The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1888-01-12

We could engage the same teacher RICH
along to carry out its provisions "
might try it. They may seem fixed il
their opinion, and the teacher seen
vexed. What shall be done? Wait
They must have time for reflection ant
consultation. You must begin to wOrl
on the patrons first. If the parents
work in harmony with the teacher YOU
need not fear trouble from the Boar(
at the proper time. You can say t
them that if it be so essential TO city
sch = little IF it might be good fol-
r,u...ry school. They may misunder.
s.. its design. 1t may be well not
| to /, 81. it a grade work or Course OF
Study, but simply better classification
of the school.
At the close of the term you may Sc
cure its adoption, when they see its
workings and its approval by patrons.
And they may resolve to enforce it in
future sessions.
81 Teachers.-Shall l say that
many teachers stand ready to criticise
grade work discOurdgingly? Yes.
And they hinder very materially its
growth i'll popular feeling. Every new
feature of whatsoever kind must go
through the refining fire of public
opinion; and We are likely to see more
faults than redeemipg qualities. To
find opposition among class so closely
connected in the welfare of our school
system is deplorable. To speak dis
cOuragingly and emphatically of new
theory beyond our range of experience
is understandable. L opine that most
opposition comes from body of teach
ers who never tried gralation on a
small scale even. To follow an estab-
lshed grade STILES original ideas, they
say. =.
Would it not be better, fellow teach
er, for us to have some leader than to
be without system? The sooner We
combine our forces the more effectual
will be our work.
| trust that all educators will study
the plan more generously, and give it d
trial. We need your councils. 1t may
require some sacrifice to buckle on the
whole armor. We invite YOU not to
rest but to work-hard work. The
schoolroom isn't flowery bed of ease to
hep us on to God, but it means bold,
aggressive work. We need more get"
in us, more conservation.
"Thou must be true thyself,
II thou the truth must teach"
al Superintendent cannot say
our superintendent is opposed to grade
work in country schools, but the negli-
gence of many superintendent do him
der rapid consummatiOn. Public
officers are slow to put themselves on
record. Moral courage is wanting often
to carry out plans in infancy. He is
the highest officer and should be in har-
mony with the idea. Really he should
go ahead. There are so many conflict
ing methods of teaching in this county
that some united action must be taken
to secure the grandest results hoped
for.
(5) Finally by way of departure l
graduation to teacher, patron. |
and school officers alike. 1t is worth |
careful consideration. California. Vir-
ginia, and 1 think Wisconsin have a |
uniform system of grade work estab- |
ished in all country schools. Shall our |
the state generally
foremost on all issues Of the day, be |
Shall we all pull together |
d. still work singly and aimlessly?
feel confident that better system |
Of instruction can be had, and one that |
will secure the entire cooperation of |
parents and appreciated more by the
public in general. We may have it by |
a united effort. say let ii come.
1.-THE above paper was read by A. c. |
Va Dyke in the institute held at |
Chronister school-house, and is pub
ished by request.