The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1875-07-28
For the Hartford Herald.
WHY ARE COMMON SCHOOLS OFTEN
A FAILURE!


and perhaps as often answered, though,
sometimes, incorrectly. Many people err
roniously suppose that every failure in
the working of the entire school system
is attributable either directly or indirect-
ly to the injudicious management of tie
teachers.
The teachers are charged with covet>
business and laziness. 1t is said they
charge too high salary, and thus cause
discussions. 1t is also said that they do
not work to the interest of their patrons,
but aim only to fill out their time, and
thus secure their wages.
Now, if all this be true, teachers, as a
class, are unfit to be the companions of
the youth, and less fit to be his instruc-
tor.
But, before passing the sentence of ex-
communication upon this class, let us
enter into a thorough investigation of the
matter.
We will first hear the testimony of the
patron.
He testifies that the teacher was em>
ployed to teach the school at liberal
price; that he commenced the term with
fair prospects, but, some how or other,
soon lost all interest in the school. Says
he, 81 never went to the schooihouse du>
ring the session, but the children say that
he did not keep order, but Just let the
scholars do as they pleased. And worst
of all, they tell me that he didn't try to
learn (teach) them anything" Contin>
ues the witness, 81 didn't send to school
much, as the roads were so bad, and then
l was so busy with my work that | had
10 keep my children at home good deal,
and then, toward the last of the school,
they didn't much rant TO go.
teacher. He states that he began the
school with some hopes of success.
Though, says he, ain the beginning l
had many difficulties with which to con-
tend. For the school was crowded, and
the scholars brought such variety OF
text books, that l was compelled to ar
range the school into more classes than /
had time to hear and instruct properly.
Some brought Davies Arithmetic, 1.-TWO
: editions). Some brought Rays, and 9TH
ers brought Towne's, and two or three
brought Smiley's old Arithmetic. The
same variety was found IN the Geogra-
phies, Readers and Spoilers. However,
arranged the school as best / could and
did all | could to encourage the students,
, telling them what a great work they
might accomplish if they would DO theil
duty. But my plans were soon thwarted
by the irregular attendance of the stu
dents. Coming, as many Of them did
only two or three days in week, could
not keep them classed, nor could 1 Civ,
them any assurance of success while at
> tending in this way. But to add to my
Y critical situation, the absence of tn,
V parents did not appreciate my efforts t.
r create an interest among the students, for
their advancement Their absence fur
thermore led ne to conclude that thei
parents did not take proper interest them
selves. Taking this view of the matter,
lost my interest too, seeing that my ut
: most endeavors must result in nothin
short of failure"
We have now heard the evidence o
/, both sides, and thus far found no contra
diction in the statements. But the yer
: dict is against the patron: for he di
wrong first He did not send to schoC
,e regularly, and thus not only showed
want of interest on his part but cause
those whom lie sent to lose all their in
as terest.
n, 40 comment upon this verdict,
roice is heard, saying, at is the Guty ,