Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1882-12-21
From Iron Mountain.

Ed. Register-In his comments upon tn,
subjects discussed ut the last meeting of tn,
Arcadia Valley Teachers Association, Mr.
Callahan gives us little criticism on tn,
manner in which some OF the programs were
presented and treated. And rs do not be.
lieve he fully understands his position,
will Offer few remarks in answer to him,
and try to show wherein believe he Is In er.
ror. lie says that the programs are of two
classes-''those that looked to the true object.
i've point in teaching, and those that did not
those that led to system, and those that
would result in routine. OF the first named
the programs given by Misses Greason and
Markham were good examples, whilst the
tendency of the others was to routine"
Now the truth of the matter is this: The
programs were placed on the board and dis
ctssed, or, 1 may more properly say, hurri-
eddy enumerated; for there was not much
time for discussion. Had there been, Mr..
Callahan, as well as others, would have been
better informed as to the true use of the pro-
grams presented by those whose programs,
seemingly, had tendency to routine"
There is no member of the Institute, how
ever systematic, that has keener apprecia-
ton of the utility of a we'll regulated pro-
gram than your humble servant. In saying
this, too, believe that I speak the senti-
ments of all the members of the Institute
whose programs have q tendency to rou-
tine"
AS before stated, the programs were-well,
will say for Northumberland, and in
that discussion one lady, Miss Markham,
believe it was, said that she raried her pro-
gram; but i'm what way was not said. And
upon this word rdricd MIR. Callahan bases his
criticism.
Now the question comes up rs to how Miss
Markham and Miss Greason vary their pro-
grams; whether they meant to vary them
as to exercise or with regard to time. There
is u difference, you know. If the idea is to
vary with regard to studies and exercises, i
do not believe he could find one teacher that
would disagree with him; even among those
who failed to say that they varied their pro-
grams. But if the idea is to vary the pro-
gram as to time upon any occasion, when the
difficulties of the lessons, the incapacity or
neglect of the pupils, demand it, then We
beg leave to submit a long and loud protest.
The point to be made here is, Shall we vary
the program as to time to help II class that Is
slow or unpreparedf Shall we take the time
that justly belongs to one class and give it to
another: This is the kind of variation that
the "routiners'' want to correct, and upon
this point-this point of time alone-do they
disagree with their friends, the advocates of
"system."
As was remarked before, some teachers
varied their programs, while others urged
the necessity of following them to the letter..
believe both sides were right, and all
that was needed was a little more time for
discussion. In justice to myself and to those
who were classed in the same category, 1
will say, Give us a little lmOre time before
you open upon us another broadside like
that given in the last issue of the REGISTER.
My motto is, If you have program, stick to
it. Do not vary minute; 60 strictly accord
ing to program. AS it becomes necessary,
you may make slight changes in your pro-
gram; but never, then, only as regards eXer-
cises, nor until the school has been made ac-
auainted with your intention to do so.
Commend, ., commend us, Mr.. Callahan,
to order and system, and please do not
whisper "routine" once.
Very truly yours,
II. CLAY DAVIS.