The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-01-21


The efficiency Of the schools depends
largely upon the amount OF revenue
apnlied to their support. and upon the
ability and activity Of the teaching and
supervising forces. While / am gratified
10 report that q large majority Of our
schools are doing good work, / regret TO
say that in some localities the condition OF
the schools is pltiable indeed. lll-prepare1
and inexperienced teachers. short terms
irregular attendance. badly constructed
and uncomfortable school-houses with I'M
slightly surroundings. are formidable OBJ
siructOus IN the path of progress. And,
until they are removed. the schools will
fan TO accomplish the best results-results
commensurate with the responsibility as
sumed boy the state in undertaking the
education OF her citizens.
II the present imperative needs OF the
system are 10 be suppled-if the school
term is 10 be extended; If teachers are TO
be paid living salaries; If provision IS 10
be made for more thorough supervision
and better school-houses and equipments.
the money necessary for the accomplish
ment Of these ends must. in my judgment,
BE- raised by more liberal local levies.
Normal Schools
The establishment OF normal schools i'm
Virginia marked an era of progress
While but a small per cent Of the teach
eTs working in the schools to-day have
had the benefit OF regular normal school
training. these schools are annually turn
lns out a class Of professionally trained
teachers. and the infusion of this ele-
meut into the system has already exerted
a most wholesome and elevating influence
upon the schools-an influence which IS
constantly extending. and the effect OF
NIL l.. To-, 81.
future than il Is now. or necessity. the
sphere Of the normal school Is circum-
scrbed. Invaluable as this institution is
u cannot open its doors 10 the great body
oi teachers now engaged in the schools
Tho Improvement OF these teachers is a
necessity Of the times. Experience and
observation show that this want can be
nest supplied through the agency OF teach
"s institutes or summer normal schools
Nirslnia Is among the few States that
nave Jailed 20 engraft the institute uDon
~. ~ school system. The results attending
W continuous application of Peabody
GA 70 this object arc evident In the i'm
proved condition OF our schools.
DeieVc that the granting Of State
. ,'l'dies VIII give a vigorous impulse
'"iter academic and professional at
'@'nnents, and more distinctive and
.lmanent character TO teaching as pro-
t""rlNN.
goodly number OF States have organ
i@'a state boards OF examiners whose
Ju'y II is 10 examine and license teachers
- earnestly recommend that the BOARD 81
-lucailon be authorized to establish such
BOARD. giving II authority 10 examine
no license applicants for State certiG-
i, ',s under such regulations as the Board
VI education may prescribe
Higher Tdvca'ion of Woman
TO discuss, at this day. the necessity for
nishef education Of women their capacity
~ acquire IL. or their right 10 receive il,
~ou', be 10 reflect upon the intelligence
vi me Justice OF those whose business
TO furnish women equal facilities
" NOSE provided for men. If these were
',r deoatable subjects. they have ceased
men.
>, hen women were less dependent upon
' own resources than they are now.
p parents were able TO furnish all
roed facilities for acquiring education,
N, Importance OF the subject was but
NIUE considered
a.. any reasons now press this subject to
~ NJ Hont, and demand its consideration.
"'"'en are now largely dependent upon