Sir, – Alison Hackett (November 18th) argues that if teachers wish to retain professional status as educators they should assess their students' work. She cites other professions such as the law and architecture. Would she agree to a system whereby a lawyer would defend a client and then act as judge and jury? Or where an architect would both submit a planning application and then decide whether or not to give permission for construction? Teachers are not only there to assess; they are advocates, supporting students throughout their time at secondary school – encouraging, cajoling, inspiring. The student-teacher relationship is a delicate one that may be ruined by forcing teachers to become the judges of their students. – Yours, etc,
DAVID GORRY,
Naas, Co Kildare.