TTUTA ARTICULATES POSITION ON PMAP

TTUTA notes that the MOE has formally initiated the introduction of the system of Heads of Department (HOD) and Deans. It, however, denounces the action of the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) in making premature appointments to these positions. This, in spite of the fact that consultation between TTUTA and the Ministry on issues critical to the Performance Management and Appraisal Process (PMAP) has not yet been completed. Such premature appointments are creating chaos in the schools.

Matters still to be finalized include:

• i) Span of control issues – size of departments for HODs in both primary and secondary schools;
• ii) Subject clusters for Departments in secondary schools;
• iii) The number of students to be assigned to Deans in secondary schools;
• iv) Development of the new teacher evaluation instruments;
• v) Training for all personnel involved;
• vi) Implementation schedule – Phased introduction, beginning with all schools in the North Eastern and Victoria Education Divisions and subsequently to be extended to the other Divisions;
• vii) The creation of the new posts of Senior Teacher in some categories of primary schools – Cabinet has recently approved the establishment of these posts and these will subsequently have to be advertised and appointments made.

  The TSC in appointing persons to the posts of HODs and Deans claims that these posts had been established some years ago, persons put in these posts by the MOE, and that this process was now being regularized.

  But this is not so. These posts had been in the establishment but no appointments in fact were ever made. However, the MOE had been running a pilot project in selected senior comprehensive schools where some teachers were assigned the responsibility to carry out duties akin to Deans and HODs and paid a responsibility allowance. Such assignments cannot be considered formal appointments. Formal appointments to the official posts are now being considered for the first time.

  Once more, we witness an attempt by the TSC to justify its actions which amounts to ignoring the reality of the situation – burying its head in the sand.

  TTUTA reiterates its call for the TSC to halt this appointment process until agreement is finalised between TTUTA and the MOE on the various issues involved in the process. This is the only way to ensure that PMAP is properly implemented and its true benefits realised.

  TTUTA emphasises that PMAP is NOT in effect in the schools at this time. The matters listed above have to be settled, including the appointments of HODs, Deans and Senior Teachers, the creation of appropriate Departments, the provision of comprehensive training and agreement on new teacher evaluation instruments.

  Teachers should not allow principals or officials of the MOE to promote any contrary position. It should also be noted that the present Confidential Staff Reports remain in effect until new instruments are settled between TTUTA and the MOE.

  TTUTA remains committed to the introduction of PMAP, once properly implemented.