The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-07-11
For the Caledonian.
Common Schools.

|
Mn EpIToR;-Since having been over the
County for the examination of Teachers, -
many inquiries have been made in regard to
the willingness of Teachers to come forward
for examination; hoao they passed; the interest
manifes,cd, &c. As community generally
would doubtless be interested to know,
would say, have felt gratifed with the many
indications of interest in the subject generally
There great degree of solicitudc very
naturally felt, on the part of candidates, before
examination, which was in itself regarded as a
! promising omen; but Notwithstanding this So
| lictude, they Offered themselves even more
generally than had been anticipated One
hundred aud fifty were examined at the times
and places published for the respective towns
besides some who, not finding IL convenient
TO be present at the time, applied to town SUI
pcrintendents for examination. As n whole,
and with but few exceptions, the candidates
did themselves credit, and afforded promise of
an Improvement in our schools even for the
present season: and we shall feel disappointed
&c that promise is not redeemed. But we car
neStiy hope that Fathers and Mothers will not
content themselves with simply looking for
that improvement at home or to the reports of
others, but by frequent visits at the school
house and seeing and hearing for themselves
From what we have seen and heard of the
schools now in progress, we think there Is evil
dence that beginning has been made in the
way Improvement, which is very cheering
TO the friends of education. But "thc end is
not yet, nor must we look for great results
too soon. The work of improvement must of
necessity be gradual; time will be requisite for
its Sccomplshment--bu ifjudicious efforts are
continued, improvement will be certain and
bring its own reward.
Innovations are looked upon by the public
with jealous eye; and legal cnactments are
closely scrutinzed by those whose interests
they are TO affect. This is proper, and no
doubt solutary in its effects. No law ought 10
be passed which will not bear scrutiny and
the most that can be asked for any enactment
is, that its merits be tested by watching inn
partially its effects while il has a fair and suE-
feent trial, then if found not good let it be re-
peuled. This appears to be very general
feeling through the County, in regard to the
present school law. So far as we could learn
in passing through the County, there is rery
little serious opposition to it, while many of
the most intelligent and discerning have .fau
confidence in its beneficial effects, and look upon
it is bright omen for good to the cause of edu
cation, a step for which the people were pre-
pared and waiting, Others still, who at first
regarded it as of doubtful propriety, now say,
"let it have fair trial; iii operates well, it
shall have my support, if not let it be repeal
ell" So say we. The people are beginni;,r
to see that such measure was called for hv
the actual condition ofour schools The dis.
cussions which the law has called forth. and
the examinations into the condition of our
schools, to which 1t has led, have made anna
rent many serious defects, which before were
hardly hot'ceu' there is n general feeling
that economy is poorly consulted by procuring
the cheapest schoolhousea, the cheapest books,
tor The purposes of school, and gradually as
these evils are more distinctly seen they will
be remedied Teachers, ] am certain will
discharge their duties in better manner than
formerly, since they are finding more evidence
that there is deep interest felt by the com
munity generally in the business of instruc-
ton; that the eyes of the people are turned
towards them with anxious hope, and not mere
ly to scrutinize and find fault. They are be-
ginning 10 feel that they are to have more of
that support, and cooperation and sympathy,
from the public, to which they are entitled,
but for the want of which they have hitherto
had too good reason to complain. The effect
of all this mast be almost of necessity to make
teachers feel their responsibility, and conse.
quently better prepare themselves TO meet it.
Allow me again to express the hope that all,
who are interested in the improvement of the