Teacher perceptions of the purposes of staff appraisal: a response to Kyriacou

Abstract

This article explores the views and experiences of 38 staff from three comprehensive schools concerning teacher appraisal. The introduction of appraisal varied from school to school, as did its effects upon the teachers involved. Kyriacou (1997) examined appraisal from the perspective of the appraisers and was generally positive in his findings. It is argued here that a different picture emerges when the views of all staff involved in the appraisal process are considered. A fuller evaluation of appraisal emerges when it is analysed from the respective positions of the senior managers and the appraisees as well as the appraisers. This highlights the very different and at times conflicting perceptions of teacher appraisal.