Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-07-10
The Reforms Needed I'm the School
Systems

The school board finished, Tuesday night, the
consideration Of the course of study for the en-
suing year. A large proportion OF the recon-
mendations OF the committee on textbooks were
adopted, either without change OF amended so
as to go still further In the direction desired
and others which failed to obtain the two-thirds
vote, held to be necessary under the circurn-
stances, were supported by a majority, which
would seem to insure their adoption as distinct
resolutions at some future meeting. Something
has, therefore, been done to remedy the evils
OF which parents and teachers complain Much
more will be needed, but a start, at least. has
been made. In the discussion of one part of the
report, 1t was urged that many things tn re-
spect to which teachers complain, such as fire.
Quent written examinations and the observance
OF fnfexible timetables are the voluntary ac-
lions OF teachers and not required by the board.
1t would be we'll Ii this disclaimer should have
the effect Of reducing the number Of such exam
nations in all the schools. II there has been
no suggestion to the teachers as to what 1t would
be prudent to do In these matters, they surely
Will not wear themselves out In unnecessary
labor, or oppose the general discontinuance of
Objectionable work which has been pronounced
purely matter Of v0lition. Of course all the
teachers would need to agree In the matter.
Professional ambition would not permit any to
same.
While school matters are under consideration.
the occasion may be taken to suggest that the
controversy which is going On all over the coun-
try In respect to the public schools Is not, as
some would believe II they could, phase OF the
chronic grumbling OF newspapers. 1t Is not
merely battle between those who believe that
The state to do even handed justice should fur
nish only three Rs education to its citizens In
embryo, and those who would have public In
struction terminate only in national uniyer.
Sify. There are many who favor as liberal an
education as possible by the state, but who look
upon the rudfmentary branches as the essen
tials. All agree that 1t is wise policy In a state
70 tax citizens to give certain amount OF iu-
'struction to those whose votes viii some day
-conIroi the affairs OF the community. Lower
grade schools should, then, be made so numer-
Gus, the buildings In which they are taught
should be so healthful and attractive, and the
teachers In them should be so well-paid, skilled
ana intelligent, that this modicum of instruc-
lion may be given to every Child In the commu-
mEy. whether citizens are willing to be taxed
Tor higher education, even up to the public
college, depends upon themselves 1t is when
the funds are diverted from the school buildings
ana school teachers provided for this essen
tfal instruction, to the cultivation of higher
branches, that the public has grievance Ex-
pense for extras is not In order when children
are turned away from lower grades because
room Is lacking, and when many OF those who
are granted entrance are taught in novels. Nor
10 the outcry against the system OF examining
In vogue an unreasonable one. Parents have a 1
right to ask that teachers shall net be so occu-
pied, either through their own fault or the
fault Of any one else, that the task OF teaching
Ii transferred to themselves, and that the time
Of the child Is completely taken up In faithful
attendance at his two schools.