YRDSB+TPA

=__Investigating the TPA Process in a Public Board__=

This is a brief investigation of what the TPA process looks like in the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). The full 95 page document can be found on the TPA Links page if you would like to investigate it further.

Purpose
The YRDSB TPA process suggests that, //“When implemented effectively, the revised performance appraisal process helps experienced teachers approach the performance appraisal process with confidence as an opportunity for learning and growth. It also builds a sense of efficacy among principals and vice-principals as they provide the leadership necessary for teachers to thrive as professionals within a learning community that fosters a growth-oriented context for meaningful performance appraisals. The annual review and update of the teacher’s Annual Learning Plan (ALP), the development of the summative report, and the steps included in the performance appraisal process […] provide opportunities for collaboration, professional dialogue, and relationship building between teachers and principals.”// (4)

This phrasing, "[w]hen implemented effectively" suggests that it is not always effectively implemented.

The focus seems to be on preparing teachers for evaluation as opposed to evaluating their personal professional growth (PPG). This mission statement also talks about the role of the supervisors (principals & vice-principals) in terms of providing leadership to teachers. It discusses ideas of growth, collaboration & relationships however a deeper investigation should reveal if these concepts are truly being put into practice.

According to the YRDSB TPA document, the purposes of the revised performance appraisal system for experienced teachers are:

 * ====to foster teacher development and provide meaningful appraisals that encourage professional learning and growth;====
 * to help teachers achieve their full potential, in order to achieve high levels of student learning and performance;
 * to provide for fair, effective and consistent teacher evaluation in every school; and,
 * to celebrate effective teaching practice.

Questions for Investigation

 * ====Do the purposes of the TPA outlined by the board correlate with how the process is designed and implemented?====


 * Is the TPA designed to measure growth or competency?


 * Does this document serve teachers in preparing for evaluation or in growth?


 * What theoretical frameworks are in use?