Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-02-18

Total. s1S5, lOI IL
The apportionment for 1854 was Al cents
per scholar; it VIII probably be somewhat
less for 1865.
The cost of instruction is given as follows
Average tax per scholar for school purposes 81 40
Amount expended per scholar of school age, 90
Amount expended per scholar in attendance, 81
A table is given showing the cost Of in
struction for each year since the organiza-
ton of the State
DICTIONARIES, TEXT BOOKS, &C.
The State furnishes a copy of Webster's
Unabridged Dictionary to each unsupplied Or
ganized school district, upon application prop
erly made. The number distributed during
the past year is 12S. The recent edition of
this dictionary is regarded as superior to any
English dictionary yet published.
In regard to text books the Superintend-
ent remarks:
"Where different series of textbooks, on
the same subject. are in use in a school, it is
obviously the duty of the District Board to
adopt such books as will secure uniformity.
Economy requires this. The board ought to
adopt such books as their judgment approves
and then require the teachers employed by
them to use the books selected and no Others.
Much complaint is made on account Of fire.
quent changes, made without reflection and
with no regard to the list recommended by
this department. Interested parties, by
plausible representations to teachers of little
experience, and offers of new books for old,
to District Boards, succeed in effecting chan
ges that ultimately prove expensive, embar-
RAISING and pernicious. When uniformity ex-
lists in school there can seldom arise ne
cessity for a change. When changes become
necessary for the good of the school, and the
Board adopts such books as it deems to be
best, notice should be given of its action
throughout the district, and all persons, both
parents and teachers, be required to conform
to such actien."
A list of books is recommended for the use
of the schools, and also list of reference
books for teachers.
Allusion is made to the State Teachers As
ISOLATION as follows:
"This educational agency, receiving no aid
from the state, unobtrusive yet powerful in
its influence, aiming to promote knowledge,
patriotism and virtue, controlled by no sect
or party and yet encouraged by all, is de-
serving of substantial support and hearty CO.
operation"
Teachers Institutes have been held at
Oconto, Appleton, Plover, Portage City,
Waukesha and Burlington. Institutes are
commended as economical, lin the absence
of State Normal School, as principal
means for training teachers. After an ae-
/ count of the usual course of exercises at
these educational meetings it is stated that
''Ther efficiency of these Institutes would
| be promoted by a more general cooperation
on the part of district boards in securing the
attendance of teachers employed by them
1t is earnestly recommended that teachers be
allowed to dismiss their schools and required
to attend the institute held in their neighbor
I hood. The loss of time will be compensated
by the increased efficiency on the part of the
teacher. Hospitality on the part of the PEG
pie, and a generous cooperation with the
county superintendent, are always needed
that the expenses for board may not be sucl
as to render it impossible for teachers to at
tend"
Of Colleges and Academies, it is stated.
"These institutions form so important
J part of our educational system, that it