Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1872-08-07
coNrINuEp rRoM rInsr pAar.

the workings OF our common schools
will acknowledge its feasibility, es-
pecially when young and inexperi-
enced teachers arc called upon to say
what and how much pupils shall study,
without even an outline to follow.
Tho sad results of not adopting such
a course, is best known TO teachers
of high schools, academies, &c, who
are compelled TO spend weeks and
even months, in correcting mistakes,
when they should be building super.
structure upon the foundation laid in
the common schools. Directors, con-
slider well the important subject.
Hr MEANS OF IMPROVEMENT.
Ihavc no new suggestions TO make
with regard to changes or improve.
ments in the school law, but expert.
enco confirms my convictions of the
necessity of such changes as | have
heretofore recommended The num-
bcr of directors should certainly be
reduced to three, us the. business Of
the district would be as well attended
to as it now is, and these should be
paid reasonable compensation for
tho time actually spent in the dis.
charge oftheir duties.
Length of 7Tme.-This is now five
months, according to law, instead of
four, and should be six. Tho addi-
tional month is generally received, in
this section, with appreciation. 1t
will be decided advantage to a
Superintendent in this county, Ifall
the schools have been visited once,
during a four months term, spending
nearly half day in each, sixty.six
can be visited the second time, by
visiting three day, during the fifth
or additional month.
Rules and Regulations Directors
should adopt code of rules and
regulations for the government Of
theirschools. No one movement would
think accomplish more for the
benefit of the schools, decrease tardi.
ness and absence, and have greater
tendency to awaken pupils and pa
rents 20 tho true interest Of school
affairs. Impartially and wisely en-.
forced by teachers, in due time pa.
rents and friends of education through.
out the country would endorse them.
Non Ahendance.-About five hun.
dred children, Of proper school age,
did not attend school during the year ;
or so seldom that it was Of no practical
advantage, but great disadvantage
to those that did attend That there
should be so many children growing
ap in ignorance, some of them in
sight of school houses, and nearly all
in reach of ample school accomoda.
tions, provided for their advantage,
is subject that should receive the i'm
mediate attention OF every true friend
of education. t5f.
Fault Finding. I'm few sections
the schools would be more successful,
If citizens would take more interest in
cooperating with and assisting the
Superintendent and teachers in their
duties. Some, who are never seen in
a school room, are continually finding
fault. Their knowledge or opinions
are generally obtained from their
children, who are invariably honest,
but often mistaken; consequently the
efficiency Of the school is seriously
interfered with by unfounded reports.
Let all persons, who have an interest
in the welfare Of our schools, visit the
school room more frequently; and if
they see errors in the teacher or do
fects in tho methods of teaching, they
then have, and not until then, the
legal right to remind the teacher,
notify the directors and superinteu.
dent
School Examinations were held at
the close OF the term, by largo num-
ber of teachers. A few held monthly
examinations with good effect. The
houses were crowded by anxious
parents and friends of education, and
the exercises were generally thorough.
They are CONNIE cndablc, for they con.
tribute much to the interest of the
school and practical instruction. A
few conducted theirs on the parrot
principle, which was degrading, and
certainly proved injurious to the chill
dren. There should be q distinction,
however, between tho abuse of a
thing and the thing itself.
Conclusion.--My last election hay.
ing been declared illegal, on account
af an oversight in law by the Attor-
ney in the organization of the Bridge
port Independent District, and not
being an applicant for appointment,
this report will close my official con
nection with the schools of the county.
shall ever cherish and remember the
honor that has been three times con (.
ferred by the directors of the county,
and for the many acts of kindness
received at their hands. 70 the
teachers for their confidence and sup.
port to the children for their many
little tokens of regard and to the
many friends all over the country,
whose hospitality / have so often en-
joyed, | return my most sincere and
heartfelt thanks. | have enjoyed the
labors of my position more than those
of any other to which | was ever
called. / labored earnestly and dill
gently, with but one great object in
view--the best interests, morally,
socially and Intellectually, of the seven
thousand children under my charge.
That ! failed in somo particulars to
meet tho requirements of all, / am
quite willing to admit, as / lay no
claim to the rare gem of perfection.
But if did what might reasonably
have beon expected to elevate the
standard and awaken deeper oduca.
uonal interest, ! shall feel that my
labors have not been entirely in vain.
How far have succeeded in perform.
ing my duty, however, it is now fou
an unbiased public to Judge. Inter.
csted as over hope TO be in tho
schools of the county, trust / may,
Tor many years to come, meet with
tho teachers at their periodical gath,
crings and contribute my mite TO.
wards elcvatinp the standard of odn