THE EDITOR, Sir:
ALTHOUGH I know that nothing that I say will disabuse the minds of those who are hell-bent on the misguided notion that teacher's input is equal to students' output - that is, passes in examinations - for what it is worth, let the records show that I am an educator who does not subscribe to this notion.
Teachers should be held accountable for their input and not students' output. Further-more to equate students' output with a teacher's input is to underestimate students and their parents and the integral role that they play in the education process.
I am fortunate to have had excellent teachers, nevertheless, I credit my parents for the foundation they laid. They were the ones who taught me to read and write even before I went to primary school. When I was a child, I never had to borrow any book, or other material from anyone. My mother and my older brothers and sisters provided for me. The support that I got from home and my community made a difference in my school life. The people who prayed for me and encouraged me in my endeavours played and continue to play a significant role in my life.
There are too many variables involved in the learning process to hold teachers solely accountable for students' performance in examinations. There was a time when teachers were paid according to examination results in Jamaica. What have we learnt from that historical experience?
I am, etc.,
WINNIE ANDERSON-BROWN
winab@cwjamaica.com
Bagatelle District
Ashley P.A.
Clarendon
