Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1871-01-06
Northern Iowa Association.

The Association OF Principals aud
Superintendents Of Schools, in ses-
sion here last week, though not large
In numbers, was very enthusiastic in
work. A large amount of work was
done during the session, which con-
tinusd day and evening from Wednes-
day afternoon, until Saturday noon.
The subject Of Uniformity In grade
Of teachers certificates was discussed
At great length. 1t was finally de-
cided that sixty per cent. OF correct
Answers Of sufficient number of
practical questions In each branch of
study required by law, should be the
minimum on which q certificate to
teach should be issued to any april
cant. A higher rate was contended
for by most present, but the County
Superintendent expressed the opin-
ion that should the examination be
even tolersbly thorough, and the
minimum fixed higher, many of the
school houses would have to remain
idle for ut least the coming year!
The next subject that demanded
the attention Of the Association, was
the necessity for schools of Special
Training for the Teachers work.
As some very favorable offers of sites
and donations OF lands and funds
had been made at different points on
the line OF the Dubuque & Sioux City
Railroad, for the establishment Of q
Normal School, 1t was decided that
the Association take steps to inau-
gurate q Normal School for Northern
Iowa, and . committee, of which
Superintendent Stubs, of Hardin
county, is chairman, was appointed
to receive proposals of sites and funds
for such an establishment.
Another subject that occupied
much time and attention, was Q Uni.
form, Thorough, Scientific and Prac.
cal Course Of Study for Graded OF
Union Schools. 1t WAS thought very
desirable that such o course should
be secured a. would be practicable
for all such schools In the State, 90
that pupils removing from one local.
ity to another, might, without loss oil
time, enter classes Of uniform ad-
vancement In all the studies pertain.
Ing to the class. The work was pref.
ty thoroughly completed a. far ~
through the Grammar School course,
aud an able committee appointed To
add . course OF Study for High
School, edit and have the same pub.
lishsd.
Practical and interesting lectures
were delivered each evening during
the session, and the exercises were
enlivensd by ost excellent vocal
music. executed by member of the
philharmonic Society of this place,
lead by that amateur of the musical
art, Prof. I. H. Bum. The perform.
ances Of this Society show wha,
artistic skill aud thoroug hness mxy
DO acquired By close attention to
drill. We have never been more
highly entertained by the soothing
strsiis" OF the spirit Of music. than
when listening TO the performances,
Of this society. We hope its fame
and usefulness may be far extended
and long continued.
There Was not 10 much interest In
the exercises, manifested by the cit.
zens a. was desirable. This wal
owing mostly, perhaps. to an over.
eight Of the com mittee to give sum.
cient notice Of the meeting and II.
objects, but partly, no doubt, to thu
general apathy that almost every.
where prevails in regard to educa
tional matters. It is cause as much
OF wonder rs regret, that even
parents are more ready to give audi
ence and funds to some perambulat
ing lecturer on "Hocus. pocus and
ledgerdemain" than to the vital mat,
ter Of the mental aud moral training
of their children. We hope th,
time however ID not far distant wher
amid the history making excitement,
and progressions Of our age. parents
and guardians may be induced Il
concern themselves a. much abou
the mental pabulum of their children
and the manner In which it Is deal
out to them, a. 10 exercised In regard
to the provender for their choic,
quadrupeds and the proficiency o
the hired tnan whose duty IL u /,
dole Il ont.
The next meeting Of the Associa