Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-09-15
HALF DAY SESSIONS.
The Subject of an Interesting Debate at the
Teachers Institute.


The general meeting of the Pittsburg
Teachers Institute yesterday morning at the
Ralston school was noteworthy for its large
attendance and the interesting manner in
which the discussions were handled. Out
of 622 teachers employed in the city, 600 were
present. Vice President S. A. Andrews opened
the meeting by complimenting the teachers
on the great number present, but the wise
teachers" who know too much to attend edu-
cational meetings, received a scoring at the
professors hands.
School, then opened the question On what
proved to be very interesting discussion.
Resolved. That single daily sessions of
school in June are not desirable" The speaker
thought it an evil in our schools owing to its
lack of uniformity that it creates dissension in
both pupils and teachers who do not have the
privilege He contended it is injurious to have
pupils. particularly of the primary grades to
be held down to the work of a single session
lasting over four hours.
The practice had originated in an East End
school some ten years ago, and now over one
fourth of the schools of the city has followed
in its wake. 1t ought not to be question of
locality, He thinks the better plan would be
for school boards to invest principals with the
discretionary power to dismiss school in the
afternoon when the heat is oppressive. whether
it be in June or September, but not to call
school any earlier.
Principal l.. H. Eaton followed, and is also
opposedto the halliday session.
Principal L. p. Greves, of the Lincoln school.
stated he believed the halliday session was in.
augurated at his school 10 years ago. and that
ever since they have thought it a positive ad.
vantage. Coming at o'clock, bright and
early, the children can learn more. In his
opinion. the school children of Pittsburg are
overworked, and that it is more economy to the
school to give the afternoons of June for play.
Prof. H. w. Fisher was opposed to the half.
day session, and stated that the old cry of
going the rounds tor the past ten years was not
due to the school system, but to the social svs-
tenn of the day, and the way children were
trained at home.
Then Prof. ]. NJ Logan followed in his anus.
ing vein, and thought the whole question was
one of taste and opinion, the children ought to
have a chance to enjoy themselves, and that
all who could get the halliday session by all
opinion, for, when vote was taken on the sub
ject, the teachers almost rose in body.
Prof. King, in the absence of Prof. Wissmau.
of Curry University. delivered many instruct.
i've points on Primary Reading"
"What amount of home work, if anv, should
be required in the primary grade?n was the
subject opened by Prof. ]. NJ. Logan. who was
opposed to giving night work for any other
purpose than to finish work that could not be
finished during the school session.
Prof. c. A. Riddle handled the subject.
''The Spelling Book, Should it be Abolished p;
He bitterly opposed its use.
Prof. BurgOyne indorsed the concert system
of teaching reading. Superintendent Luckey
opposed it and thought it useless and iniuri-
Gus method, principally for its monotonous
drawl that follows this method.
tober IL and II Superintendent Luckey has
arranged to have the principals of all the State
Normal Schools present, who make 13 in num-
ber. A brilliant institute is expected.