GRE ISSUE

khloe

Teachers' salaries should be based on the academic performance of their students.

To support this conclusion the writer cites that we should base evaluations of teachers on students’ test scores. It’s these evaluations that determine how much teachers will be paid. However just valid this argument maybe, it only skims the surface of the problem.

Firstly, one problem with the argument is that, if teachers’ salaries are based on how much students get, then some teachers will start to teach their students only what they need to get high test scores. This means that students will miss out on the education that can’t be measured through a test. For instance, one of the best methods to help students understand a subject is encouraging them to discuss it. Teachers can divide the class into groups, have each group discuss the subject, and then have them report back to the whole class. This kind of learning can lead to a all-round understanding. It also teaches students how to discuss and debate ideas. However, it doesn’t supply facts to reflect on a test.

Another problem with basing teachers’ salaries on how much their students learn is that teachers may ignore students who have learning difficulties. Some students learn more slowly than others and need more personal attention. If a teacher is worried about tests, he may feel he has to push the majority of the students to cram. That effort will take all his time. He won’t be able to help the less able students.

To sum up, it is true that there are teachers who don't have enthusiasm after many years teaching and just don’t care how much their students learn. Basing their salaries on their students’ test scores may improve their efforts. However, it’s not fair for the majority of teachers. They deserve and need to be judged by other criteria.