The state herald., 1890-01-24
AN INTERESTING DOCUMENT.
Valuable Suggestions on School Mat.
ters from Supt. Dick.


ters from Supt. Dick.
To the County Superintendents Of Schools
Gentlemen:-As you are about tc
enter upon your work for the Official tern
beginning January II, 1t seems proper
that should call your attention to mat
ters Of Importance in promoting the edu
cationsl interests Of your respec tive coun-
ties and Of the State. You, as leaders IL
the educational work Of your respective
counties, will be Justly considered as ad-
visors and authority In the consideration
and decision Of these questions and In
adapting them to the multiplicity OF con
ditlons that are associated with your work
In naming the following IS some Of the
matters to be considered by you do not
assume To dictate as TO your conclusions
and official course In regard thereto, but
trust that there may be to as great extent
Us possible definite and uniform action.
First-There should be u larger number
Of county teachers associations throughout
the State. Atpresont but fifteen Of the
ifty.hve counties have such an organiza-
tion. At least twenty more should organ
ize during the coming year, while the
smaller counties could, for the present.
form associations consisting of teachers
from two or more adjoining counties.
Second-Each county should have an as.
sociation Of school directors. Such an or
ganization could be made very beneficial
by the discussion Of subjects similar to the
following: 1.-The Employment Of Teach
ers," "Systems Of Grading Adoption
Of FREQ Text Bodhs," Especial Rights Of
Teachers" and many others that would
arise from time to time.
Third-There should be thorough and
systematic grading of the schools Of each
county, with plan Of promotion and
graduation, and system Of monthly or
quarterly reports, by the teachers to the
County Superintendent.
FOURTH am strongly In favor OF oil
necessary text books being owned by the
district and furnished free to the pupils.
In favor Of the plan Offer the following
points: A gain on first cost of about 30
per cent. the text book will be used more
carefully, hence will last longer; all stu
dents will DO supplied Immediately upon
entering school; the distinction between
rich and poor will be avoided; the cost per
pupil will be about 60 per cent. of the cost
when individuals purchase the books; II
will create uniformity of:supply both Us
to time and material; II will increase the
attendance at school.
Fifth-In school districts having popu-
lation of not less than LOO Inhabitants
some measures should be taken to estab-
lish one or more kindergarten depart
ments, 10 which should be admitted chill
dren from four to seven years Of age. II
the taxpayers are averse to I. support Of
schools for children under the legal
school age, then let the kindergarten
methods be used in teaching children from
six to eight years of age.
Sixth A healthful public opinion should
be cultivated in support of high schools
and every incentive possible offered TO
students to induce them upon leaving the
grammar schools to continue their studies
ut high school within their own or with
in m adjoining town.
Seventh-You should encourage the
building Of new school houses wherever
needed aud Us far as possible should give
personal attention TO the plans, the erection
and the furnishing.
Eighth-There should be determined
but an intelligent effort made to cause
compliance with the so-called compulsory
education law.
Ninth-The Normal Institute to be held
during the year 1890 should receive carly
attention. l suggest that thorough can
vass Of each county be made to ascertain
- nearly rs possible the number OF per-
sons who will attend, and that you report
the number To your respective executive
committees. Furthermore, that you nd
wise your directors to allow the teacher,
whom they employ for the school year OF
ls90-ls9I, at least one weeks wages for
attendance at an institute within the
State.
Tcnth-A careful examination Of the col.
lection and payment Of fines which go to
make up the ''penai fund" is desired. |
now have In preparation circular giving
u complete list Of the crimes that are pun.
ishable by fines which should be paid into
this fund. When finished copy will be
sent you.
! would urge upon you the Importance OF
giving your personal attention to the sup
crvision OF the schools under your iurlsdic,
tion. Frequent visits to the schools, close
inspection OF the work done by cacl,
teacher, n careful examination Of the books
and accounts OF school officers, Just dis.
elimination between competency and as
sumption In the granting OF certificates To
teach, will add much To the efficiency OF
your schools. Respectfully,
FHED Dick,
State Superintendent OF Schools.