Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-07-30
Cen. Lee,s RepOrt p sshool DisoipIina.

SS'
At the recent meet u the Educational
Association of Virgiuis, IN I.ynchbnTg, Gen.
L. II. Smith read the following < Report on
School Discipline, "Prel :by. the Chaigniar,
Gen. Robert L. Lee, 10 was unaS6idably
ABSENT
The Committee appe ated by the Educas
tioual Association OF Virginia, on s.SclIool
Discipline" beg leaYeto 20 report that, in their
opinion, it is impractica e to establish fixed
rules for the Governmeni of Schools Pnb-
lie sentiment is so divided ON the Subject.
aud the methods of tauii tFAining are so va
rious, that no uniform sysiem can be well
adapted to meet the general requirement..
Ii the subject of Education could ever be
of more importance at Que period of our his
tory than at another, dat Rod is the pre-
sent; and that il ,Hn ~ - saDcedl5 20 1iIlle
highest state Of proficiency, it is important
that general cooperation should be enlisted
in its support.
1t is, therefore, considered more advantage
Gus to recommend for attention some general
principles, aud leave their application to the
Judgment and discretion OF teachers.
The selection of proper persons for the Of
fee Of teacher is a matter of the first impOrt>
prehensive preparation it should be regarded
as among the most honorable aud important
professions, and be committed to those whose
beneficial influence and instruction shall en-
brace morals and religion, as we'll as the in
tellect. The teacher should be the example
Of the pupil. lie should aim at the highest
attainable proficiency, and not at a pleasing
medIOcrIty. Unless he can teach those com
mItted to his care TO think, and to work, and
can imPart to them vigOr with learning, there
can be no real advance. He must study the
character and disposition of his pupils, and
adopt his course Of discipline to their pecuE-
arltIcs. Above all, he must be uniform, con-
sistcnt, firm, kind in his conduct, teach more
by acts than words, and show the children
under his charge that he he has their true in.
terest at heart. He should look upon them
not only as the parents of a new generation,
but also as heirs OF immortality, aud while
preparing them for usefulness in this life, in
still into their impressible minds principles of
piety and religion; for if it be true as taught
by history that greatness depends upon virtue.
1t is equally true that religion is the support
Of virtue.
Should the daily business of the school be
conducted on such principles, and the pupils
be trained in habits OF obedience reverence
and truthiulness, aud be convinced that they
are noble aud lovely in themselves. and their
practice manly and honorable, the main object
Of Education will have been attained.
In addition to these moral influences. a
teacher should be clothed with all the authori
ty of the parent in the discharge of his duties,
and be sustained by him so long as he may
eutrust his child to his care. Tha; he may be
kept constantly Informed Ofthc condnct of his
child, weekly, quarterly, and yearly reports of
his progress should be sent him by the teach
err, i'll which should be stated his absence late
attendance and mSbehaviOr. Certificates of
advancement should likewise be given to those
who excel in studies aud conduct The
system Ot puniShmeuts ought to be as simple
and mild as they can be made effective and
when coercion has to be resorted to, it should
be generally left to the parent. Should
admontion, restriction Of recreation, &c, fail
to produce the desired effect, aud the pupil
obstinatey resist the p1tient expo>tulation of
the teacher, there will then be no other
resource than to return him to his parent as
one unworthy place in the school.
In connection with this subject and as an
additional incentive for the faithful and con.
scIentlous dlschsrge of parental duty, the COM
mIttee refer to statement which the present
Lord Shattsbury is said to have made at Il
recent public meeting in London. that he had
"sccrtalned by personal observation, that OF
adult male criminals of that city, nearly all
had begun course of crime between the ages
OF eight and sixteen and that if young man
should pursue vrtuous lie till he was twenty
years old. there were forty mine chances in
favor and only one against his continuing an
honest life thereafter. How great is the i'm
portance then OF every parents exercising the
necessary control oh ilSiS-f
by proper management this would not be
difficult and might he the means of saving
him from crime. misery and remorse.
Respectfully submitted
r. +. LEE, \
S. MAUPIN, Com'te.
FRANCIS II. SMITH,
On motion the rennrt WIS rereiyed and the