Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-11-06
miss BROWN" UPON SCHOOL MAT
TIERS. #{tNjiH1f.'
Concerning Salaries, Geological
Tramping and Mud Modelling.

COncerninG Salaries, Geological
Tramping and Mud Modelling.
To the Editor Of The Evening Star:
While reading The Star a few evenings
ago / found in a conspicuous place a state
ment of the opinions and wishes of Mr..
Powell, superintendent of public schools
in regard to teachers salaries. He advo-
Gates an entire change of the system in
vogue and, no doubt believes In the supe-
riority of his plan, but as no one Is ineal-
lible no change should be made until it is
proved beyond doubt that the new system
would be superior to the old.
Let us take a look at both. At present
the young beginners, the graduates from
the Normal School. are appointed, gener-
ally, to first or second grade schools and
from these are promoted, as they prove
their ability and vacancies occur, to
higher grades, which bring with them
corresponding increase In salary.
Now, this plan may not be per-
feet, but 1t Is at least a fair one and, when
honestly adhered to- leaves no room for
favoritism or the use of that most deadly
enemy Of all excellence, Influence" Sup
pose that 1t Is abolished and the one adj
vocated by Mr.. Powell Inaugural ted, then
what Will be the result? Simply this-that
any teacher, no matter how incompetent
she may be. provided she has the requisite
personal, social or political influence. can
De paced and kept at the highest salary
In a half day school, while Others have 70
% twice as much work for, perhaps, half
her salary and without any hope of promo
ton.
Under the present system whenever anv.
thing like favoritism CROPS up notice is
TAKEN OF IL at once and a wholesome dread
OF pubic censure serves to make such oc-
eurrences rare indeed, but once the door
human nature being what It is--goof-bye
TO the fairness and freedom from all faint
when nave; SO far, distinguished our public
schools and given them the high position
they occupy today.
NO, instead of thinking of a change in
tnat direction 1t might be well to consider
what threatens to grow into an abuse In
another. l mean the frittering away o.
valuable time and effort on smatterings Of
the oiogies." Last Thursday, for in
stance; the schools Of the NTH, sixth and
o oIsentn erades In the third division were
closed at 1880 and their teachers required
10 be at Dupont Circle at 2 to meet the
one VINO was to be their guide, philoso-
pher and friend" in the geology line. and
course into them during a tramp of as
many hours. When one considers that a
teachers work as at present laid out re-
CURES her to be continually on her feet
IL seems as though the society for the nre-
vention OF cruelty should have a voice In
the matter when she is forced to add such
prolonged walk to her days work. I'know
that number were compelled to drop out
last Thursday before the course was nearly
completed and are suffering yet in conse-
quence of the over-exertion
And after all is said and done what
good Is accomplished by it? No one can
become competent teacher Of any science
oy taking superficial glance at its rudi-
menus, and II our teachers are expected
70 teach what is usually only required of
college professors then these sciences
should be included in the course of strSy
followed in our High and Normal schools
and not be left to be acquired by inspira-
ton. It were. =. 'p'
Statistics prove that the majority of pu-
plls leave school, in order to go to work.
long before they have passed Through, ali
the grades. The aim then should he 70
give them. during the time they can attend.
tne greatest amount Of absolutely neces-
sary education-good old fas hioned spelling.
f 1sa writing and arithmetic, leaving
the Iancy trimmings for those who have
sumcfent time to attend to them. Every
man, be his calling ever so lowly needs
the TOUR aids mentioned. but quite a re-
sPectahIe number can manage to get along
the real estate they accumulate while woiL.
ING along country road or even through
our streets, when they happen to he in
just the proper condition.
Last winter 1t was the artistic side which
was 10 be developed, and the teachers were
o g. to give two evenings a week and
~ each TO become adopts I'm the ri Of cla :,
Inooenng. What the scientific turn, will
cost mem 90 not know yet but venture
70 predict that they will be REQUIRED, ITto
pay Tor course Of lectures hefora 49,,
are through with it,
IN the meanwhile hope that every lover
90 our public SCHOOLS win give the subject
that justice and sound common sen. !" l.
tne chief directors in all matters per inine
" eneHi. MISS BROWN