I cannot agree that teachers are to be paid by performance. I am yet to see a piece of literature where the whole term is truly defined. I go to work on time; I write my lesson plans; I keep good records; I attend my classes; I am hardly ever absent and I properly evaluate my students.

But my students are failing. Would you say that I am not performing? Would it be a case where students would be interviewed and their volume of work in the subject area be examined or is it just a case where if the students have failed then it's the teacher's fault?

The teacher is only but one part of the equation in this business of teaching and learning. I will forever maintain that the teachers are doing their jobs but the students that they have to work with prevent them from demonstrating what they have truly taught. Many students are underperforming not because of the teacher but because of lack of effort on the part of the student and the absence of active monitoring in the home.

I am, etc.,

Bridge Dunkley

bridunkkley@yahoo.com

Kingston 20