Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1881-09-15
Eato.rfin Clarion.
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THURSDAY. SEPT. is, 1881.
School Examinations.

auu Ol0luoty WCeAooS VI ooA u"'A>
School, or the laws governing them
nor do we desire to 60 outside Of oul
own school district with our sugges'
tions, but we have for quite time
been revolving the subject in oul
mind and debating it with those whom
we believe to be the best qualified to
form intelligent opinions on the sub
ject and finally have determined upon
the avowal Of an opinion and the Of.
fer of suggestion, rather PROPOSE
ton. The caption of this article but
calls attention to our idea in the alb
stract and it is to proper amplifica-
ton of the methods and advantages
Of systematic practice Of periodi-
cal examinations, that this article will
DO devoted.
Briefly, we declare ourselves to be
favorable, first, to periodical examl-
nation in our four public schools; sec
ond, that proficiency in lower grade
and eligibility to higher be based on
such examinations, solely. In advo-
eating this system, we do not simply
do so for form or SYSTEMS sake, and
yet even to attain that end would in
itself be worthy Of some consideration
but we see in it more than one posi-
tive, practical advantage, to pupil
parent and teacher.
The advantages, FIRST to the pupil
that we see is, that superficial knowl.
edge or hurried examining Of the day 6
lesson, would not avail at tho eXami-
nation some months afterwards; that
it would do much to lessen the habit
among children of ignoring or losing
all interest in lesson after having
once recited and passed it, 1t is but nat
ural that the pupil should feel chef
interest in that part Of bis book, i'm
mediately ahead and pay but little at
tention to that part through which it
has passed That is, interest centres
in the part that has not been master
I'd ard which yet remains to be reel,
ted. While it is true that theoreti-
cally, books are arranged so that the
elementary parts are first studied and
the latter part is but complex rela-
tons Of such elementary principles it
IS at the same time true, that with.
out lasting knowledge Of abstract
drst principles, the pupil 8 advance
becomes mechanical rather than intel
,igent and his learning superficial.
The periodical examination necessi-
tates the review and the review comes
at time when the pupils mind is
better prepared to obtain more in
telligent insight than " ben first called
upon to digestlt
The ambition OF tie pupil too is
aroused by a knowledge Of the fact
that bis promotion to higher grade
depends, not upon formal review
and mastery Of certain books along
with others in his class, but upon
direct, practical and searching test of
the degree Of his proficiency as evil
denced by such examinations. 1t be-
gets a disposition toward thorough
ness and renders impracticabls and
useless the unfortunate disposition to
be satisfied, when able to get through
creditably each day with that days
lessons. 1t not ouly sets prize be.
fore the pupil, but it places it out Of
The power Of any one to advance an
unworthy pupil and knowledge Of
this responsibility and duty Of the
pupil to itself, is one of the first and
best things that a youth should learn.
To the teachers, such a system
would be invaluable. It would light
Gu his task and lessen bis response
bilities, 1t would systematize the
schools and lessen the numbert Of elias.
ses.
1t would tighten his task for the
,reauon that as we have shown, the pu.
pills would have addi tional and weigh
~ Incentives towards thorough prep
aration, it would less In his RESPONSE
bIlity in the matter Of advancing to
or withholding from the next higher
grade and We are assured that this 10
itself would be a pleasant relief to
every teacher for who among them
has not been taken to tas k by some
parent for not more rapidly advancing
a dull child From the very nature
Of the thing, all must see that it would
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