Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-11-12
Craftsman S gonrnal,
CLEARFIELD, NOVEMBER u, 1856.
ANNUAL REPORT
~h-N-N
W Common Schools of Clearfeld County Penn.
sYlVania ending June lst 1856

SONhty iao ~ oSiOOi uloiilCtS--
two Of which are boroughs, % are townships
There are 125 school houses. 115 schools in
session last winter. THE SCHOOL HOUSES with
out exception, are built near the road side or
cross roads-have no play grounds, except the
woods or open fields-no small trees planted,
no out-buildIngs, wood sheds, coal houses &c,
only in three or four places. WATER is OBJ
tanned from five to sixty rods from the houses.
dimensions of houses-from Is to 30 by "a a
70 feet Height of ceiling, from to feet
Materials-plank, frame or logs. Those re-
Gently built, are some Of them from to l
feet in height to the ceiling-weatherboa
out side-lined inside with boards Plank
houses have strips on the out side and lined
inside. There are only four or five that are
plastered. WNDows-from six to eight II
lights; one has four six light and others four
nine light windows, with ceilings feet high :;
cracks daubed with mud out and inside, which
is constantly falling off; slab seats, and no
black boards; heated invariably with wood or
coal stoves placed in the centre Of the house
no means of vcntilating except by open
doors CT raised windows. FURYIrURE-none
worth the name. Small clocks were in three
schools No globes, maps other apparatus
to demonstrate anything. No arrangement for
hats, bonnets, books, &c. Old houses all in
bad repair. Houses recently built, are good
lat low-desks for two-seats well arranged
teachers desk elevated and fronting the en-
trance door.
In all large schools there are from three to
six reading classes well classified. Books u
inform in some only. All the branches named
in the State certificate are taught in almost
every dstrict-nO uniform series of books has
been adopted throughout the county. A Sc
lection has been made in many places and gen.
orally adopted, which is not only great con-
vcnience to the teacher but a benefit to the
scholar. The pupils are generally attentive
and stndious and with good teachers make
rapid progress.
TEACHERs.-Thcre are but few permanent
teachers residing in our county, and the time
of tcachias being only four months few are in
duced to 3CF-e from distance for 30 short a
period. a majority of the teachers have read
no periodical or educational books on the art
of teaching. l can say however, to the credit
of the resident teachers, that they will COM
pare favOrably with most teachers from other
counties and States. They have seen and felt
the necessity of being qualified for the posi-
tion they are to occupy and by their own ex-
ertions have advanced on an average of twen-
ty-fye per cent. and will progress. They take
more interest in the schools; are anxious to
give satisfaction and be successful, and the
scholars receive greater benefit. Intermis-
60 u ck
half day. Some temporary certificates have
been granted to applicants very deficient, be-
cause better could not be had. There are not
half enough teachers to supply the schools in
the county, consequently some are employed
who are deficient but anxious to learn and ac-
quire knowledge for the purpose OF teaching.
Observation-Disclosures and parents, though
often solicited, seldom think it their duty to
visit the schools or show that they really feel
interested in the education of their children.
The public sentiment with regard to education
and the school system is favorable. But lit
tie opposition is made except by some who
have high taxes and no responsibilities to ed
ucate. Education is progressive. In many
districts the people are disposed to have good
SupERIyTESDESTs VIsrTs.-In my vsitations
gave such advice and directions to the teach
ers as thought most beneficial to the school.
1t is true that a superintendent cannot do
much teaching in the short time he has to re-
main in each school, Chough some are so pre-
posterous as to expect IT'D but his visits are
useful in many ways. 1st. He can obtain val
uable information for his own use and that Of
the school department concerning the schools,
school houses, teachers, &C., that will be of
practical benefit for improvement. End. He
can introduce the best modes of teaching;
learn the condition and wants of the school, as
we'll as the ability of the teachers for govern
ment; and award merit where it is due. 3D..
His visits stimulate to action both teachers
and pupils, because they see that their labors
are appreciated and made known to the pub
lie and the schools are supplied with teachers
of better grade than heretofore. 1t induces
young men and women to attend Normal
schools, Seminaries, &c, to acquire more
light and knowledge and strive to improve by
reading and private study.
ScHooLs.-These are more schools this year
than last, yet the number of pupils in attend
ance fall short about 600. This can account
for in no other way than that the inclemency
of the season prevented many from attending
school at all.
ExAMISArE9ys.-Ih have appointed times and