SOME teachers will object, but an annual performance assessment of their skills can only benefit their students.
Yesterday, federal and state education ministers approved a new performance and development framework which means every school teacher in Australia will have their skills assessed.
As teachers are the key to educational outcomes, this must surely be seen as a win-win situation for all concerned.
It is good for the teachers as it is essential their effectiveness in the classroom is assured.
Shortcomings can be addressed, and no doubt, repeat poor performers will be weeded out of the system.
It is good for the students because the system is designed to ensure they are being taught by competent teachers who have the skills and knowledge to do the job to the standards expected by the school and the education system.
It is good for the parents as they will know the teaching environment their children are within satisfies a standard.
The biggest winners in this process will be the teachers.
In most cases there has been no system which has provided them with feedback on their abilities and where their skill level sits in relation to a national standard.
This means teachers will now have a benchmark, and those who do not reach it can address their shortcomings.
Professional competency should be the desire of every teacher in every school.
But the assessment process will need to be balanced.
Under the new system teachers will be judged on evidence such as classroom observation, parental and student feedback and student results.
Those conducting the assessments will need to be mindful that feedback from parents and students should not be based on popularity.
Hardworking teachers who teach difficult subjects such as maths and science might be marked down by students because they do not enjoy the subject matter.
And teachers who are popular may not be good teachers.
