A critical analysis of the teacher evaluation procedure in Indian schools.

Abstract

Generally the evaluation of employees in organisations is one of the most demanding and controversial of all management functions. Therefore, it is incumbent on management to develop a system of evaluation that will at least be acceptable to most of its employees. This study has shown that it is extremely important to include the employees themselves in drawing up the evaluation instrument. Since there is not any one evaluation procedure that has universal application, it is necessary for organisations in general, and more specifically education departments, to review and improve existing procedures to meet prevailing conditions. If management does not follow these basic considerations, then the organisation could face strong negative reaction from employees. The primary objectives of this study therefore were: (1) to make a detailed study of the evaluation procedure used in Indian Schools; (2) to analyse the House of Delegates' evaluation procedure critically and in so doing make a study of evaluation procedures of other education departments; and (3) to consider the views expressed by teachers, principals and superintendents of education on the House of Delegates' evaluation procedure. The major findings that emerged from the study were that: (1) the present evaluation procedure of the House of Delegates was not well received by teachers and principals; (2) any evaluation procedure adopted should be based on an 'open' system, where there is no need for secrecy; and (3) there should be separate evaluation procedures for the purposes of professional development, merit awards and promotion. The main recommendation made in concluding this study was that the House of Delegates, in either developing a new evaluation procedure or amending its present one should, in the future, give consideration to the opinions of all participants in the evaluation process.