Middletown transcript., 1895-01-19
EDUCATIONAL INTEREST.
Summer Schools for Teachers as
Viewed by a State Principal-Other
School Questions of Interest TO
Teachers-Delaware in the Line or
Progress.
M1ppLErowN, January 10th, 1895.

| MIDDLETOWN, lUlui lC0c.
EDITOR TRANscRIPr:-In your last issue
| C2th inst.}, you gave an article from the
Sunday Star expressing disapproval of the
ex-Governors recommendations for State
training school; but granting the need of
better qualified teachers.
The disapproval of such school seems to
be based on the supposition that in its
limited time, it would attempt to do regu-
lar school work 1t would not deserve
much favor if established for this purpose,
but it is designed for something not other
| wise provided for by the State.
Of course the present writer is not au,
thorized to speak for Ex-Governor Reynolds
but he may with some propriety, speak for
those among whom the proposition ar ose.
The Governors message embodied two
recommendations which originated in the
State Principals Association and were
unanimously approved by men of all
shades of political faith because they be-
lieved that nothing better could be done for
the schools at present.
These recommendations are: First, that
the State establish free Summer train
ing school for teachers. Second, That the
State, by satisfactory arrangement with the
towns, open the town graded schools to ad-
vanced pupils of country districts.
The idea of the proposed summer school
is not that it shall instruct its membrs in
the subjects to be taught in their schools.
1t would take those already fairly we'll
prepared in the ordinary text books. and
teach them how to teach SO that the labor
expended might accomplished the best re-
suits. 1t would give instruction in the best
methods of teaching in primary and gram
mar grades. 1t would deal with the sub
jects of school management and organiza-
ton, order and relation of studies, and
similar topics. The work done by sLch
school would be entirely outside the
curriculum of the regular school work
but supplementary to it for those who wish
to enter upon teaching with clearer con-
ceptions of what to aim at and how to ac-
complish it.
On these lines a properly conducted
Summer training school can render efficient
service.
No one would claim for it that it could
turn out thoroughly equipped teachers in
one Summer, or in two Summers; but 1t
would help to start progressive teachers in
an intelligent study of principles of educa-
ton and methods of instruction. 1t would
arouse the courage and enthusiasm of the
young beginner. and would give encourage
ment and renewed inspiration 10 the teacher
fadtd with d years work in the school
room.
The question of economy should not be
urged against an appropriation for such
school. Delaware is one of the nine States
and Territories which up to 1892, had es.
tablished no normal schools for the training
OF their teachers, and the small amount ex-
pended annually for the Instituses is tn
only appropriation she makes for the pro-
fessional benefit of her teachers. 1t would
not be too much to ask for normal school
which should give the regular school cur
riculum plus the professional training, but
the limited area, population, and wealth of
our State stand in the way of this. In such
case the next best thing is to leave the
general education of teachers to the better
graded schools of the State and to establish
Summer school for special training Della
ware owes something of this kind to her
pupils, to her teachers and to herself.
More public interest in the public schools
would lead to good results. Too many
people decry the work Of our teachers with
out sufficient personal investigation as TO
the real work and needs of schools. The
work is susceptible of great improvement,
but Delaware's schools will compare favor
ably with those of many States which spend
more money per capita for educational
purposes, and her teachers, with judicious
encouragement, and under capable leader
ship and control, would give her schools
worthy place among those OF other States.
The small appropriation necessary TO carry
on the proposed school would be one of the
States best paying investments.
The second recommendation carries its
own justification. 1t is practically the town.
ship system If other States. One or two
advanced pupils in country district often
take the time which the teacher should give
to her lower classes. The town graded
school could place such pupils in classes
already formed and would receive compen-
sation from. the State.
This would result in better paid teachers
Al. L.
while it would often give high school privi-
leges to the country pupils without extra
personal expense for tuition, and we should
come nearer to realizing in practice the true
theory that while the State is giving op-
por;unities she should give equal opportuni-
ties to all.
w. B. THARP,
President State Principals Association.
Senator Carey's Retirement.
The Washington correspondent of the
the New York Recorder says: II am sorry
that Carey is to go. He was a credit to his
state and to the Senate, and he has fallen a
victim TO his own honesty of purpose and
steadfast courage. But he went against
the sentiment of his home people, and that
| for politician is fatal. There was no rea-
son in the world why Carey sould have
voted for the repeal of the Sherman act
except that he believed it was right. 1t
was mistake in judgement, and he prob