Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-04-11

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scholarship; and students may graduate with at
least five different marks of distinction, besides the
mere merit of getting Diploma, which is the SIKH
| grade.
They graduate with first, second. third and fourth
DISTINCTION while some who do not take fourth
receive some mark of higher merit than the mere
graduate who passes and gets his degree.
Such are the numerous grades of scholars who
pass with appreciation over the regular course IN
Schools; and know of no graded certificates issued
| in any but one State with fewer than five numbers
| These numbers, rs stated indicate the Scholar
ship of the teacher on each branch; and it is posi-
| bic to have No. l on some branches, and NO. vi
others.
Few teachers will take the same numbers on every
branch and while the numbers will be pam Ill
dication of Scholarship and of qualifications on par
ticuar branches, there will rarely be NO. or
| No. l teacher
Let this principle then be constantly borne IN
! mind, that it is not intended to make hve classes OF
| teachers; but from the highest proficiency on any
branch there may be four lower grades OF scholar
| shin allowed 1t is easy to make these live d'slnc-
tons while the fifth will still be respectable, and
there will be very distinct difference in the schol-
| arship of each.
Teachers generally, may be classed into good, re-
spectacle, and Indifferent; and each general class
may still have various grades of scholarship on the
different studies But let 1t be rule to gire No.
only for the highest prctcency-let the tres 1nd,-
cate q respectable qualification and let no one lie
tscice licensed scih but fires on his certificate
2. The additional suggestion which wish to make
is this: Examining Committees should begin to re,
quire teachers, generally, to know something Oh
Grammar and Geography.
1t is not absolutely essential to have knowledge
Of these in order to obtain permission to teach and
if it strictly required it would be Impossible 10
supply the Schools.
But there is simple and practicable plan which,
If rigidy pursued will effect all that can reasonably
be expected on this subject. This is the plan, and
earnestly recommend its universal adoption: Never
grant license twice to the same teacher without
ability to teach either Grammar or Geography.
Any one who is worthy to teach at all can easily,
in one year, become qualified to teach one of these
branches; and wish, therefore, that every Examin-
ing Committee would strictly enforce the following
rule, viz: When certificate is granted to any one
to teach only Spelling. Reading, Writing and drithme.
tic let the holder be notified that such eerttcate scn
not again be grantd to him or her, and that be fore lie
or size can be re-licensed there must be ability to
teach Grammar at least, Grammar and Geogra-
ply. Let this be rule No. l, always to be enforced
and add 10 it rule No. 3 nerer to grant teco eeti
,tcates to the same person Nth no higher number tn
foe.
obtained authority from the last Legislature to
have printed and bound for the use of each School
in the State Register on which the teacher is to
keep an account of the School, This Register vii.
have captions, explanations ruled lines, &C., making
it easy for the teacher to keep record Of the names
pursued by each, the standing Of each, the dscip-
line enforced, &C., &C.
This Register is to be kept carefully in the school,
house, perpetual history OF the School; and as
book will last at least six years before it will be
filed the expense will be small.
This is great step forward, and any one can
readily appreciate its importance.
The Scholars will feel that they are acting for all
time. as permanent record will be made OF the
progress and discipline of each-the teacher will
have new test Of capacity applied to him, and will
be compelled to learn habits of order, and how to
keep accounts, while if he cannot keep the record he
will not be allowed to teach, each is required by
law to keep one-and parents. guardians and the
public will be enabled to see, at any time, what is
the situation and progress of the School; the results
of one session and of one year can be compared
with those of another, and succeeding generations
will have ample materials to judge correctly of their
situation with respect to the past.
Each teacher, once licensed, is required, when he
comes TO his license, to exhibit to the spcc
ton of the Examining Committee the record last
kept by hm-and thus the Committee will have ad-
ditional means OF Judging of his merits
This rule cannot be enforced until next year. asst
will take considerable time to publish and bind the
Register and distribute it among the Schools 1t is
now in the hands Of the contractors and will be push
ed forward as fast possbe-and as fin
ished due notice and full explanations will be sent
out in Circular from this Office.
Without uniformity in the text books used it is
impossible for any teacher successfully to teach a
large number of scholars and | again urge upon
you to exert your influence with teachers in having
the books recommended generally adopted.
Since my last Circular to you, there has been is
sued a new number in the series of Webster's Die
tionaries, called "Webster's Dictionary Counting
House Edition. This contains tables Of money!
weights and measures, rates of foreign money fixed
by law, foreign weights and measures, &C., &c, and
is, on the whole, admirably adapted to the use of
Common Schools. would suggest that this edition
be used. The list of books recommended will be
found in my last letter to you-and it is my pur-
pose to send out printed slips of these lists to the
Chairmen, to be read to every teacher. | now make
the request that these lists be copied by every teach
er who receives certificate, and that teachers be
urged to use their influence in having them adopted
Permit me to request you to your influence
in having Teacherss Associations, for mutual i'm
provement formed in every County. 1t is desirable
to have one in every County, acting under the State
Association; and as you will see every teacher in
the course of the year, you effect great deal
with little labor.
Such Associations are of immense benefit, and it
is impossible for to be kept up with any spirit
for a few years only, without producing the most
lasting and beneficial results. l speak knowingly
and from good opportunities of observation, in this
matter.
Finally, Gentlemen, earnestly appeal to you to
guard carefully the morals of the young. Rernem-
Der, always that no amount of scholarly qualifica
ton Will atone for the want of good moral charac
ter and that a teacher of bad habits or opinions
opposed to the truth of Gods revealed Word is not
fit companion, much less instructor, of the chill
dren of the State In this matter it is impossible to
be too strict: there should be no compromises here,
no allowances but firm refusal of license to every
one who cannot prove good character.
Our Stat has not been considered as among the
foremost in the progress of modern times; and God
forbid that she should be any where but in the
rear IN the rapid march Of depravty which charac-
we can now appreciate some of our advantages;