The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-07-01
EDUCATIONAL MATTERS.
State Superintendent Anderson's
Views Thereon.
The University at Berkeley-How He
Would Have Teachers QuaIin-
cations Determined.

superintendent of Public instruction
Anderson returned yesterday from
Berkeley, where he had been in attend
ance on the regular annual meeting of the
Board Of Regents of the State University
held on Tuesday.
10 RECoRD-UNIoN reporter yester-
day Professor Anderson said that the
University was in a seemingly flourish
ing condition, and he spoke in compli-
mentary terms of the work being done.
lie did not attend the commencement
exercises held at the University on
wednesday, as certain official duties re-
quired his return. Governor Markham
was, however, in attendance at the meet
ing OF the Board of Regents, and pre-
scented the diplomas at the commence
ment exercises.
Professor Anderson speaks very highly
of the Board of Regents, and says they
constitute very able body Of men. For
the past two years the University has
been without regularly qualified Presi-
dent, Professor kellogg, a man of
scholarly ability, having been acting
President of the University, and who
seemed to be eminently qualified for the
duties so far as he has been called upon in
their performance.
Professor Anderson, in common with
ether members of the board. hoped that
something would be done at Tuesday,
meeting toward the selection of Presi-
dent. 1t seems that the matter is in the
hands of committee, but nothing definite
has yet been accomplished. The annual
meeting of the Regents is held chiefly for
the purpose of comforting with the heads
of departments, and Professor Anderson
sod oil wall TNlQ WI
The results of the conference.
In general reference to educational
matters, Professor Anderson expressed
the opinion that the State Board of Edu-
cation ought to be selected with the great
est care, and men appointed who have a
practical understanding of the duties re-
quired Of them. He thinks the political
views OF its members should not be con-
sidered, but that men of the best qualiti-
cations be choSen-which has not always
been done.
He regretted that it comes often under
his observation that county officers and
trustees of school districts are worked for
aud elected with a view to their provid-
ing for and assisting friends. This is a
grievouS matter, as the real qualifications
tor such Offices are disregarded, and in
competent persons get into very respon-
sible positions.
The Professor regretted the tendency of
teachers persons who are too young, and
who are often lacking in essential quail
tications for the responsible positions
they occupy. The mere ability to answer
q certain line of questions which do not
embrace very wide reach of practical
knowledge, should not in itself recon-
mend an applicant. His or her moral
training, physical condition, and especi-
ally certain maturity Of judgment and
discretion, should be eXemplitied and re-
quired. He knew of numerous instances
where very young girls, for proficiency
in studies alone, had obtained certificates
and were placed in charge of schools
without any of the more important quail
fcations.
Mr.. Anderson regrets also the tendency
in certain localities to dispense with mar
ried women and employ only single, and
oftentimes very young, women to fill the
places of teachers. a certain degree
is very requisite, and often proves more
satisfactory than apt ability to pass the
ordinary examinations.
81 have been frequently requested"
concluded the Professor, ''to employ
teachers for the country. When l do so
l always want to see and interview the
candidate personally. believe l can tell
something more by the applicants looks
and department than / could from re-
sponses to questions, or any other mode
of examination alone. Other qualifica-
tions are quite as essential as scholarship.
] like to see and talk with them"
Superintendent Anderson spends a
good deal of time in visiting counties,
and is evidently well informed as to the
needs OF country, as well as city schools.