The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-11-29
Maine Educational Association.

The seventh annual meeting of the State Ed
ucational Association was held the past week
at Colby University, and though the week was
stormy, there was larger attendance of prac-
teal educators than usual, and the questions
considered were very generally of practical
character. Little of importance was done on
Monday Tuesday opened with good attend
ance, when President Robins delivered the adj
dress of welcome. Prof. Fletcher of the East
ern Normal School followed with a paper on
professional Teaching " After recess a val
liable paper was read by D. D. Patten, princi-
pal of the High School, Portland, subject,
w hat between the common school and the
college" The common school, meaning by
this the mixed and grammar schools, are in
aended to afford the public simply their 'sbread
and butter knowledge, that sufficient merely
for decent living and ordinary citizenship. We
need, large portion of society needs, some-
thing more than this. The college proper is too
far up to meet this want. The academies $,
necessary and doing a splendid work in their
time, must be considered in the past The
scientific, technical schools meet the wants of
only limited few, The only answer he could
give to the opening question, is, the Free High
school Opportunities for larger culture to any
and all at public expense. We need the Free
High, School, first, to meet the de-
mand of the present day for larger attain
ments in every pursuit of life trade, commerce
manufactures, H. every industry, and in the
professions, opening up to new lines of Thought
ond practice. Second, for increased facilities
in the study of human thought and expression.
particularly in English literature, biography.
history and civil polity.' Third, for the study of
natural science, mental philosophy and higher
mathematics. Fourth to fit students, young
men and young women, for the higher semin-
aries, colleges and universities. The sneaker
urged college trustees and high school directors
to study the problem together, and to bring the
EFFORTS OF both classes of education into harmo-
niots cooperation.
In discussion Of this subject, Prof Hanson.
Watervie, while subscribing heartily aud fully
to the Free High School establishment, believed
that between the High School itself, and the
college there should be one or more we'll en-
lowed classical and fitting schools, to give
the finishing strokes to those proposing to enter
college.
Prof Corthel thought it would be found
necessary to have denominational semiparies
in addition to the free high schools The latter
would feed the former. The tendency would
thus be to cooperative public and denomina-
tiona or individual educational efforts and we
should ultimately witness a high degree of pop
uar culture.
In the afternoon Mr., Woodbury., Principal of
the High School, Rockland, opened the after
noon session with paper on problems in Ed
ucation."
unique, facetious and witty paper was then
presented by Prof. Dodge, Principal of Gorham
OO.n u.iJ SuoJeCt, helat0n or State TO Edu
cation The State is the mother to originate,
establish and cherish all educational institu-
tlons the public school first, the higher insti-
tutlons next. Normal schools should be estab-
lisned IN connection with academies, and in
every county. 'sMaine is big thing and
State aid is needed in every portion of the co M
munity.
The discussion was then taken up bv Mr..
Chase of Portland High School. who Thought
there ought to be more positive sympathy of
action between the common schools and the
colleges. This sympathy was now wanting.
He advocated a board of education and secre-
tary of same, instead of present establishment.
State Superintendent johnson briefly defined
the educational line of policy pursued by the
State the past six years, the aim being first. for
better instruction; secoud, efficient nsnection
and supervision; third, sufficient and well es-
tablished school revenue, and lastly obligatory
attendance to secure the education of every
child in the State. The special need now is
mere efficient school supervision and i,spection.
and on this point we need further legislation
He advocated the bill presented to the last Leg
slature, and referred by its action to the com
ing Legislature.
The Committee on Resolutions presented the
following, which were adopted:
Whereas, it is the sentiment of this Associa-
ton an effective and symmetrical school system