Tools for a statewide performance appraisal system for extension professionals

Abstract

In response to research demonstrating that Tennessee Extension agents desired a performance appraisal systemthat better reflected their jobs and provided for appraisers' professional development, a committee of Universityof Tennessee and Tennessee State University personnel undertook a 2-year initiative to revise the performanceappraisal system. The committee produced a performance appraisal form and a performance appraisal rubricdelineating performance factors, criteria, and performance-level descriptions; a comprehensive appraisal guide;and case studies and training guides for Extension professionals to use in learning about effective performanceappraisal. Extension professionals conducting similar efforts in other states may benefit from using these tools.