The Portland daily press., 1885-03-04

important branches has been granted, while in the
fundamental studies more work than usual has
been done.
Besides some other important changes in the
course of study in the High School, IL Is brought to
notice toat the committee on instruction In that
school has procured ia the eourse Of the year for
the benefit OF the school, and without expense
valuable hys iene lectures Important topics from
several of our eminent physicians.
Branches Of StHdy-Reading is taught in accord
with the most approved usage. Teachers find 1t
much easier to secure satisfactory spelling In regu-
lar lessons than in ordinary written work Instruc-
uo9 in language is given in all classes, commencing
With the lowest, but technical grammar Is
studied until the grammar school Is reached.
In the study of arithmetic, gain over o her years
is seen. More attention is given TO the rapid and
accurate use of numbers in the first four rules
This is found to have a marked effect on the ac-
curacy and rapidity OF arithmetical work required
of these pupils en- promotion to higher Glasses. The
use of a less difficult and exhaustive book on arth-
metc than formerly is found favorable to the work.
In geography and history less Of details are in
dulged in. In the former more of map drawing is
practieed, using merdans and parallels Of latitude
AS guide lines instead of arbitrary figures. In both
these studies written sketches on important topics
areAoften required
The work done by special teachers In writing and
drawing and in singing is favorably spoken Of.
Regret is expressed that nothing has really been
attempted in "industria education" further than Is
done in drawing and other common studies.
Eramiaations-0 Only FIVE stated tests have been
given this year in the classes Of the High and
Grammar schools. Care has been exercised while
making the written examinations fair tests Of the
work done, not to allow Injurious strain In the
preparations for them. To avoid this the tests
have been sometimes given when unexpected. and
teachers have been directed to treat them as ordn
ary school work, and TO give no prominence to
marks upon them. II this course is pursued, and
written examinations are no longer used by teach
eTs as a spur and lash," they will soon be re-
handed to their original and proper plAce,-tests
of good teaching encouragement to faithful school
work. and an aid in making promotions.
Recon1mendations-The following recommenda-
tions are respectfully made for consideration:
1.-The construction of a suitable school house to
take the place of the old house No. z, located on
School street.
2-The finishing of two additional rooms In the
Shaier school house.
3-The proper ventilation of the High school
house.
4-The introduction of steam heating into the
Centre street house.
b-The introduction OF manual training into the
High school, and to some extent into other schools,
II the city is ready to make an appropriation to
meet the expenses.
6-To ask for a special appropriation to establish
evening schools.
ITO unite with the town of Cumberland in es-
tablishing suitable day school on Crotch Island.
Instruction in needle work is recommended, as is
also the establishment of evening schools during the
winter months.
"Truants and vagrants and their needs'' are con-
sldered. An industrial home school on one of the
Islands would afford them an opportunity to become
useful citizens.
Teachers-There are now 14O teachers engaged in
the public schools of this city. These teachers are
as body faithful and Jealous in their work and are
entitled to the kind estimation IN which they are
held by intelligent and reasonable parents. Their
work is constant and fatiguing and often beset by
the reasonable, not to mention the unreasonable
demands and expectations Of parents is to be pre-
sumed. That they use all reasonable effort to do 50
the school authorities can testify.