The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-11-15
For the Culedoninn,
Com m on Sc hOOIs.

citizens than any measure which has been adopted
sinco the first formation Of our government. 1t has
Inference to the improvement of our common schools
These schools have ever been regarded with grea
Interest," and imperfect as they have been, the people
would not have surrendered the benefits erived from
,hem for any pecuniary considerations whatever; but
iflho system of improvement designed by the recent
law is fully carried out, may reasonably hope that
in a few years, these benefits will be doubled
There is from $4,000, to $500, 900, annually
expended in this state for the support of common
schoOs, and heretofore we have been entirely des-
tnte Of any supervision OF the system, which would
secure economical expenditure of this vast sum,
and of any regulations by which the services of elf
Gent and qualified teachers would be secured The
practice has been general, FOR the Committee of each
District 10 hire the applicant, whose services could be
engaged for the lowest wages, and at the close of the
school to pay him the sum stipulated without sim
gle enquiry in regard to his qualifications, except so
so far as his own assertions would go; nor in regard
to the fidelity with which he has discharged his du-
ties
The recent law provides for the examination Of
tGashers for uniformity of books, for visitation of
The schools, for teachers conventions and for public
lectures on the subject Of education Under its oper-
alton we may expect to far greater interest in
relation to common schools, the part of commun-
y generally and the part of teachers, better ac-
0uan,unce with, and greater devotion to the duties
other stations; and consequence that our chill
dren will learn twice much in a given period, and
learn it twice well as they could do under our for
mer system.
The law alluded to, provides for State Superin-
tendent appointed annually by the Legislature, who
will arrange and digest the system FOR improving the
schools; communicate to the subordinate officers il-
'ructon in regard TO their respective duties, and d.
rectons in regard to the best plans for teaching and
managing schools and advise in relation TO the
books 20 be used-.the examination of teachers Sc,
and he will also prepare and furnish blanks for records
and for procuring such statistical information ns may
he desired II also provides for Superintendent Of
schools in each county to be appointed by the Coun
ty Court at the session previous to Oct. l, and
to hold his office for year from that time 1t is
made his duty attend to the examination of teach
ers to visit schools to hold teachers conventions and
TO deliver public lectures, in each Of tho Of the
county. There is also to be from three Su-
perinendcnt of common schools in each town, elect
ed the same other town officers who shall also in
connection with the County Superintendent, attend to
the examination of teachers, and tho visiting of
schools, and in case the County Superintendent does
not visit each town, rs to complete these duties,
the town Superintendent will proceed alone.
The Town and County Superintendent are to COL
Gc all desirable information in regard TO the condition
of tho School Houses the character OF the teachers
the number Of scholars, the expenditure of the
school monies, and all other matters of importance in
relation to the schools, and present the whole subject
TO the State Superintendent in their annual reports.
These reports are digested and condensed and the
substance Of them presented annually tho Legisa
ture, in the report Of the State Superintendent with
suggestions in regard to what Legislation may be
needfuI to existing evils, and to render the
schools and the of instruction more perfect.
His Excellency Lieut.. Gov Horace Eaton was e.
octed State Superintendent, by the unanimous vote
of both houses Of Legislature at the recent session.
lie is regarded by all parties gentleman possess
ing The requisite qualifications for the office in
nent degree, and if the services of efficient and well
qualified County Superintendent secured the in
auence Of tfe system will be very favorably, though
not fully developed, the ensuing winter
Under the operation Of this system, il is evident
that the character of schools must be very much
improved and the benefits which will result from it
TO the State, be estimated in dollars and cents.
These advantages to be enjoyed, not by one par
tcuIar class or BY few individuals but by the whole
community, and especially by over 100000 children
ana youth of suitable ages to attend our schools.
One ofMe Executive Committee Of The Vermont
Education Society.
,'rhs Ohio Statesman says that Gov Dorr lately
thn Ggaaa ofatn NI