Teacher probation can be subjective

Re “When Teachers Don’t Make the Grade,” July 31

As a teacher, I am not afraid of being held to high standards or being held accountable for doing a good job. There are two important points missed in the governor’s proposal to extend a teacher’s probationary period from two to five years.

First is the role of the principal. Faye Banton says she has weak teachers in her school “because someone else before me didn’t do what needed to be done.” If principals do not do what needs to be done, it makes no difference whether the probationary period is two or five years.

Second, there needs to be a clear definition of what constitutes a good teacher.

Five different principals could have five different opinions on which teachers deserve to be kept and which ones should find another profession. Until we settle some of these issues, it really will not matter whether the probationary period is two or five years.

Linda Summers

Brea

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Concerning retention issues for K-12 public educators, perhaps the governor’s dictum, “If you have someone who does not perform well in any job ... you are able to get rid of that person,” should also be applicable to those who hold elected office and fail to achieve their promised agenda.

Quentin L. Wood

Long Beach