Rocky Ford enterprise., 1894-04-19
FREE TENT BOOKS.
Strong Arguments why Every Dist
rict Should Supply Them.

riot Should Supply Them.
Probably no question connected with
school economy has engaged the atten-
ton of school officers and educators for
the past twenty years more than that re-
lating to the best means OF supplying
text books to the pupils OF our public
schools. The subject has been forced
upon their attention by the demands and
necessities of the school patrons.
At first educators were quite generally
opposed to the plan of "free text books
perhaps from fear that it would in some
way interfere with their Independence as
teachers, but careful study of the plan
and knowledge OF the opinions of those
who have tried it, has worked such a
change that now the leading educators
and school authorities are the most earn
est advoatces of this plan of supplying
books to pupils.
The cost OF books at private purchase,
the difficulty of having full supply at
the beginning OF school, the hardship put
upon the poor in promotion and demo-
ton, and the difficulty and expense en-
| countered especially in new communities,
in moving from one district to another,
has led several states to resort to the
publication of text books by state author
ity, so far. however, without materially
lessening the cost to the people, but re-
sulting in an inferior grade Of books. A
do from undertaking the publication OF
text books, but the law makes it the du-
ty OF directors to furnish books to indi-
gent children. Many parents, from a
laudable, though perhaps a mistaken
pride, refuse to send their children to
school under such conditions, and when
they are sent the tendency is to destroy
the democracy of the schooolroon, and
emphasizes the poverty OF some of the
parents whose children are in school.
Recognizing the evils inherent in the
is: Does "Free text books" tend to ov-
ercome the evils and difficulties that are
in the way Of the most effective school
work?
Let us consider first how those who
have tried the plan of "froe books" are
satisfied with the results, and then inves-
tigate some Of the reasons given, why
the results are better than under the
present plan.
books in 1885 and New York City in 1912
Portland, Me-, has used "free books" for
nearly 30 years; Boston and Omaha for
10 years, and other cities for longer or
shorter periods.
Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts,
Delaware, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ne
braska require boards of directors to fur
nish books free. Vermont, Connecticut,
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Colorado
authorize it. In all these states the plan
is working successfully and is growing
in favor.
Forty state superintendents now re-
commend the plan; Supt. Cove of Den
yer, who two years ago was strongly op-
posed to it, now recommends it for the
city of Denver; South Pueblo adopted
the plan two years ago, North Pueblo
will probably vote on its adoption this
spring. Five districts in Otero county
have already adopted the plan and now
have it in successful operation.
The Association Of school officers Of
Otero county have recommended it to all
districts in the county.
Every superintendent from the ATTAIN
tic to the Pacific, except one, who reports
having tried the plan Of free books" is
heartily in favor OF it.
What are the advantages of the "free
book" plan that brings to it such univer-
sal approval Of those who have tried it2
1st, Economy.-In South Pueblo the
first cost to the district was $1,000 for
what at private purchase would have cost
$1,000. In Philadelphia for many years
the average annual cost for each pupil
erage of SOC per annum for the past ten
years. In both these cities is included
not only drawing and stationery, but al
so sewing material. Omaha reports an
average annual expense Of 40c per pupil,
and West Virginia, excluding the city OF
Wheeling, % cents.
Taking into account the greater num-
ber OF children that will successfully use
the same book, the better care that the
books receive, as well as the reduction in
the purchase price, the supply of books
on the free plan for series of years will
cost not more than one fourth as much
as under private ownership. The length
Of time book will last is thus reported
Pri.&Inter. Gram. HIS.
fremont, Neb. 8 u ss' 7' '
Kellogg, Iowa 4 =" 10"
2d.-There is no delay in schoolwork
and no excuse for non-suppiy.
Teachers and parents realize the impor-
tance of this matter. The school can be
comletely organized and classified the
first day, and the work move right along,
while by the present method, it takes
weeks, and often months to get the
pupils supplied and at work, and then
lucIo 10 OhtCu ldAu tuo kEOuuu VI ulbSdt-
isfation with the school, by the teacher
or directors in insisting on all the pupils
being supplied with books.
3-A large per cent Of the population
changes annually, especially in new set
Elements; this compels the purchase of
new supply Of books each year. The
s'free" plan overcomes this evil entirely.
Increased attendance and better
classification of work. Many pupils are
kept away at the beginning Of the term
by lack of books, and when they come
there is difficulty in classification that
effects not only the new pupils but the
whole school. This plan will do more to
fill the schools than the compulsory law;
and it would remove most of the Difficult
ties in classification.
Sit admits OF a greater range of work
in all grades of the school.
GA more careful use of books. The
universal verdict of superintendents ev-
erywhere is that books last longer than
by the present plan. This is of itself ed
ucational; carefulness in one thing tends
to foster habit Of carefulness in all
things.
There is no class distinction, but
a perfect equality in all things
relating to the school. The poor mans