Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1860-05-24

The practical organization as shown by the
minutes of the Board, seems to be widely
different from. and more Objectionable than,
the theoretical organization as shown by
the following Rules for the government
of the Public Schools of the city of Nash
vile -
SUPERINTENDENT.
"He shall devote himself to the study of
our school system, and shall keep himself
acquainted with the progress OF instruction
and discipline in other places that he may
suggest appropriate means for the advance
ment OF the Public Schools Of this city"
ale shall act as the executive officer of the
Board, and be under its control
If the Superintendent has kept "himself &C
quaiuted with the progress Of instruction in
other places" and suggests appropriate
means of improvement" the public records
should show it. that such useful information
may be of use to successive teachers and sue
cessive Boards of Education. Such valuable
information is generally given to the peo-
pie in the Annual Report OF Superintendents.
but the annual reports in this city are en-
tirely devoid of light on these subjects.
"He shall have the general supervision of
all the Public Schools. and be especially
charged with the enforcement OF the rules of
the Board. a copy of which will be delivered
to each pupil on admission" That that
part of these rules. under the head of "cOurse
OF study and text books" is not enforced.
shall show in the proper place.
He shall advance pupils TO higher grades
of school, for which upon examination, they
shall be found qualified" mo pupil shall
be advanced from any school, to one of
higher grade. without having passed thor
ough examination in all the studies of the
schools from which he is 10 be transferred,
except for reason satisfactory to the Super
iutrndcnt.n This last clause re ndgTs the " hole
matter of examination" mere farce, and
allows the Superintendent to do AZ he pleas
e.. independently OF the board, the teacher,
the parents or the pupil. Examine Carefully
and see il the exercise of this power gives
any chance for --fayorilism. unfaithiulness,
&c. Will il prevent the progress of the pu-
Pill, TO place him in a class Tor which he is
entirely untitled! What nonsense. injustice
and waste of time, to have pupil attend
chemical lectures, while ignorant of the
meaning OF chemical term, or 10 be in tie
High School. when he cannot stand All eN-
animation in an elementary grammar clussi
How different are the views of Mr.. Hume
He says, ''undcr no circumstances, permit
any one To pass from an inferior to a superior
class until prepared 10 do So" So also say
the New York Board. aud the New York Su-
psTinteudents, and n is the only way to do
Justice to merit, among either teachers or
pupils.
parents should lay their grievances be
fore the Board or the Superintendent" Well,
which, Are they 10 go 10 one, only 10 be
sent back To the other?
He shall as often as practicable visit each
school. aud observe the mode OF instruction
and discipline adolped, aud the success OF
the same" Is he TO make no eX mutation
himscli!-ii not, what is he there tor!
Teachers shall obey the Instructions OF
the Superintendent" 'He shall have power
to suspend teachers and pupils Tor neglect of
| duty. or violation of prescribed rules" He
shall Immediately make a written report OF
the same, with full particulars, to the Presi-
dent OF the Board, VITO shall lay the case be-
| fore the Board for final decision"
This single rule gives Superintendent
power &c ruin the institution. aud drive all
! teachers from it. except such would be hts
plant tools, in any scheme be might wish to
carry out.
Suppose a Superintendent, "greedy OF
gain" interruptions in conscience. limited
aud superficial in scholarship, nrrugAntly
oyerbeariag where he dares To be-, superaii-
ious or fIWning as policy dictates, SHOULD
and among the TEACHERS one OF fine talents
and address, varied and extensive attain
meuts aud capt To teach" how soon would
the Superintendent dread the danger. of hav-
| lug Que 50 much his superior, to expose his
How easy IL would create pretcxt for
suspeading him! and the Interested prosecu-
| tor is TO '.inake written report. in other
words, he witness against him; aud II unsue-
cessfnl the frat time, suspend bim again.
| knowing that worthy teacher would rssi IN
rather than submit 10 such indignty. Hos
easy it would be for 4 Sup rinteadeRt TO
/ have an arrangement with come suppIiant,
| plastic iayorite, ready 10 take his place
Now, increase the power OF The 5 up Tinten
dent by pattlng him on Committees TO TX
the grade and salaries OF ieachsrs.' aud tae
balance OF the committee viii most likely
| yield TO HE wishes and opiniOas- Hog easy
TO keep faithful teacher from advancing IN
grade or salary, merely because he will mol
/ aid in that which be knows 10 be wrong
| How easy 90 keep the salary Of Que faithful
Woodworking teacher for years down At $500
| and for teaching the same branches give 70
| tayorite 81 900, and boz easy to make a
| cats-pa~ even OF thar saForite. by saying u
| him. As yea teach only the commoa Eag'
| iish branches. you eoald not make By your
self $500 per year; bat sill ges yea 81. 300
/ IL you viii lei Eae have all over thai sum thai
/ eaa got for your labor.r WoEid nos aeacss
sr aud Superintendent fsei necessity 81
standing firmly By each other sad hos iu1-
possible Soald il be for the heard OF tire Peo
/ pie 10 detect anything wrong. Reader, Re
rees carefully. and sc Il there i aay wal
open here -ior fasoritiszn. unfaiihiuiasss
deceit. intrigue, baFgAialsg. ffAEd, and dis
! honesty. To understand Ibis more fally,
viii leok inso one edge 81 The boak ehapteR
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