The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1877-06-08
OUR COMMON SCHOOLS.

We give below carefully prepared
analysis of the condition of the Common
Schools of this county, taken from official
reports. A mere inspection is sufficient to
show that as whole they are in miserable
condition. and one that reflects upon the in
telligence of the people. Out of 152 dis
tricts, but so have sufficient grounds, 73 are
badly ventilated, and 60 are without water
closets. Only 50 directors out of l6G at
tended the examinations - accompanied
the Superintendent in his "sitations and
only JOG patrons out of a population OF 3O,-
600 took interest enough to be present.
In this matter there is inexcusable negli-
gence somewhere. Large sums of money are
spent annually by the State and districts in
the cause of education, but the results are
almost barren, Parents should remember
that there is a weighty responsibility upon
them in fitting their children for future use
lulness, yet in many instances there is less
attention paid to them, than to the rearing
of cattle. Once sent to the school duty is
supposed to have been performed. The reme-
dies are, First, the election Of thoroughly
competent and energetic Directors, and we
believe the number should be reduced to
three. Second, The employment of compe.
tent teachers, to whom good salaries should
be paid. If the title to a mans land is en-
dangered, he employs the best legal talent;
if his child's health is impaired he con-
suits the best physician but in the training
of that child's mind, which is not only to
fit him for usefulness here, but influences
him in his preparation for the hereafter, the
parent is too content to entrust his child to
ignorant, and in many cases to immoral
teachers. Third, a capable and active sup
erintendent,-on who loves his work, and
will devote his whole time to it. By the
joint action of the people, directors, teachers
and superintendent our schools can be raised
from the slough in which they now founder.
Here is our analysis
The estimated value of school property in
Columbia county is $3.50, $1,000. The num-
ber of permanent certificates granted up to
the last official report was none. Grounds
of sufficient size S0,-suitably improved p
number of houses in districts l52 frame
22-log none-brck or stone % built dur
ing the year 8 unfit for use 81 badly
ventilated 73; number without suitable
privy G5 first class school houses Is. Mum
ber with suitable furniture 33 with in
furious furniture AZ supplied with furni-
ture during the year, 3. Well supplied
apparatus, none with any appara-
tus worth mentioning 1874; no apparatus
increased during the year. Number OF
graded schools, 49, No schools graded dur
ing the year; graded schools needed 10 ;
No separate schools needed for colored chill
drcn schools well cassed 1l2. The books
are not uniform in log schools the bible is
read in SO ; drawing is taught in s. vocal
music was taught in SO high branches
(query p 8. Public examinations held "a /;
directors present 50 /; receiving provisional
certificates 22l permanent certificates 81;
applications rejected Z; examined privately
Is; certificates renewed, none; average grade
of certificates 293. Male teachers employed
| ll9; female "a; average age 26; those who have
had no experience "a =; taught less than one
year 80 Z; taught more than five years rs (;
intend to make teaching permanent busi-
ness 100 attended State Normal School
80 graduated at State Normal School 13.
Teachers who have read books on teaching
109; who hold professional certificates 81
who hold permanent certificates failures
in teaching /. Visits to schools by the
County Superintendent 2ll average time
spent at each, one and half hours; number
of directors accompanying the Superinten-
dent 50; patrons met in the schools 106; no
schools regularly visited by the directors or
patrons; district institute was held in one
district one meeting was held by the Su-
perintendent no district has library est-
mated number of schoolable children not in
school l42.