Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-04-30
arr C0KK0y SCHOOLS.


self to the attention of the people OF
Maine. There was time few years ago
when the reports from the department OF
education were not very encouraging read
ing. They pointed out great deficiencies
in our common school system, showed the
need of labor. funds, skilled teachers, or
ganizaton, aud better methods of work,
and wounded rather than flattered our
State pride. Its encouraging to know
that change appears in later reports.
There is yet much to do for the improve
ment of our common, schools, but we are
making progressive tide is turned.
The first sign Of improvement which we
notice is an increased attendance OF schol-
ars. The increase in 1874 over that of
1873 was, in the summer schools, 62lS; in
the winter schools. 1880. There was also
small increase in the length Of the schools.
In school houses there was an increase Of
l16, and the number reported in good con-
dition increased 1874. The wages of both
male and female teachers We're more in
ls74than in 1878. The aggregate amount of
money expended for schools in 1874 was
l,19l.712 in 1873 the sum expended was
$1.147.2 PAP: the increase in 1874 being
S44,470. The excess Of money raised in
1874 above the amount required by law
was $37. 1923. The increase of the perma-
nent school fund was $jO,610.
Now these are facts which conclusively
prove q better condition of The schools.
When the attendance is better, teachers
better paid, houses improved, more money
raised for the schools, there can be no
doubt that improvement generally is TAX
ing place.
The normal schools appear to be doing
an excellent work. They have been well
attended, and their influence is beneficial
lyfelt in the State through the teachers
which 60 out, from them and find employ
ment in the public schools. MIR. johnson
devotes chapter of his report to Train
ing Schools" which is full ofargument to
show their necessity. So highly does he
estimate their advantages that he thinks
the State should have seven normal
schools instead of two.
The free high schools made good start
last year, promising well. The teachers
institutes not were SO well attended as
they should have been. still they did a
good work. The discontinuance OF this
method OF assisting the teachers for their
calling is an act the propriety of which
may be doubted. He who trains the minds
OF children needs all the instruction be
can obtain te qualify him for his task.
The Summary of Institute Instruction
for 1874, drawn up by Prof. Luce and in
corporated in the Superintendent report
is a valuable paper for teachers. An ex-
haustive article on the subject of DRAW
ing" what it is and why it should be
taught in the public schools, by c. B. Stet-
son, is another excellent and timely pa
per upon subject which is attracting
much attention in other States, and par
ticularly in the larger cities. 1t is sub
ject which deserves consideration. It's
appearance in the Superintendent report
will call attention to its merits.
Beside the article mentioned above,
Training Schools" there are several
important articles from the pen of
Superintendent johnson. He re-
peats his we'll known views in favor
of the abolition of the district system.
He advocates free textbooks, the books
10 be owned by towns and loaned to the
pupils, plan in favor of which he
makes no new arguments of his own, but
presents other evidence to show that it
operates well. An article in relation to
schoolhouses contains ideas that if acted
upon would greatly improve the places
where children are taught Much has been
said upon the matter, and improvement
has been made in our school buildings as
the result, but there is still great necessity
that the comfort, convenience, and health
Of pupils should be considered in such
structures, their locations and surroundings.
The suggestions contained in the report in
regard to legislation were before the last
legislature. Some were adopted, some
rejected Among those adopted was the
recommendation for compulsory attend
ance. If the act passed by the legislature
in regard to compulsory attendance is
properly enforced, it will place class of
children in the schools that would other
wise be educated in the streets, and it will
put them in the way to become useful cit
liens instead of allowing them to follow
the paths that lead to the Jail and prison
An interesting feature Of the report is sew
eral fine photographic plates, representing
drawings executed by pupils in the
schools of Pembroke under the charge of
j.. Marshal Hawkes.. They show what
children can do at drawing when properly
instructed.
The tables accompanying the report are
full OF useful matter. They tell in brief