New-York tribune., 1885-03-24
PRESSURE AND CRAAn IN TIE SCHOOLS.
COMMISSIONER pEvoE HOPEFUL OBJ THOROUGH Rr-

COMMISSIONER DEvoE HOPEFUL OBJ THOROUGH 10. El-
LIEF
To ne Ed,tor Of The Trtouae.
SIR, The discussion and the action OF the
Board of Education, a: tho meeting last wednesday,
warrant the hope that the muchneeded revision OF he
course OF study and method OF examinations In our
schools will be substantially accomplished before the
beginning Of a school year.
The articles Our Public Schools which appeared
in TIE TRIBUNE In December last, and the general IN
dorsement by the press and public OF the statements
then made probably induced President Walker to use III
his inaugural address last January, these words
last two grades the grammar schools should each Oh
them occupy for full year time Of the scholars IN
both male and female departments; It Is matter OF
common observation that, In the schools where tue
onger time spent in these two grades the more sue
cessigl students are educated ana "l'ho"O INJURY "
Immediately after the delivery OF this address Com
missioner Cra ford offered the following: Resolved.
That the Committee on Course study he requested TO
examine the question of alleged undue pressure upon
scholars and teachers In the schools at the present t
and report such facts they may ascertain bearing
the subject with their opinion" This resolution was
unanimously adopted. and mas since Deeh careiuly co
sidered by the conmttee. aud decision made 10 re-.
port to the Board advising The change as snggesea & wy
President Walker. The Board at lts ast neetng ann @
u full and earnest discussion. decided To commit tne
whole matter back to the committee aiter navs ~ ane
some changes include the reirrangelnent OF tn
FIRST Second, Third and Fourth grammar grlues anu
lengthenng the time in which scholars are 10 DC
In the course OF tho debate this subject Co minis
female grammar schools that II they would get their
scholars into the Normal College standard OF at least
30 per cent must be obtained The teachers OF these
schools are drilling their pupils on tins basis; the
whole course of instruction is To this end think ~
VIII generally admitted that the additional Snort 70
acquire this last 10 per cent, or IL per cent IL Iuy
equal to the effort pat forth IN obtaining the 80 per
cent; its effect must bs dstend the memory, ana 10
place an undue strain teachers aud scholars Ill tne
effort to accomplish the hcrcuean task
Commissioner POmerOy said 81 indorse the statement
as 10 undue pressure the teachers compelled 10
cram their pupils during the latter part or the course
In get them the standard for admission 10
the college remedy for this % change the
course instruction IN the four higher grades so at
the studies would be gradual and they would re-
quire longer time 10 pass"
This most important subject Is now In the hands OF
this committee composed OF five members OF the Board
mon learned cOnsdcrae, strong mentally and sincerely
desrous do that which Will be pronotlYe OF tho
est good the children committed 10 their care 10 90
this work thoroughly aud properly. VIII require
time and patience much information ana many Nalu
able be had from the superinlcndents
but much more can bc gathered from the principals ana
teachers also from Of the scholars ana from
members of the medical profession. feel specially In
tercsted this suhcc II relates to young grlh OF
twelve and fourteen years OF age. III they are uusay
bright smart Is IL well TO stimulate then or better 20
gently restrain thcmi II they are dun or slow you can
not force them TO make II oyerprcssure or "
you do they Will Ind opportunity 20 recnperate BOYS
can and will find time vigorous and enjoyable eNer-
else OF the body by which 10 Oh
study. -,
do earnestly hope present effort win be produc-
tive OF permanent relief. FREDERICK W. DE'oE'
Ncir- York, March %, 1888.