The record-union., 1891-12-09
THE ERRORS OF THE LOCAL
SCHOOL SYSTEM.

Recently the RECORD UNION instituted
systematic inquiry into the common
school system in Sacramento relative to
the requirements that are imposed upon
pupils. The result of the inquiry was
published in this paper on Saturday last.
The article awakened deep interest and
caused no little concern among parents.
To this date-and we have purposely
reserved expression to afford the oppor-
tunity-no person has come forward TO
contest single conclusion reached in the
inquiry, or single fact stated. 1t may
be taken, therefore, as confessed, that
teachers, officials and parents are con-
vinced of the existence of the evils we
have charged against our custom in the
schools in this city.
These, in brief, are that in more than
one grade and classification the course of
study includes too many textbooks;
that alarge proportion of the pupils are
compelled, in order to keep abreast with
the class standard, to study too much at
home; that therefore the schoolroom
duties must be too numerous to permit
of sufficient study in the school and re-
creation out of it; that there are superfiu-
Gus studies in some of the grades-that is
to Say, studies which had better be omit
ted, than to attempt to force them all into
the present limit of time for passage
through the schools; that, as result,
cramming system is in vogue, and we
are not only menaeing the physical we'll
being of the pupils, but we are confusing
the intellect and preventing that thor
oughness which is essential in a common
school education.
Two remedies present themselves-ex-
tension of the school course by one year,
both in the grammar schools and the
high school; or, cutting down of the
course of study. We incline to the belief
that both, within certain limitations,
may well be applied. The high school
course should be made four instead of
three years, and in this the principal of
the school concurs with emphasis. In
addition, pupils should be more encour-
aged to pursue the scientific course which
does not aim to prepare them for the
University; but this can be done without
discouraging those who are so minded
and situated that University life is
within their grasp.
Another year added to the grammar
school course would be an improvement,
but it is suggested that there might be
such adjustment that pupils physically
and intellectually able and especially de-
sirous to enter the high school earlier,
might prepare themselves in four years.
But that is a debatable point.
Ofthis we are positive that there are
too many and too much use of text
books; too little oral teaching; too many
out of school tasks put upon the pupils,
and that there has grown up system of
cram that is nothing less than vicious.
The subject is not one, however, that
ian be discussed adequately in single
article. Our purpose at present is rather
to invite attention to the question, and
impress upon the people the absolute
necessity for their giving it most serious
and immediate thought.
The RECoRD-UNIoN will consider the
matter upon the line of conviction it has
announced-that the system as operated
here is blemished by serious error, and
that there is need for radical and speedy
application of remedies, and that these
lie in the direction of extending the term
OF full courses and lessening the out of
school study tasks. In that connection
we shall have something to say upon the
scheme of half yearly system, as advo-
Gated by prominent Eastern educators,
and something especially pertinent, rela-
tive to the non-observance of the law
that requires the most juvenile pupils to
be taught by teachers of a certain num-
Der of years experience, and who shall
receive salaries equal to the highest
salary paid teacher in any grammar
grade.
We understand perfectly well that upon
this latter point an adroit and not
witless defense is made, in effect as fol-
lows: That as the higher salary is $50,
and the most juvenile classes are taught
but half day; therefore, $40 salary to
their teachers is equal of the $50 of those
who teach whole day. But this is
weak, fatally so. The halliday classes
could be taught by teachers who teach all
day and be ethus given full salary. For the
clear purpose and intent of the law, and
its plain and obvious reading, is that the
best qualified teachers to accept juvenile