Richmond daily palladium., 1884-08-26


the discussion upon the Course of Study.
Superintendent j. c. Macpherson en-
deayored to set before the minds of his
listeners the great value of fixed plan
of work, that should prescribe wisely
for the needs of each grade and serve as
a guide to teachers. Let this course of
study conform, in its requirements, with
the experience of our best teachers. In
the city schools, each grade is identified
with a certain room of the building and
the child does not receive promotion
until a seat can be supplied him in such
room, which may already Be overcrowd-
ed. Thus is seen the disadvantage
often suffered by the child of the city
graded schools; while. on the contrary,
the pupil of the district school, having
received notice of promotion passes at
once to the work of the next higher
grade. In the latter case no visible
change is implicated save that ensuing
from the use of q higher book. Is it
wise or necessary that when a pupil is
to be advanced from certain grade to
one higher such promotion shall occur
invariably at the close of the term or
school year? 7
The answer was that this time is not
the best, as has been shown by long ex-
perience. How often do we observe
that in the time of the summer inter
mission, the child loses of the knowl-
edge acquired during the foregoing
year, an amount sufficient to place him
back of the pointof Advancement reach
ed at the schools closei 1t were far
better to promote at sometime within
the term when the fact of the pupils
thorough preparation will be assured
A discussion was had upon the sub
ject of reading matter to be placed in
the hands of studious children. There
exists a real danger of the literary tastes
of the child being injured by too much
Juvenile literature. Allow him, as early
as he may dispose to seek the knowl-
edge of more advanced departments to
discover abundant opportunities for SO
doing. Permit him to handle the news
them yoursel) and do not refuse him
the privilege of examining varieties of
books-provided, Of course, that they
are of good moral tone.
The discussion of the course Of study
occupied the entire moening session.
The work assigned for eaeh Grade was
discussed, the observations Of the
teachers noted, and Whesever changes
were agreed upon the compiling com
mittee was instructed 10 revise the
former course in harmony with the
views expressed. At the close Of the
discussion the following resolufion was
Resolved, That il is the op;n;on q
this institute that the revised course
Of study should be printed ii The fDrm
Of placard to be placed upgn the wall
or csch schoolrOom; and, also, that
good service would be rendered by
having the course and other matters
published in the form of a manual;
and, therefore, the county superintend-
ent is requested by this institute to pre-
pare such placard and manual.
After the unanimous adoption of the
resolution the institute of 1884 was pro-
nounced adjourned.
The following are the resolutions
the days work on Friday:
Resolved, That we tender to our
Superintendent a vote of thanks, ex
pressive of our appreciation of the wis
dom displayed in planning for our in
stitute line of work in advance of the
matter heretofore presented at our an
nual gatherings.
Resolved, That we return a vote of
thanks to the managers of the Rich
mond Normal School building for the
use Of the same; also to the trustees of
the United Presbyterian church for the
use OF their church building.
Resolved, That We gratefully ac-
the value of the instruction
which we have received at this insti
tute and cordially thank Prof Lewis
H. Jones and Prof. Cyrus Hodgin for
their efforts in our behalf
Resolved, That we heartily thank ex-
President Joseph Moore, Drs. Weist,
Thurston, Hibberd and Boyd, Revs. 1.
NJ. Hughes and Frost Craft; also w.
A. Bell, j. NJ Olcott. Hiram Hadley
and Mrs. Katherine Gray for the valua-
BILE and interesting papers and addresses
they have contributed.
Resolved, That we thank State Su-
j. W. Holcombe for the
and inspiration afforded
by his presence here.
Resolved, That we extend hearty
thanks to Prof Reece and his able as
sistant, Miss Jurgens, for the musical
and instruction so kindly
US.
Resolved, That we tender to the citi |
zens of Richmond our sincere thanks
for their hospitality and kindness in our
during the continuance
Of the institute.
Resolved, That we recognize the i'm
portance of attention to the physical
welfare of the pupils in our public |
schools, and we commend proper in
struction in physiology and hygiene
With reference to the effect of alcohol
upon the human system.
Resolved, That copy of these reso-
lutions be furnished the PALLADIUM
and the Telegram with a request for
their publication.
The following trustees were IN at
tendance upon one or more sessions OF
the institute: John Elliott of Wayne,
VIM. n. Druley of Boston, Jonathan
Jarrett of Webster, Geo. Shuts of
Jackson, j. NJ. Hartly of Jefferson,
Lewis Bailey Of Clay, VIM. Farlow of
Dalton, Elias Scott of Harrison. John
Peele of Centreville, and in addition to
he list We would add the names OF j.
b. Bollinger of East Germantown, who
IS president of the school board and
:eacher in Washington township; also
J. N. Study, superintendent of the
schools of this city.
In the many importaQt and interest