The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-03-16
Our Common Schools.
,Conclusion.)

NAL Hall, at Bloomsbury, during the week |
December 10; 1881. Our in |
structors were Miss l.. Z. Partridge, of |
Miss Della F. Smith, now of |
Boston; Prof. G. +. Little, Washington, D. |
c.; Prof. Noetling, and Dr. ID. j. Waller, |
of the Bloomsburg State Normal School. |
This was the largest and one of the most |
bia county. The examination of the teach
crs developed the fact that many were de-
ficient in language, and particularly so in
literature and methods of instruction. Spec
ial attention was therefore given at our in
stitute to primary instruction and literature
in our common schools. The evening lect-
urers were Miss Partridge, Rev. Young, and
Col. Sanford. The evening sessions, as
well as the day ones, were well attended,
all of the lecturers being greeted with large
and appreciative audiences.
Regular semi-monthly institutes were
held in Catawissa, Conyngham, and Cen
tralia. A regular monthly institute was
held in Pine township, which did invaluable
service in educating public sentiment, and
in creating a deep interest in the public ex-
ercises. Although this is one of the largest
and most mountainous townships in the
county, the church in which the exercises
were held was always filled to its utmost
capacity. The directors deserve much
credit for the interest manifested in their
educational meetings. The secretary and
president took an active part in the cXer-
cises, thus encouraging and assisting the
teachers. Quite number of local insti-
tutes were held in various parts of the coun-
ty.
| entered upon the duties of my present
work with deep realization of the respons-
Utilities resting upon the superintendent, at
least so far as the examining and grading
teachers were concerned. therefore re-
solved to leave nothing undone, so far as l
knew, to give the teachers fair, impartial
examination. The examinations were large
ly written. This increased Sery much the
work of the examiner, but was deemed the
better and fairer test, consequently was
adopted. 1t was announced at each exam
ination that the papers would be kept on
cordially invited to call and examine them.
This had salutary effect, although quite
number were rejected, no charges of un-
fairness, so far as know, were preferred.
All the schools in the county, but one,
(Which was closed both times when | was
there, on account of Sickness were visited
once, quite number twice, and few
three times. The organization of the school,
the teachers method of instruction, pro-
gress and conduct of the pupils their stud
les and attendance, were carefully noted,
and such suggestions made as were deemed
best to remove existing errors, and for the
encouragement of the pupils.
Some time during the latter part of June,
1881, about fifteen Indian boys and two
girls, ranging in age from fourteen to
twenty years, came from the Carlisle Iu-
dian training school to this county, princi-
pally in Greenwood township, to live with
the farmers during vacation, to learn to
farm and to be protited generally from the
association of the whites. At the close of
the vacation all but one or two preferred
to stay at their new homes, work, and at
tend the free school during its session. At
first some of the patrons objected, thinking
that their presence might be detrimental to
their children. Their suspicious, however,
were soon allaycd. The Indians, by their
good conduct and studious habits, soon
won the appreciation of all. Their progress
in all of the branches was good, especially
so in writing.
wish to specially call the attention OF
the directors to the importance of properly
looking after the backgrounds and build.
ings during the summer. II seems to me
that in many of the smaller towns of the
county, good teacher (at least as good an
one for summer as winter could be secur,
ed, if properly managed. Too often is the
building promised to the first one who asks
for it, and, in many instances, to one who
could not obtain provisional certificate.
Let me earnestly, but respectfully, urge the
directors to allow no one to enter the
school-room rs Il teacher who has not, ol
could not obtain, n valid certificate; thus
protecting the little innocent ones from the
instruction of one who knows comparative
ly nothing of the science Of teaching or the
development of the intellectual faculties.
Engage the building to but one teacher; al
low him to secure as many instructors as
he desires; but in no case permit two, three
or more to canvass the town, dividing the
patronage, and making it impossible to Sc
cure good instructor.
The following are few of the needed
improvements Sufficient inducements tC
lead teachers to eXpend the requisite tim,
ami money for thorough preparation fol
the work; pupils to be furnished with tn,
necessary books. In the visitation of tho
schools, l found great many boys ant
girls, young ladies and gentlemen, in school
with no other books than speller, reader
and an arithmetic, On inquiry, it wa
found that the pupils and their parents
thought that, In order to make progress il
these branches, 1t was necessary to Civ
them their entire attention. Now, if W,
can get them to take up, in addition t,
these studies, the branches adapted to thei
ages and requirements, great barrier t.
progress will be obviated We need Il NOR
regular attendance, especially on the par
of the pupils Of the rural districts; u NOR
frequent visitation of the schools by tn
patrons and directors; and the furnishing
of all the schools with the necessary ap
| paratus.
In conclusion, | wish to express my sin
cere thanks to the teachers, directors an
citizens, for the kindness and courtesy
have everywhere received, and to the Dc
partment of Public Instruction, for valuabl
counsel.