The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
TEACHERS AND REFORM.
OUR SCHOOLS,

The columns Of the educational de-
partment of the "Woman's Paper will
doubtless abound in articles full OF
brilliant ideas and scintillating with wit
from the many bright teachers Of this
city, or else will deal with the profound
and abtruse problems which occupy
great minds only. Belonging to neither
class the writer Of this would essay the
plain and practical directed to the par
ents, for "the parents must provide the
children for the schools" as the late
Prof Roney once Willingly replied when
asked where the children were to come
from to supply new building with pu-
pills.
We often wonder how many Of the
patrons Of the public schools have any
idea Of what is going on every day
In these ''hives Of industry" How
much they know Of the routine and the
amount Of work accomplished? They
know where their children go to school,
and, generally to whom. Theymay possi-
bly, know the teacher by sight and have
even speaking
ACQUAINTANCE WITH HER.
but 1t may safely be said there are but
few who know more than that. We
lay the flattering JUNCTION to our souls
that this ignorance is not so much the
result Of Indifference as of the utmost
confidence in those who have charge
Of them five hours Of the day.
The teachers, however, might be en-
couraged by a more intimate acquaint-
ancc with the parents, and they, we
are sure. might be benefited by knowl-
adge Of what Is done in the schools, and
how It is done. They should know the
curriculum Of studies Of each grade in
which they have children, Just what.
and how much is expected Of both
teacher and pupil; how the recitations
and examinations are conducted; what
standard Is required, and how the mark
Ing Is done. They should inquire, ex-
anime and sign promptly, the monthly
reports. and make frequent Inquiries
in regard to the advancement Of their
children. All these things would tend
directly to the child's good and stimu.
late the teacher to O greater faithful
ness In the performance Of her duty.
The apparent lack of interest on the
part Of the parents Is often the chief
drawback to the child's progress.
Perhaps this seeming indifference is
due to the fact that so seldom are the
schools brought to the notice Of the
public In any way except by means Of
the newspaper reports of the semi
monthly meetings Of the
BOARD OF CONTROL
by description of new building, or
brief programme of an entertain
ment which has been given.
In very few cities Of the size and het-
erogenous population of ours, do the
schools move along with so little fric-
ton in the way Of discipline and, al
though there are no cast-iron rules en-
forcing daily attendance very little tru-
ancy is reported. 1t is evident that the
children love to go to school. and we
know Of no higher compliment that
can be paid to school than that fact.
1t is further attested by the happy,
smiling faces. the willingness with
which they do their work and the desire
for Improvement which they manifest.
Modesty forbids us to say how much of
this is due to the teacher, but there is
a saying current in educational cir
cles to the effect that "as Is the teacher
SO Is the school," But we think we may
20 farther back and put it,
AS IS THE SUPERINTENDENT, so
IS THE TEACHER,
therefore, so Is the school. This, of
course, Is true only in a limited sense,
but to him more than anyone else is
the excellence Of the schools, as a whole,
due, for with a weak executive officer
at the head of affairs. weak adminis-
tration naturally follows.
This city has been singularly fortu-
nate in having at the head of the schools
men of progressive spirit, broad culture,
liberal ideas. clear convictions of their
needs and the courage to carry them
out; men who are not merely Office su-
perintendents, but who 60 into the
schools frequently and become we'll ac-
quainted with both teachers and pupils
and who give to them their sympathy
and hearty approval, L. E.P