Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-07-22

At the examinations last year the
standard was raised somewhat and
thirty.five applicants were registered.
A larger number, probably, refrained
from entering the classes, fearing they
would not be able TO pass. by raising
the grade slightly again for the coming
examinations number more will be
reached who are not making any effort
TO improve themselves. Though il
seems hardly fair to demand first class
examination for third rate pay, yet it ia
the only way to dispose of inefficient
teachers, and finally, insure better sala.
ries for those who are retained.
TEACHERS INSTITUTES.
for 1873 and 1879 were both held during
the holiday weeks at Bellefonte, and
were well attended. The order and at.
tention were remarkably good on both
occasions. The session of '79 last win.
tef) was pronounced the best ever held
in the county. But as it appears from
former records that almost every success.
sive institute is labeled as the "best" or
"a grand success" one should exercise
little modesty in passing on the merits
of any particular session. The instruc.
tors for the institute of 1873 were Profs.
n. G. Schaefier, John s. Stair, w. A.
Buckhout, w. A. Krise. Evening lee.
turers. n. G. Schaeffer. John S. Stahr
for the session of 1879 were DIR. n. c..
Schaeffer, Misses Della I. Smith and
j. Ettie Crane. Lecturers. Drs. n. G.
Schaefier, Geo. P. Hayes and Rev. d..
K. Nesbit.
Our home talent was not ignored /;
many of the leading teachers prepared
excellent papers on various subjects
which were read before the institute.
Our experience is, however, that in EN-.
ploying home talent the most efficient
only should be put on the programme,
otherwise time is wasted.
When ninety nine teachers are re.
quired TO listen half an hour TO the
hundredth who is but their equal In at.
tainments, about the only one receiving
any benefit is he who makes the effort
to give instruction. have frequently
consulted our leading teachers as 70
their views in reference 10 employing
"foreign" instructors, and their answer
hts been invariably this We close our
schools for week to attend institute.
we are at considerable expense while in
attendance, and We expect TO receive
instruction from men who know more
than we do, therefore employ the best
talent you can secure.
SUGGESTIONS.
would recommend that the Belle.
fonte schools adopt q course Of study
with a view of graduating pupils and
granting diplomas. There are different
advantages which il is believed would
follow such a plan. 1t would inspire
pupils with a greater zeal in their stud.
les; il would retain at school many of
the larger pupils who, under the pres.
ent system. leave at too early an age !;
it would improve the attendance; and
diplomas would be a recommendation
for scholars in after life. Candidat es
for graduation should be examined by
the county superintendent assisted by
the teachers Of the schools presenting
pupils for examination. Should the
plan prove successful at Bellefonte, il
should be tried in our leading towns,
giving similar privileges to all the pu.
pills OF the county. This system has
been in operation in several counties
for some time. and, believe, is produc.
ing good results.
In calling attention To our defects
and their remedies, | shall have to re.
peat what was stated in former reports.
Teachers salaries are too low. Pay
better wages and employ only the best
teachers-they are the cheapest in the
end.
Many Of the schools are improperly
classified. Teachers are 10 blame for
this chiefly, for II they would make
proper efforts the evil would be rem
edied
While all our teachers have read some
books on the science of teaching, too
few read educational periodicals.
In several districts the average per
cent. of attendance is az low as GO.
Very poor. Let US endesvor TO make
a better showing next term.
Apparatus should be increased in
nearly all the schools. Teachers cannot
work to advantage without tools.
About thirty Of our school grounds
are too limited. Directors should re.
member that they have n right-that
il is their duty to purchase sufficient
space for play ground.
Visits on the part OF directors and
citizens should be more frequent.
ITEMS FROM STATISTICAL REroRr.
scHoot GROUNDS
Grounds of sufficient sire las
suitably mproved.-................
school HOUSES
Number of school houses Isl
built during past year................,........
hhht tof II
withous suitable out houses. IL
FuEStTUEE.
SHmbor of school. supplied with patent furniture %
NuHber OF SCHOOLS ZIG
graded schools... "a
needei...................... II
schools we'll classified ......... la
In which books are uniform. 2iI
in which Bble read~...... ne
TIAeHERs
Number of male teachers. l64
female teachers. 81