River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-04-04
Educational.
III. y. BAKER, A. h.. Editor.
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT
THE AIMS OF THE NORMAL
SCHOOL

THE AIMS OF THE NORMAL
SCHOOL.
1t is no disparagement to the Nor
NAL student that he is to unlearn error
learned as fact and is to substitute
facts therefor. That he is sometimes
disappointed at the prospect of undo
ing that which has cost time is true !;
but the excellent purposes which the
first paper of this series recognized,
usually stimulate him to redoubled eff
forts under the courageous determi-
nation to repair the past rather than
repine over it. thus denying to inac-
ton all its fatal fruits.
'sThe exclusive purpose of which"
Normal SCHOOL, ''shall be the instruc-
tion and training of persons, both
male and female. III the theory and
art of teaching, and in all the various
branches that pertain to a good COM
mon school education; also, to give
instruction in agriculture, chemistry,
in the arts of husbandry, the mechan-
lie arts, the fundamental laws of the
United States, and in what regards
the rights and duties of citizens. =
Acting under this law the Board of
Regents of Normal Schools established
a standard of qualifications for admis-
sion to the schools, as follows:
/. Candidates must bring to the
school from the superintendent in
whose districts they reside. .'nomi-
nation" certifying to their age, moral
character, physical health, and resi-
dence in Wisconsin.
2. On arrival at the school, candi-
dates must sign declaration, testify
ing that their purpose in seeking al
mission to the school is to fit them
selves for teaching, and that it is their
intention to teach in Wisconsin.
3. On arrival at the school, candi-
dates must show. under written ex-
animation, scholarship sufficient to at
tain an average standing of sixty per
cent. on all branches prescribed by
law for third grade certificate, eX-
cept United States History, Cohstitu-
ton, Theory and Practice of Teach
ing"
The nomination is usually grant
ed to personal acquaintances on appli.
cation, by County and City Superin-
tendents and is used as letter of in
PRODUCTION and as testimonial of the
good repute of the nominee.
The second specification of qualifica-
ton refers to a statement made III
writing by the nominee that enables
the school to grant free instruction in
consideration of All implied pledge to
use the advantages of the school for
the purpose of better preparation for
teaching.
The third specification refers to the
fact that is most thoroughly in dis
pute among interested parties. But
acting in the belief that encourage
ment constitutes the chief stimulus to
action, the school has ever considered
that its preliminary examinations must
be fixed in character TO conform to
the actual information of candidates
feeling that such influences would
be more extended and ultimately more
deeply felt than an examination gained
with the ultimate work of the school
in view, especially since the candidate
already realizes his deficiencies in part
as is shown by his candidacy for po-
sition in a school whose purpose he
recognizes in its effort to help him.
The following questions on that
branch that elicits most attention in
common schools from which the ma
iority of Normal students come, may
be taken as samples in scope for exam
nation of candidates in all branches
L. What is figure Number?
2. From 800, 721, subtract lS7, 9l4.
8. Find the sum of one-half and
seven-ninths.
4. Divide seven-eights by fve-
ninths.
5. .l72S4I2.=? 17.2S41.&?
6. Define Least common multiple.
I. A mans salary is $500 year;
his yearly expenses are $3.50; if he
has ST. $50 now, in how many years
will he have $4.S00!
s. When coal is So dollars a ton
and flour 61S dollars barrel how many
tons of coal will pay for s barrels OF
flour?
8. From 4 acres / sold one part. 20
rods square. and another of 20 square
rods. How many acres were unsold
Unlike the marking at subsequent
examinations when students have at
tanned an amount of information as to
manner as well as in matter, the mark
ing Of answers at admission is at the
maximum if the candidate obtains cor
rect results. Upon such questions and
by such marking, after candidates
have employed necessary time and sup
plemented with private oral explana-
ton. the following is sample Of re-
suits of fifteen average candidates.
/ mo. weeks can Per cent. OF
rard,dates Age didate has scholarship.
taught.