Issues affecting performance management in Maltese primary schools

Abstract

This study aims at examining the Issues which affect the Performance Management of teachers in Maltese Primary Schools and how these impinge on pupils' performance. The authors' primarily focused on the school in general to gain a better understanding of what affects performance management on a school level. Subsequently, to better understand what affects performance management in schools, a focus on classroom performance was also researched. The authors opted to conduct semi-structured interviews with head teachers and questionnaire surveys with teachers from a range of State, Church and Independent Private Schools. The consultations with the head teachers gave the authors further insight of how education leaders have a significant role in improving teachers' performance, by enhancing teachers' professional development, which would consequently enhance the overall school effectiveness and pupils' achievement. The findings revealed that the key issues that affect teachers' and pupils' performance incorporate Personal and Professional Development, Appraisal Schemes, Reward Systems, School Leadership, Streaming and Exams. Finally the authors gave various recommendations to educators, as well as to the educational authorities and educational establishments, that need to be put into action so that teachers' and pupils' performance in schools will be actively enhanced.