Elmont School District students who had been scoring in the top percent of the county in state achievement tests placed near the bottom in the latest tests.

The school superintendent said the district is "taking immediate steps to address the situation." Hopefully, it will include a review of which teachers have the highest and lowest number of students who meet performance standards.

That analysis should be followed by giving raises to the teachers whose students have the highest scores. Teacher's salaries should be based on merit and achievement. Now, union rules require that teachers with the same longevity and education credits be paid identical salaries regardless of performance. No business firm could operate under such arbitrary rules.

Teachers' salaries on Long Island are among the highest in the nation. Several teachers in the Elmont elementary school district earn $106,422 a year and there are 15 teachers who are paid $2,000 extra for being principals' assistants. Does a principal really need 15 assistants?

Teachers' pay should reflect how well their students perform, not how many years they have been in the system - their pension will account for that.

George Rand