Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1867-08-28
although slow in its progress, we are still
hopeful in regard to its results

private examinations were held I76 apph-
I cants examined, l52 provisional certificates
granted, 19 rejected, and endorsed from
other counties 140 visits to schools an
average of p hours 258 official letters writ
ten; 17l2 miles travelled on official business
taught four months Normal School, end was
engaged In holding examinations visiting
done no more. All the public examinations
were attended, except two, by directors and
citizens who were much interested in the
exercises.
VIsITATIoN.-The number of school WIS.,
tied and the average time spent in each are
| given above. In the performance of this
duty seek, lst The acquaintance and good
will of the pupils. g IF they are pursuing
the proper studies. Sd. The system of in
struction adopted by the teacher-his abii-
| ty to classify and govern the school. 4th.
Hear several classes recite, and at the same
time, If necessary, suggest changes and give
| such other directions as think will promote
the interests of the school. 5th. Notice
the department., order, and attendance OF
the children, and invariably close with a
short address to the scholars, urging the
Importance and necessity of regular attend
ance, industry and perseverance. [ have
every reason to believe that public sentiment
in reference to the common school system is
much more favorable than it was one year
ago. In few districts, however, the value
of common schools is much underrated. L
was generally accompanied by one or two
directors and citizens. The citizens and di-
rectors are heartily cooperating. L was
everywhere met by warm and true-hearted
friends, who gave me a cordial welcome and
many words of cheer. To the directors,
teachers, citizens, and scholars of the county,
for their generous hospitality, am under
many obligations. Having devoted much
of my time to the holding of Normal Schools,
and thus qualifying teachers for their re-
spective duties, of necessity could not visit
schools as often as [ could have done other
wise. But now, having corps of good
teachers, l shall be able, after the close of
this term, to devote more time to visiting
One hundred and twenty schools opened
daily by reading a portion of Scripture. No
county institute was held, the county Nor
mai School having removed the necessity
for one.
WORK DONE BY OTHER AGENCIES.
aids other than the local Normal School in
the county, except the Clearfed Academy,
under the charge of Rev. Z. L.. Harrison.
The Principal, who is very earnest and zeal
Gus IN promoting the advancement of edu-
cation, has done good and noblework, and
for their responsible duties. Clergymen,
generally, do not appear to take that inter
est In public schools, L think, that their high
calling demands-many OF them stand aloot
as if they had nothing to do with the educa
ton of the boys and girls who, in the future,
must uphold the church for which they la
Dor. 1t is due to the publishers of the
county papers that | should call attention
to the cordial support they have ever given
to all measures calculated to advance educa-
tional matters. For this they deserve the
thanks of every friend of education.
INSTRUCTIONS IN THE WAY OF IMPROVE
MENT Not sufficient interest is mani
Tested in the schools by teachers, directors,
and patrons. I'd. The want of older and
more experienced teachers-longer school
terms, and higher wages. Sd. lrregularity
OF attendance is one of the most alarming
evils of our schools, and all judicious meas
ures to remedy it should be tried. The de-
linquents not only stand in the way of their
own advancement, but retard the progress
of others, as well as discourage the teacher.
4th. Teachers wages should be graded ac-
cording to their qualifications and success in
teaching. Paying the same salaries to all
the teachers, as has been too much the Gus
tom, is nothing more nor less than paying a
premium for 'laziness' and ''recklessness.
MEASURES CALCULATED TO PROMOTE
IMPROVEMENT.-It is our opinisn that if
the minimum term of school allowed by
law were six months instead of four, and
the State appropriation increased proper
tionateiy, or the abolition of all the inde
pendent districts and common or general
school fund raised by a uniform assessment
of tax throughout the State-the number
of school directors reduced to three-make
them sworn offices-pay them for their SER
vices-in few years there would be such a
decided Improvement in the condition of
our schools as to create an entire change In
public opinion. aa
CoNCLUsIoN.-Before concluding this,
my first annual report, [ would add, that
the year just passed has been one OF educa-
tional revival in this county. Our teachers
are growing more jealous and enthusiastic /
and laboring with more zeal and fidelity in
the cause OF common schools Directors
are encouraging and holding out greater in
ducements to the faithful and successful
teachers. The future is full of hope and
promise. Let us bear in mind, however,
that we have but begun great work.
Much has been accomplished but yet much
more remains to be done. To you, then,
directors, teachers, citizens, and friends of
education, [ appeal for aid Let us ALL
unite in advancing and perfecting this noble
common school system. Let it be infused
with an increased life and activity during
The ensuing year. Let us eradicate the hos
tility and indifference that still exists Let
rs persevere until the common schools of
his county are looked upon as the proudest
monuments of the intelligence of our
people. GEORGE w. SNYDER,
County Superintendent.
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jeff Davis claims the Kentucky election