Great Falls weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1894-1???, 1895-02-15
SUPT, SWAN ON SCHOOL BOOKS
He Advises Some Changes in the
Present List-D0es Not Like
Several Books.
Thinks Free Text Books May Prove II
B~urdensOme Expense at Present
Other Matters.

In conversation with a TRIBUNE RI
porter yesterday, George b. Swan, count
superintendent of schools, referring
the proposed change in school books
said:
81 am in favor of making some change
in the text book in the public schoo E
and the teachers OF Cascade county hav'
80 recommended. | have inspected thu
publications of the various houses, an(
believe that McGutfcy's readers espe
cially should be superseded. They are
not modern, and the quality OF the Sc
l~ections is not good. Perhaps the great
est objection is the grading. The sue
~cessive lessons are not well graded, nor
are the books. For instance when the
pupil has finished the first reader, he
finds the second far too difficult. | would
be pleased to see the Stickney series,
published by CHM Il Co., substituted.
1.-THE histories at present IN use are
Barnes Brief History of the United
IOLhLeS anu bdIIt5 L ILJd AiSIoiy
is a we'll known fact that, for small chill
dren, the study of men in connection
with their deeds is far more interesting
and instructive than the p~e-usal OF dry
historical facts. think that the recog-
milton of this is a valuable feature in the
primary history of the Montgomery ser
les, which consists mainly of biographies
of the leaders in the events of the ma
tons history. In the higher books the
style is mucn better and more interest
ing than 10 the Barnes series, and the
material is good and there are many new
features.
The Barnes Biographies should not
be retained. They are faulty ia many
respects. Have examined several pub
locations and find trye's primary geog-
raphy for ahead of any other. | hest
tate about recommending the adoption |
Of these works, however, for the higher
book is still in the press. But If it is
equal to the primary work it should be
adopted.
The present physiology series, the
Pathfinder and Steele, Is too radical on
the topics of alcohol and narcotics. The
authors make statements which are un-
trustworthy, and too much attention is
given these subjects, to the detriment of
others. ! prefer either Kellogg or Bias
dell.
THE Sheldon language series should
be substituted for Harvey's. Fish's
arthmetics should not be longer retained.
The problems under II head are not we'll
graded. The order of hard and easy
problems is not correct, and the number
IS not well proportional. Every teacher
tirlo fLnt ,y;tL tb;1 r,1rl, h., p,,,.% ,,,a "a
supplementary book. | prefer Milne or
bill provides for Rays New In
that such a work is needed except, pos
sibly, in the high school. Let the prob
be placed in the same book as other
croblems. There are too many books
nOW.
"!Swinton's Spoilers are satisfactory.
In writing. / prefer the Graphic to the
.Spencerian copybooks. There is no
material difference in the style of copy,
the mechanical execution of the
is far superior, and the work is
more durable. There is great agitation
n favor Of the Vertical system Of pen
nanship, and il teachers desire they may
each that system, or the inclined system,
~ pltdsuTc' IL tue bIdpHiC noIlee eIlohlu
ia adopted. The teachers have asked
or Petermann's Civil Government. and ,
hope that a special edition for Montana I
N the state constitution will be provided
or
Referring to Senator Brosnan's bill for
rec text books and supplies, Mr.. Swan
allied attention to the fact that books
will now be furnished by the district if
he parent is unable to purchase. He
las never witnessed the practical work
ngs OF a free text book law, but has
leard comments, both favorable and
upon the results in states where
: is in vogue. In the present condition I
the states finances, he cannot see how
the plan can be successful. There is 10
money yet derived from the school fund,
and it must be raised by taxation.
However, he did not feel Justified in say
whether or not the benefits would
Justify the great expense at present.