Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1871-08-09

Of June, 1871:
The people are slowly but surely
awakening to the great Importance of
the common school system. They free
ly admit its claims and cheerfully con-
tribute to its support.
New HoUsEs.-During the school
year just ended, eleven buildings We're
erected, as follows: One in Bell, one
in Brady, one in Burnside, one in Gov
ington, one in Curwensville, one in
Ferguson, one in Karthaus, two in
Lawrence, one in Morris, and enc in
Woodward. They are all large and
commodious frame structures, well sup
piled with good furniture and ample
blackboard surface. Those of Law
renee and Curwensville are furnished
with McFarland's patent desks, which
have rendered entire satisfaction.
New DIsTRICTS.-Two Independent
Districts have been formed. One out
of Pike, called Bridgeport, and the
other out of Lawrence, called West
Clearfeld. The Directors are all en-
ergetic and intelligent men; hence,
will discharge their duties faithfully.
New LEGIsLATIoN.-An act to con-
solidate the common school property
with that of the Academy, of Clear
field borough, erect large-and commo-
dious buildings, and thoroughly grade
the schools, was passed last winter.
After due reflection we are convinced
this is step in the right direction.
We trust, therefore, for the good OF
all concerned, that such an arrange
ment will be made; that the consolida-
ton, upon trial, will prove satisfactory
to all, and mark a new era in the edu-
cational history of Clearfeld borough.
OUT-BUILDINGS. - A number OF
houses have been, during the year,
provided with the necessary out-build-
ings, but much the largest number are
not yet supplied. viii not Directors
see to this important matter?
TEACHERs.-W have our full pro-
portion of poorly qualified teachers.
Four failed entirely, while others mere
ly "kept school. They have not de-
teriorated, but some have failed to keep
pace with the educational improve,
ment. 1t is absolutely necessary that
a portion, at least, become better quail
flied, either by private study, or by at
tending some good school, or quit the
profession. The time has arrived when
all teachers should be able to discrimi-
nate between excepting" school, and
teaching it; between bare words and
learning ideas; between getting les
son to recite and one to understand
between committing rules and teaching
principles. We have some teachers
that are an ornament to the profession
who 90 outside and beyond the mere
textbook, and have the children thor
oughiy understand what they pretend
to learn.
GRADED SCHooLs.-In some of the
rural districts the Directors are agita
ting the subject of graduation; ant
we hope soon to be able to demonstrate
practically, its superior advantages
We greatly need more careful classi
ffcation in many localities, than We
now have, and the best way to accom-
plish this is to establish, in some cen
tral position, accessible from all point
of the district or districts, school o
higher grade, to which the most ad
vanced pupils may be admitted. Sucl
schools could be established at Luthers
burg, Burnside, Lumber City, New
Washington, and Glen Hope, with lit
tie or no opposition, and soon other 10
calities would follow the van of i'm
provement. The increased facilitie
which such schools would afford, fo
complete and thorough public instruc
ton, would be stepping stone to
nobler and higher education.
SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS or reviews
have not been so generally Introduce
as was expected. a beginning, how
ever, was made, and we hope the di
rectors VIII require every teacher il
the county, the coming year, to hol'
one at the end of each month. Tn
chief aim now seems to be to get owe
as much ground as possible, regardles
of thoroughness or accuracy. Man.
scholars are unable to answer question
even in the elementary branches, ,whicl
clearly proves they have very super
fetal and imperfect knowledge of tn
studies passed over. There is no 9th
er agency that will promote more thor
oughness and accuracy in recitation
and excite a greater emulation among
scholars, than frequent public review
or examinations. They should not b,
gotten up for the occasion, but tn,
teacher should, in all cases, allow th'
directors or a spectator to conduc
them, If being able to tell thing
and to give reason is true evidence
OF education, then, 1 think, it must b.
conceded that the theory of public re
views is productive of very importan
| and substantial benefit.
DIRECToRs.-Many boards deserve
special credit for what they have done
and are now doing to advance the edu
cational interests of the county. Nav
tlley never become wearied in well do