the institution holds a meeting with senior management staff, including the deputy head, senior teachers, and heads of departments. During this meeting, they adopt or customize the TPAD calendar based on the template provided by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The TPAD calendar includes:
- Setting targets and timelines
- Submitting professional documents
- Conducting lesson observations
- Identifying and documenting performance gaps
- Supporting Teacher Professional Development (TPD)
- Internal and external monitoring of TPAD implementation
- Conducting TPAD rating meetings
The head of the institution must share the finalized calendar with all teaching staff. You can log on to www.tsc.go.ke to download the TPAD form and begin the process by filling in your details.
Step 2: Setting Targets
Have a meeting with your appraiser—either the head of department, deputy head, or senior teacher. In this meeting, you will identify key activities and deadlines based on the TPAD teaching standards. These standards cover:
- Professional knowledge and practice
- Comprehensive learning environment
- Teacher professional development
- Teacher conduct and professionalism
- Participation in a professional learning community (PLC)
Prepare and submit your schemes of work by the first day of the term. Keep lesson plans, notes, records of work, and teaching aids up to date, as they will be reviewed by your supervisor.
Step 3: Implementing Targets and Gathering Evidence
Throughout the term, you’ll need to gather evidence that shows progress toward your set targets. This evidence will be crucial during your appraisal rating meeting. Examples of required evidence include:
- Approved schemes of work, lesson plans, and lesson notes
- Learners’ progress records and attendance registers
- Test and exam marking schemes, marked papers, and exercise books
- Lesson observation ratings
- Documentation of curricular activities
- Meeting minutes and teaching resources
Step 4: Self-Appraisal
At the end of the term, use the evidence you’ve gathered to evaluate your performance against the TPAD standards. Rate yourself using the TPAD tool provided by TSC.
Step 5: Appraiser Rating
Your appraiser will review your performance, using the evidence you’ve collected throughout the term, and rate you based on their assessment.
Step 6: Appraisal Rating Meeting
At the end of the term, you will meet with your appraiser to review your TPAD form and the evidence you’ve gathered. Together, you will discuss your performance and negotiate an agreed rating. If there is any disagreement, an arbitration process may be initiated.
Step 7: Teacher Professional Development (TPD)
During your self-appraisal or appraiser’s evaluation, performance gaps may be identified. These gaps could be in areas like ICT skills, subject mastery, or teaching methods. You will then develop a teacher support and professional development plan with your appraiser to address these gaps.
The plan may include:
- Team teaching
- Professional courses
- Subject panels
- TPD modules
These measures are designed to improve your competencies and help you meet the professional standards set by TSC.
Conclusion
The TPAD process is an essential and mandatory exercise for teachers, aimed at promoting fair and consistent evaluation while enhancing professional development. By following these steps and utilizing the TPAD tool effectively, you can improve your teaching competencies and contribute to better learning outcomes.
For more details, you can refer to the TPAD manual available on the TSC website at www.tsc.go.ke.
