Los Angeles daily herald., 1889-04-02

"These statistics show q gradual
growth in the numbers of school dis
tricts, in the number of census children
and in the average daily attendance, un-
til we reach the year 1888. The increase
during that year is probably without
parallel in the history of schools in any
State or country"
Few districts are not provided with
ample school facilities. Trained and
experienced teachers have been attracted
to this advancing region, with a conse-
quent improvement of schools. In the
smaller schools, however. the work is
far from satisfactory. For these it seems
that special course of study should be
provided. Some text books were
changed last June, the State series being
introduced. In the adoption of Prang's
System of Drawing it is felt that step
forward was taken. Not much has yet
been accomplished, because teachers are
not prepared to teach this subject. Teach
ers must study the subject for them
selves. Vocal music and the effects of
alcohol and narcotics are not receiving
proper attention. Both are required by
State law.
The subject of Civil Government,
added to the list of studies by the Legis-
lature of 1889, marks an important step
toward the understanding of the princi-
pies of free government and toward its
perpetuation. Attention was called to
recent changes in the school law. A
Normal school course is requisite for the
teaching of beginners in O school of
more than two teachers.
Library money may now be expended
for books of supplementary reading.
County boards are required to adopt
lists of school apparatus, and from this
list the schools must purchase. County
boards are also empowered, upon suffi
cient cause, to suspend certificates
granted by them.
In conclusion, the speaker said "Our
schools rank high-let us strive to make
them rank higher"
The Committee on Organization re-
ported the following permanent officers,
who We're, upon motion, elected: Presi-
dent, W. w. Seaman; Vice Presidents, T.
A. Saxon, President of County Board of
Education; E. I. Pierce, Principal of
Chico Normal School Prof. J. N. Kerens !;
A. E. Pomeroy, President City Board OF
Education; W. M. Friesner, City Super
intendent, and ex-Superintendent J.. w.
Hinton, W. M. McFadden, Hon. John r.
Briefly. Secretary, F. H. Clark. Assis-
tant Secretary, @. E. Jones.
F. A. Saxon, President of the County
Board of Education, in the name of the
people of the county, bade the assembled
teachers hearty welcome at their nine
teenth annual session. Mr.. Saxon spoke
of the county, but lamented that it had
gone so far that the beautiful southern
portion seems about to separate itself
from the harmonious circle. A brief
sketch was given OF the early history of
teachers institutes in this county. The
gentleman's address was brilliantly de-
livered and closely listened to.
The remainder of the afternoon was
devoted to exercises conducted by
members of the State Teachers Read
ing Circle. An account of the organ
ization was given by F. H. Clark,
followed by reports from the representa-
tive5 of local circles. An abstract of
Payne's Lectures on Education" was
read by DIR. A. w. Plummer, who clearly
set forth the leading ideas of the book
studied. "The problem is how to get
pupil to learn. The teacher may know
the subject without knowing the best
means of making his pupils know it.
which is the assumed end of all his
teaching. He may be an adept in his
subject, but novice in the art of teach
ing tan art which has principles, laws
and processes peculiar to itself. Nature
gives a system, working harmoniously.
The child is the pupil, and Nature the
educator. By the observation of Natures
methods, correct notion OF what is
meant by education is gained. Art is
Nature, with the addition of man. Art
is mans work added to Natures work.
The art of teaching is the application by
the teacher of laws of science which he
himself has discovered by investigating
Nature.
Mrs. Mary L. Chapman read an inter-
esting paper on the "Lady OF the Lake."
and the afternoon closed with an essay
on the lesson OF Homer by M. @. Bettin-
ger.
Evening Exercises.
In the evening the teachers assembled