TSC puts field officers on spot over teacher appraisal reports

The Teachers Service Commission has put its field officers on the spot over the appraisal of more than 312,060 tutors, saying some are not providing the correct information.

In a February 18 report submitted to county directors, director of teacher management Mary Rotich says field staff do not maintain updated records on appraisals.

She says some county reports do not reflect the reality on the ground.

MONITORING

“There were inconsistencies in the data provided by the county directors in terms of the number of schools and teachers compared to what was provided by sub-county directors and curriculum support officers,” the report says.

“Non-compliance with guidelines and timelines was noted in that heads of institution were rated before the end of the year.”

The report adds that in some cases, monitoring of schools close to TSC offices had not been done.

SUPERVISION

TSC said laxity in performance of duties was noted as some officers who did not have adequate information on their areas of jurisdiction did not know the numbers of schools or teachers they had.

“There was no evidence to show that county directors had a mechanism to supervise sub county directors of education and curriculum support officers' appraisal implementation,” the report adds.

COVERAGE

However, the report points out that teachers and headteachers are now attending class since the start of the appraisal in 2016.

The commission says the presence of teachers in school has led to improved syllabus coverage as the appraisal has reduced absenteeism.

It also says the appraisals have helped strengthen curriculum implementation.

REGISTERS

The more than 30,000 heads – 23,000 in primary and 7,000 in post-primary institutions – are subjected to performance contracting while teachers are subjected to performance appraisal and development.

“Learners are filling the lesson attendance register thus enhancing accountability and time management among teachers,” states the report.