Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1860-07-12
Graded Schools.

We copy the following from the Ill., State
School Superintendent's Report for 1859:
In all the departments of human industry,
whether physical, intellectual or moral, sys-
tcmatic division Of labor, invariably yields
the most beneficial results.
1t has come to be conceded by all expert
enced educationists throughout the country,
who have had an opportunity of forming q
correct Judgment on the subject, that in
mixed or unclassifed school, like the common
schools of the country, the pupils do not on an
average, perform over one-half the study, or
acquire half the learning which they are ca.
pable Of accomplishing and acquiring in prop
erlP graded schools. In corroboraton of this
fact, | need but appeal to the experience
of any one who has spent his school days in
district school, and who has since had an
opportunity Of witnessing the advancement
now made by pupils in the graded schools of
the country. More is accomplished in one
year by the pupil of properly classified and
graded school than is done as q general rule
by the attendant at the district or mixed
school in three and with less labor on the
part Of both teacher and pupil.
Once classified in graded school, the pupil
has double incentive to keep up with, or out
strip his clasSmateS-the hope of being pro-
noted to a higher class in case he eXcelS, and
the fear of being degraded by being assigned
to lower one, provided he does not maintain
his standing The most backward pupil is
thus urged on by double stimulus to equal
the foremost, while the performance of the
latter is made the standard of excellence for
the whole class The teachers, too, are arouS-
4 Aor II l;r,b
Of their duties, since their skill and faithful
ness will be made apparent in the qualifications
of the candidates whom they send to the high
er departments of the school and the length
of time occupied in preparing them for pro-
motion
A comparison of the merits of the graded
schools now in successful operation in most of
the leading cities of the State, with those
which formerly existed in those cities, under
the mixed or private school system, will fur,
niSh an oyerfowing argument in favor Of the
former
The graded school is not only an immense
economizer in the time required to educate the
child to any given extent, but it is also great
saver of money Three teachers, in school
properly graded, can furnish more instruction
to three hundred pupils in any given time,
than six teachers can to the same number in
mixed schools. The former would require one
house, and the latter six. The saving in ex-
pense of teachers and school houses, by adopt
ing the graded system then. may be safely sta
ted at one hundred per cent.
The advantages of the graded system over
the independent district system, may be briefly
stated as follows, viz:
l. Decrease in the number and expense of
both school houses and teachers.
2 The introduction of moro systematic,
extended and thorough course of study f; as
we'll as a more uniform series of text books.
3 Increased facilities for procuring a leading
teacher of experience and ability, TO take the
general charge of the school, arrange classes,
conduct TIE general exercises, 70 exercise So