Teacher appraisal: Through the eyes of beginning teachers

This paper outlines the results of a study that sought to reveal the understandings of beginning teachers in relation to how data is gathered in the process of their compulsory teaching appraisal. In Queensland Australia, the context for the research presented here, beginning teachers undergo appraisal at the conclusion of their first year of full time employment. This appraisal is conducted by their primary supervisor, usually the principal. The results reported here indicate that beginning teachers believe that appraisal data is gathered by the principal through a number of specific approaches. These approaches are outlined along with a series of recommendations for the principals who are responsible for beginning teacher appraisal.