TSC Updates TPAD System: Key Changes and Impact on Teacher Appraisals
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has made significant updates to the Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) system to improve monitoring and assessment of teachers during lessons. These modifications were introduced at the start of the year by TSC County and Sub-County officials during the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) conference, where primary school headteachers convened to discuss key educational matters.
What is TPAD?
The TPAD system is an open appraisal framework that enables teachers in both primary and secondary schools to actively evaluate their performance and foster professional growth. This initiative is part of TSC’s broader mission to restore the integrity of the teaching profession while enhancing public confidence and support.
Key Changes in the TPAD System
1. Lesson Observation Now Open to Teachers
Previously, only school administrators had the authority to enter classrooms, observe lessons, and complete the lesson observation forms. With the latest update, non-administrative teachers can now also conduct lesson observations for their colleagues.
This change aims to promote peer learning, allowing educators to share best practices and refine their teaching methods. It also alleviates the burden on school administrators, enabling them to focus on other critical management duties.
2. Streamlined Lesson Observation Submission
After conducting a lesson observation, teachers must submit their completed forms to school administrators, who will then upload them to the online TPAD system. This ensures seamless documentation of appraisal records and compliance tracking.
3. TPAD Compliance and Promotion Consideration
TSC uses TPAD records as a critical factor in teacher promotions. During promotion interviews, teachers must present evidence of TPAD compliance covering the last three years (2022, 2023, and 2024). Failure to participate in the appraisal and lesson observation process may result in disciplinary action.
4. TPAD Scoring Criteria for Promotions
TSC has established the following TPAD rating scale to determine teacher scores during promotion interviews:
- 81+ – 10 Marks
- 61-80 – 8 Marks
- 41-60 – 6 Marks
- 21-40 – 4 Marks
- 1-20 – 2 Marks
In 2024, the Commission has advertised 25,288 promotion slots for primary and post-primary school teachers. Compliance with TPAD requirements is a vital component in securing these promotions.
TPAD Activity Calendar at the Institution Level
The implementation of TPAD follows a structured calendar to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation. Below is an overview of key activities and their timelines:
| TPAD Activity | Responsible Party | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Planning meetings before school opening to set TPAD activity calendar | Heads of Institutions, Senior Management Team, Teachers | Last week of the school holiday |
| Submission of professional documents | Heads of Institution, All Teachers | End of the first week of the term |
| Conducting lesson observations and identifying professional gaps | Appraisees and Appraisers | Between the 2nd and 10th week of the term |
| Professional development sessions to address gaps | Appraisees, Appraisers, Institutional Administrators | Throughout the term |
| Internal monitoring and evaluation of TPAD implementation | Heads of Institution, Deputy Heads, Heads of Departments | Continuous throughout the term |
| County-level monitoring of TPAD implementation | Curriculum Support Officers, Sub County and County Directors | Throughout the term |
| TPAD rating meetings | Teachers, HODs, Deputy Heads, Heads of Institutions, CSOs, Sub-County Directors | By the term closing date |
| Uploading TPAD data and evidence | Teachers, HODs, Deputy Heads, Heads of Institutions, CSOs, Sub-County Directors | Throughout the term |
Conclusion
The latest updates to the TPAD system reflect TSC’s commitment to improving teacher appraisal processes and professional development. By enabling teachers to observe their peers, refining the submission process, and incorporating TPAD compliance into promotion criteria, these changes foster a more dynamic and accountable teaching environment.
Teachers are urged to stay updated with TPAD requirements to ensure compliance and maximize career advancement opportunities. For further details, educators should regularly check the TSC portal or consult their respective county education offices.
