St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-12-30
POINTERS FOR PEDAGOGUEs.
Teaching Old Ideas How TO Shoot
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The convention of county superintend-
ents was opened yesterday morning at the
capitol, with PRAYER by Rev. NJ. d. Edwards.
The following superintendent whose name
were not published yesterday morning re-
ported:
J. A. Sem, Sank Rapids; Edwin Rogers,
Mankato; o, J. Rollevson. Wegdahl; Samuel
Fergerson, Moorhead; G. W. Stiles, Lake Ben
ton; L. A. Grigg, Marshall: ]. P. Mattson,
Warren; John Mcdonald, Little Falls; Herbert
Osgood, Currie; G. w. Feulason, Pipestone
City; Eric Ericsson, Beaver Falls; Nj. M.
Shields, Jordan; A. NJ. Utter, Benson; L. G.
James, Point Douglas; q. NJ. johnson, st.
james.
The grading of country schools was
taken up by Supt. r. w. Richards who
outlined his plan and spoke of the progress
in this respect which had been made in the
country schools. He thought that teachers
educated in the country schools were more
successful than those trained in the graded
schools. The question was further consid-
cred by Supt. j. w. Wright of Meeker
county. Parents often oppose the graded
system Public graduating exercises with
diplomas were valuable feature. He had
made arrangements whereby pupils holding
diplomas thus given could enter the high
school at Litchfeld without examination
Supt. Rogers Of Blue Earth county thought
that grading gave teachers more
power, an he favored the system.
In the discussion which then took place
twelve of the superintendent considered a
graded system established in their counties.
Twenty considered it in an experimental
stage with them. There was general
adoption of the course formed in the blank
records. Eleven had records of progress in
the country schools established.
A resolution was introduced by Supt.
Brady calling upon the state super
intendent of public instruction
TO PREPARE A MANUAL
containing a course of study, and this was
adopted. The committee on permanent
organization reported recommendation
that the association organize independently
of the State Educational association. This
was referred back to the committee, with
instructions to prepare constitution and
bylaws. The discussion of the second
topic, examination of teachers, was opened
by Supt. John Brady of Fillmore
county. He thought that institutes were a
powerful incentive to improvement among
teachers. He would have both the schools
and teachers classified into three grades,
the teachers of one grade to teach only in
schools of their own or lower grades. Greater
stress should be laid on oral examinations.
He occupied two days in an examination,
and used the oral method largely in reading,
spelling and grammar. Supt. w. A. San
ders of Douglas county, in continuing the
discussion. advocated uniformity of exam
ination throughout the state, all using the
questions prepared by the state board and
having the requisite minimum of scholar
ship. He found it difficult to obtain COM
petent and experienced teachers. The best
teachers went to the nOrmalS and babe
goodbye to the district schools. Many
teachers attended the higher graded schools,
and he recommended that pedagOgicS be
added to the curriculum of such schools.
He would extend without examination the
certificates of successful and progressive
teachers.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
In the afternoon the consideration of the
topic was taken up by A. e. Engstrom of
Goodhue county. He thought it would
not be equitable to have the schools graded
as suggested by Mr.. Brady. In Goodhue
county, beginning with next spring, all ap-
plicants without experience would receive
third grade certificate, regardless of scholar
ship, and notes taken during the winters
visitations would be considered in
granting the next certificate. In the
discussion which followed Prof. Kiehle
opined that there should be some method
by which county teachers who had proven
high degree of scholastic attachments and
professional skill should be permitted to
pass final examination which would en-
title them to the reward and honor of a
state certificate in that grade. This would
tend to establish and individualize the pro-
fession, and a state commission, consisting
mainly of the county superintendent,
should be established with power to grant
such certificates.
AN ORGANIZATION.
The committee on permanent organiza-
ton reported constitution and bylaws
which nominated the body The State Asso-
citation of County Superintendent of
Schools of Minnesota. Prominent educa-
tors may be made honorary members. The
following committees are provided for: On
grading country schools, on certificates and
examination of teachers. legislation, state
text books and an executive committee of
five.
Visitations of Schools was taken up by
c. w. LeyenS of FreebOrn county, whose
paper was especially well received. He
gave as the main objects Of such vista
tons: To obtain by observation knowl-
edge of the condition of the schools; to
supplement and perfect the examination OF
teachers; to create the feeling that all work
will be gagged by a competent judge; to
acquire a special knowledge of individual
schools and teachers; to personally help
the teacher. The duration of his visit
must depend upon circumstances, and
kindly criticism upon the details Of the
work if necessary, and praise, where mer-
tied, should be bestowed, but not in the
presence of the school. On some occasions
notes may be prOtitably made, and left
with the teacher. The same topic was
treated by A. NJ. Sperry of Dodge county
and c. d. Belden of Mower county. Mr..
Sperry made it point to become acquainted
with the pupils during his visits.
Institute Work was treated by s. B. Will
son of Rice county, who believed that in
stitutes tend TO impress the teachers and
the community with the importance and
possibilities of the work. Good instructors
and good attendance of wide-awake
teachers are needed for successful work.
Much depends upon successful manage
ment by the superintendent. The best
methods should be discussed, but higher
purpose is the attainment of higher cul-
ture and literature should be effectively
studied. Methods of stimulating habits OF
observation should be studied and questions
of theory and practice should be considered.
Institutes should be thoroughly advertised
as means of getting full attendance.
Prof. Kiehle announced that institutes
whose attendance were over sixty would be
divided into two grades for elementary and
advanced work He also advocated a state
mill tax in the interests Of education and
state assistance to the establishment OF
school libraries.
George II. Cowing of Otter Tail county
and S. B. Wilson of Rice county were re-
elected president and secretary respectively
J. ". Wright of Meeker county and A. NJ