The Washington times., 1894-12-07

interest upon which the board would like to
touch, as particularly the constantly increas-
ing efficiency and usefulness OF the night
schools and the schools for manual training;
the success and the remarkably small per
capita cost Of the free text book system aver
aging as shown by Superintendent Powells
report, less than 10 cents per pupil in any OF
the first five grades of the schools, and the
Teachers Annuity and Aid Association, which
though no part OF the public school system,
and involving no present or pros
pectiye cost to the District or
attended with much benefit to the former.
These and other topics presented in the re-
ports of the superintendents the board feels
inclined to pass without special comment at
this time, in order that il may present exclu-
sively and therefore more urgently for your
consideration and that of Congress the abb
solute necessity of an immediate and radical
increase in school room accommodation,
which is the overshadowing need OF public
schools at this time.''
The report of Supt Powell, which follows, ls
made up largely of tables of comparative
statistics of attendance, cost OF maintaining
schools, the number of teachers, and other in
cidental details.
Concerning the furnishing OF free text
books Supt. Powell says:
"Didactic teaching mas been almost elimi-
mated from our processes on the part OF the
teacher and memoritive work on the part of the
child. The pupil being expected and trained
to help himself must have materials upon
which and tools with which to work.
1.-The small per capita cost of books that
do not perish by first use is noticeable and
is an evidence Of good management aud con-
scientious discharge of responsibility on the
part of our teachers, and gratifying care
on the part of the pupils.
1.-The estimate cost for free text books for
the school year ending June 30, 1896, is $4,000
larger than that already appropriated for the
year ending June, 1895. This additional
amount is made necessary because there will
be considerable increase of loss occasioned
by wear and tear incident to three years use
of books ing the fifth and sixth grades and
of two years use in the seventh and eighth
grades"
The report next emphasizes the necessity
for increased Accommodations, saying that not
only in consideration of the health OF the
child, but the possibility OF good or even fair
teaching the school must be housed in
commodious, well-arranged, and healthful
room.
The value of efficient teachers is next dis
cussed.
The establishment of pedagogical libaries in
in every school room is strongly recon-
mended.
Regarding the manual training schools the
report says this branch of learning was
prosperous last year. Every child within the
District limits is now provided with tuition
in manual training branches belonging to
his grade of school, excepting only those
pupils attending outlying schools which can
not without the expenditure OF too much
lime and therefore at too great cost to the
District, be reached by the teachers of these
branches.
The Teachers Annuity and Aid Associa-
tion is next considered at great length by
AIr kTG .NaEfE
and approval.
1t is proposed by this association to ac-
cumulate a permanent fund from initiation
fees. dues and entertainments of various
kinds, of $500 as minimum endowment.
The reports of the several high schools and
the supervising principals follow that of the
superintendent. All the data and statistics
contained in these supplementary reports are
discussed and reviewed by Mr.. Powell and are
referred 10 above