Educator experiences and perceptions of the Integrated Quality Management System and its effect on educator professional development in schools

Abstract

The implementation of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) is analysed with interest in its effect on professional development of the teaching staff. This analysis is done through the experiences and perceptions of educators who are involved in this process. IQMS is a national policy of appraising and developing the teaching staff and was formed after an agreement was reached between the South African Department of Education and the teacher organizations in 2003. It was scheduled to be implemented in 2004. This article determines teacher appraisal processes on an international level and how similar appraisal processes are applied in South African context and then determines how educators in the South African context experience and perceive the effects of their appraisal process (IQMS) on their professional development.