Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1889-03-30
The Educational Column.
D. I, 1us1, GO. supt, Falling Waters VIVA,
THE CONDITION OF OUR PUBLIC
SCHOOLS.

Few people know the real condi-
ton of our public schools, and yet
every citizen is directly interested
in this all-important institution for
educating the masses. The money
paid for the support of these schools
is so much property exacted of the
people annually, which gives them a
right TO know how it is being used
and what is being accomplished.
l would not attempt full de.
seription of our system OF public in
struction,or even try to write short
history of the schools of Berkeley
this would require more time and
knowledge than | possess,an would
fill a volume too large for your pres
ent perusal, but as many persons
would like to know what progress
we are making aud how our schools
are being conducted, and look to the
County Superintendent as being pre-
pared to furnish this information, |
here give my opinions, based upon
actual observation.
1t is true, am not SO well pre-
pared to note the progress made
during this term, as have nothing
with which to compare the present
standing. Ihave just completed my
annual visits, but as this is the first
and only tour I have made amongst
our teachers, viewing their work and
noting their methods, l can only
Judge by what the children know,
compared with their respective ages,
and this again with the opportuni-
ties offered each child.
There are, indeed, many hindranees
in the way to rapid progress. |
find in some places uncomfortable
houses, insufficient light, want of
proper apparatus, poorly ventilated
rooms, a lack OF interest at home,
and consequently lack of interest
in the children, and sometimes a
slothful teacher without methods
and without order, but | am glad to
say, this is not the rule but the ex.
ception.
A very great improvement has
been made of late years in provid-
ing good, substantial buildings,prop-
erly lighted and we'll ventilated.
Boards of Education have not over
looked the comforts secured the
children, as we'll as the physical ben
efits to be derived from good furni
ture, aud have supplied nearly one
half of the schools with suitable
desks.
Opequon district deserves especial
mention in this particular; she has
the best houses and more good fur
niture than any other district in the
county. Several of the other dis
triets are following close behind, and
outrival her in many other respects.
One of the greatest hindrances to
progress, is want of proper and
sufficient apparatus. Many OF our
schools have but little blackboards,
and no maps, globes, or charts to
assist the teacher in his work. No
one but a practical teache: knows
how to value such appliances they
are to the school,room, what work
bench is to carpenter shop-an alb
solute necessity to rapid progress,
and in many cases Indispensable.
/ will here mention another draw
back-it is that of irregular attend
ance. The teachers registers show
an average attendance of but little
more than one half of the enroll
ment, and the enrolment about two
thirds of the enumeration this is
not true of all schools, but an aver
age for the county.
How can parents expect their
children to learn if they do not send
them to school? Some may say
"Our teacher is worthless" freely
confess that in some places, the
teacher is largely at fault, but such
cases are rare. In all such cases |
have privately admonished the
teacher, pointed out the greatest err
rors that come under my Observa-
tion, and tried to remedy the exist
ing evils.
AS a rule, our teachers are doing
good work; they are energetic, com
petent and enthusiastic IN their pro-
fession. Children show signs of
progress, pass good examinations,
and exhibit distinguished marks of
moral, as we'll as mental training.
We need more cooperation, less
discussion; more fellow feeling and
encouragement, less strife and con
tentiOn. Let the parents take the
time occasionally, in winter, when
they are not "too busy" to go the
school.house and see for themselves
before entering complaint against
the teacher; if the teacher be honest
10 his pretentions, your visit will be
appreciated, if he is fraud, report
him to the proper authorities and
have him removed.
Now, in conclusion let me say,
there are 66 teachers employed in
Berkeley Co. outside of the indie
pendent district of Martlnsburg Of
this number, about 60 are doing sat
isfactory work-work that is highly