Business Day
*SADTU rejects performance contracts* *Karl Gernetzky, Business Day, Johannesburg, 28 March 2012*THE South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) says it rejects performance contracts for teachers and principals, as existing regulations are sufficient.
This could hamper the Department of Basic Education's plans to introduce performance contracts for principals this year, holding them accountable for their schools' performance. The department regards 60% -80% of schools as "dysfunctional".
Sadtu, SA's biggest teachers' union, said yesterday that its policy conference at the weekend rejected performance contracts and competency tests, as existing regulations were "progressive and just needed implementation".
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said earlier this month that her department also aimed to introduce a new teacher performance appraisal system next year, after agreement is reached with unions.
New teacher contracts will replace the integrated quality management system.Sadtu spokeswoman Nomusa Cembi said yesterday that the union had "for some time" held the position that the management system should be strengthened before "going on to something new". The union also questioned holding teachers accountable for pupil performance, when factors such as socioeconomic conditions were involved.
The policy conference had "solidified" Sadtu's position as the union continued negotiations in the labour relations bargaining council on the performance contracts, Ms Cembi said. Sadtu resolved that the management system should be retained and challenges identified with a view to improving monitoring and evaluation aspects, she said.
As negotiations at the council progressed, Sadtu's position might shift, Ms Cembi said.
Education department spokeswoman Hope Mokgatlhe said yesterday Ms Motshekga was studying Sadtu's resolutions, and would issue a statement later.
The department believed performance contracts were necessary to create "transparency and accountability" in teaching and learning, she said. This was beyond the quality management system, which was just about maintaining teaching quality.
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