The Portland daily press., 1880-05-10

land, Principals Corthell of Gorham, and
Chase OF Portland, who all spoke upon topics
more or less closely connected with the subject
of the paper.
Before the close of the meeting the following
resolutions moved by, Prof j. L. Morse and
mously adopted:
Resolved, /. That this association expresses its
hearty approval OF the proposition to make uniform
the conditions of entrance to our N E. colleges
2. That the same elementary knowledge of
natural science and English literature rhetoric and
general history be included in such preparatory
course.
On Friday morning at o'clock the exercises
were resumed and paper was read by Princi-
pal Corthell on "The classification of ungraded
schools which is to be published for distribu-
tion by the society.
Discussions followed by Supt fash of Port
land, Rev. W. w. Woodbury. of Skowhegan,
principals Woodbury. of Castine, Rounds OF
President M. G. Fernald of Orono submitted
paper upon 1.-THE Needs and Work of a Pro-
fessional State Teachers Association In
treating of the need of such an association he
called attention ~ to the fact that professional
training is necessary to the highest success in
any department of labor; (2) consideration of
agencies in aid of preparation for school work
common schools, free high schools, high
schools, academies, normal schools, seminaries
and colleges ~ need of an organization to
direct special preparation Tor the teachers
calling; az and Of greater efficiency in the
teachers vocation, and sharper discrimina-
ton between good and poor work. He showed
the work of such teachers organization to
be ~ to unity and extend methods which re-
late to the teachers profession; (2) to arouse
ambition and enthusiasm, and hence secure
better quality of school work; (9 to insure
recognition of first class work and adequate
compensation for the same; (D to effect legis-
lation on school matters Discussion followed
by principals Jordan of Lewiston, Burr of
Hallowell Mr.. Melcher of Saco and Others
The afternoon session was wholly occupied
in considering plan, presented by a commit
tee appointed for the purpose, for more COM
plete and permanent organization into which
the present one should merge. An organiza-
ton to be known as '"The Maine Pedagogical
Society" was effected, a constitution adopted
and other business transacted.
The evening session of the society was held
in the vestry OF the Baptist church, beginning
at 7.30 with half hours business meeting at
which the following officers were elected for
the ensuing year:
President-A. w. Burr, Hallowell.
Vice President-H. L. Chapman, Bruins
wick.
teSecretary and Tressu rer-E. W. Hall, Wa
rville.
Executive Committee-A E. Chase, Port
land; R. Woodbury., Casino.
Advisory Board-C. c.. Rounds, Farming
ton; M. G. Fernald, Orono; l.. G. Jordan,
Lewiston; Miss 5. U. Sturrett, Belfast; Miss.
FL. M. Kimball, Gorham.
At 8 o'clock State Superintendent Luce was
introduced, who had paper upon "School
Legislation" He said that certain radical
changes in our school system are inn
peratively demanded. While admitting that
law is not the only panacea for all evil, he
would enlist the aid of the whole educational
force of the State in arousing public opinion
to the necessity of requisite changes with
view to their being made next winter. The
permanent need is better teaching and to self
cure this more efficient system of examining
and licensing teachers should be instituted.
The old system has failed. He advocated the
appointment of county boards OF exam ination
and various other necessary improvements.
Discussion followed by Principal Rounds, Su-
perintendent fash and others.
The meeting upon the whole has been one o
great interest throughout. A permanent or
ganization has been effected and a new stimu-
lus has been given to the interests of common
school education which cannot fail to be felt
throughout the State.