I am in whole-hearted agreement with Janet Johnson-Haughton's letter of April 15 that performance-based pay for teachers is unrealistic and would add to that, pure folly. A teacher could very well argue that the quality of what they have to work with directly affects their performance. We delude ourselves if we think that all children can perform equally if only they have the right teacher.

Improper diet

Among the other variables which constrain a child is an inadequate and/or improper diet. A properly nourished child will have a greater edge over a child who is loaded with the constipative non-food items that so many children love to eat. One who is infested with worms will be dull of mind compared to a child who receives the necessary detoxification to keep the mind clear to receive teaching. Some ingredients in foods cause children to be sleepy and emotional distress can cause daydreaming in class. They become unteachable for their lack of attention.

A child who is told that he/she can achieve and be successful has the advantage over a child who is told he/she is a dunce and will never amount to anything, unless that child has the power within himself or herself to overcome it. Teachers may not be able to do much about a child's low self-esteem, lack of motivation and/or ambition. Nor, can they be responsible for the child who is always late, or disruptive.

If the teacher is found, though, to be negligent of his/her responsibilities, to be abusive or thoroughly deficient in the subject matter, then it would become obvious that the teacher does not have the qualifications for that position.

Most of the variables are in fact out of the direct control of the teacher.

I am, etc.,

A.M. ANSARI

stop1998@aol.com