There are just too many variables involved which are outside the control of the teachers to make it feasible for student performance-based pay. Any good research will show that it's mainly family influence that causes children to respond positively to any stimuli, and that it is the factor of supportive parents that largely determines the success of children in school.

We know the state of families in Jamaica at this time, when so many children are themselves having children - without a commensurate increase in the number of men jailed and in prison for the carnal abuse offence.

Teachers just cannot make blood out of stone, and the expectation that they will miraculously transform so many children from unstable homes with emotional and nutritional deficits, is unrealistic.

I am, etc.,

Janet Johnson-Haughton

jmjhau@hotmail.com