The herald., 1895-05-11
This Time It Is Argued in the
Friday Morning Club
BUT WITH DIFFERENT ENDING
Various Standp0ints Pre- esented by Mrs,
Ende-lein and Others
All the Ladies Agree That It Is the Only
Way to Bring About the
Best Results


Morning club was that held yesterday.
Everybody was enthusiastic and the dis
cusson was active. for the subject was
individual Training. There seemed to
be very little diversity of opinion in the
matter. 1t was all IN favor of the sys-
tenn, except when the opposite side was
taken once or twice, merely apparently.
as an excuse for the Advancement OF
further arguments in it's favor.
Mrs. Il LA II. Enderlein opened the dis
cussion. in which she said that individu-
alsm. or the salvatory method, has been
used In the higher grades for long time,
and in the lower grades it was introduced
py Professor Search twelve weeks ago.
The people Of Los Angeles are very con-
servative; they are ready to consider no
new innovations, and as soon as the
method was inaugurated there were many
who at once cri ed down the idea, although
it has been demonstrated in many de-
partments that the work is highly sue
cessful. There is much time wasted in
the old way with superhuous discipline.
A sympathetic stimulus should charac-
terize the teacher, not mere domination
and discipline. To the educator who
practices individualism the first quality
But such method the didactic gives
way to the experimental. 1t will take a
long time to fit teachers to develop fully
the ben efits of indivdualism; but natural
science has done much toward it.
The qualifications for teaching accord
ing to this method were enumerated by
Mrs. Enderlein and the assertion made
that the educational processes should fit
the need as it appears: the teacher Is
obliged to recognize the possibility in the
pupil.
Extracts from Professor Search's in
structons to teachers were read, and the
speaker continued by showing the high
advantages of doing away with grades.
markings and percentages. The system
develops the individuality of both teacher
and pupil.
Favorable testimony was read from
teachers and pupils.
From teachers, showing the advantages
il the way OF independent work; steady
advance and no classes of listless ones.
The teacher can discover weaknesses in
each child, no time is wasted. and both
logic and memory are employed.
From students, showing that they.
gained self-relanco and good habits of
study. true work and quality. rather than
quantity; while ADLER pupils are not
obliged to suit their pace to those less
apt.
Experiences of various teachers were
given, showing there is definite work to
be done, and that grades are not de-
stroyed; some teachers arrange their
pupils in little groups; others conduct
is busy each child is interested.
This individual work is not going to
die in Los Angeles; the seed planted is
bound to grow. and more interest is now
shown than ever before.
The amount of work done in twelve
weeks Is marvellous although it is not
time enough to test the system.
Mrs. Wills opened the discussion by re-
GREETING the downfall of individualism
and the defeat OF Professor Search s
method.
Mrs. Osgood, presi dent of the club,
here asked tor remarks from those op-
poseu to the method.
Mrs. W. l.. Graves said she thought
both sides should be considered. and
quoted from William r. Harris, the
United States commissioner OF education.
Mrs. Man garet Graham returned to the
pro side and asserted that as every child
does not have the advantage of a mother
it should be received in the
schools. The routine and bondage units
the teacher for his best work; the oppo-
sition OF some teachers to the method
is not strong argument. for all teachers
are not good teachers. Real progress is
mdue DN etCll VI us dS All luulf III uul III
real lie we must stand alone.
A number of other members present. ted
their views, when Mrs. Galpin read let
tel from Mr. j. b. McChesney. principal
of the Oakland high school, in which he
gave the most unequivocal ard unmlS-
taxable support to the individ ual method.
The letter ended with these words: "If
had all the teachers and parents in Los
Angeles within the sound OF my voice
and could make but single statement,
should say-give Superintendent Search
your cordial support"
An article in the Educational Review
| for February was quoted as saying, that
| the system requires tact and judgment.
course indolent, prejudiced and made
| quate teachers cannot succeed with 1T. "
Mrs. Galpin continued, the old country
school had its advantages which our mod
| ern system cannot meet; it gave oppor
tunity for individual development, in
which one learns to conquer IDEAS rather
| than to work for percentages.
Professor Dickinson, who was present,
advised the spreading flight, converting
the illiterate and Indifferent, and enter
ing on a campaign of education. Leaver
| the lump, said the professor. and iniu-
ence the board of education to give the
system fair trial; insist on fair play.
The final move of the morning was tt
call an open evening meeting, in which
this same ground could be gone over more
fully and carefully, and leaving. the de
tails as to time and place to the board o
managers. and adopting the following
resolutions, which are self-explanatory
The club then adjourned.
Whereas, the Los Angeles public library
under the management Of Miss Tessa l.
Keso has been an institution OF which
the women of Los Angeles have reason tt
be justly proud; and
Whereas. we, as individuals and as {
| club, are indebted to Miss kelso and he
assistants for many courtesies and mucl
valuable assistance in our literary work
therefore be it
Resolved. That we lament the introduc
ton of politics into the management o
tho library or any other educational in
| stitution OF our city, and regret the res
ignation OF Miss Kelso and her assistants
Miss Adelaide r. Hasse and Miss Stell
Haines.
Resolved. That we express to Miss kels
| and her assistants our thanks for thei
uniform kindness and generous aid to II
in the literary work of our club and ex
tend to them our hearty good wishes ii
whatever field they may enter;
Resolved, That these resolutions b
spread upon our minutes and copy fur
| nished each of the ladies mentioned.
Los Angeles. May 10.