Teachers' pay

I do agree with Howard Thompson of Munro College. If students are placed in schools based on their grades, it would be fair to assume that the more brilliant students would be placed in 'popular' or 'traditional' schools, while their 'inferior peers' would be placed in 'developing schools' .

This would make the job of teachers in traditional schools a bit easier and the jobs of teachers in the non-traditional high schools, more complicated. The latter not only have to deal with the situation of children with limited or underdeveloped learning abilities, but they also have to try to do their work effectively with limited infrastructure and other resources.

One can only examine or compare teachers rightfully if they are given students of the same calibre. Thus, it would be somewhat unfair and controversial to pay teachers for work performed at different levels and in differing situations.

- Oliver Dixon, oliverkevindixon@yahoo.com, Clifton District, Lucea P.O.

Onus is on students

I finally found a hard-working student who was very successful in my subject area. I taught him using almost the same methodology and content as I did the year 50 per cent failed. Teachers can do so much, but students have to apply themselves and parents have to be supportive.

- Yvonne Thomas, philomena78@hotmail.com, Oxford Road, Kingston 5

PAYE system is unfair

I agree with your editorial that the PAYE system, in its present form, is unfair. I also believe that the government is overlooking a significant source of tax revenue and that is property tax.

It is my understanding that property tax is based on the value of the land. If that is so, it is absurd. Property tax should be based on the assessed value of house and land. I guess the well-to-do will not like this, but it will provide much-needed tax revenue and it will come from those most able to pay.

- P. Philip Kirkland, ppkirkland@aol.com, Winter Gardens, Florida