The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1897-03-11

work, as well as to consult each
other as to best methods of teach
ing. The examinations held last
spring and this fall have been
based upon this work, and the ma
iority of teachers having accom-
plished the work, | have been able
to raise the standard of qualifica-
tions considerably along certain
lines. The work planned for the
present school year has for its aim
the study of those branches required
for a second grade certificate
| believe that a comparatively
large per cent. Of our teachers are
earnest and progressive workers,
who give their best efforts to a
noble work. Nevertheless there
are and always will be, a few who
are either decided misfits or display
more energy in getting positions
and drawing their pay than they
do in working for the best interests
Of the schools It should be our
aim to reduce tho number belong
ing to this class to a minimum.
School boards can assist greatly in
this matter by exercising more
care in the selection of teachers.
The welfare of the school is de
pendent upon the manner in which
this important trust is exercised.
SCHOOL WORK.
The character of the work done
during the year has been fairly
satisfactory, and will perhaps justi
fly me in stating that We have made
some progress. There are several
elements that have been an incent-
i've to better work during the past
year, viz, the increased efficiency
of our institute work occasioned by
the recently enacted law requiring
fee for teachers examinations by
means of which we are enabled to
secure better work in the Institutes
and more Of it-a larger number of
teachers meetings were held and
more systematic work done in them
than during the preceding year
an effort has been made by personal
solicitation, to get older pupils
sufficiently interested in the work
to remain in school long enough to
complete the stndies required in the
common school course. The results
have been very satisfactory, there
being seventy nine applicants for
diplomas, thirty nine of whom
passed the examination satisfac-
torily and received them. Last
year there were thirty seven appli-
cants, twenty-six of whom were
successful
There is no better means of
encouraging pupils to do good work
and impressing upon teachers their
responsibilities, than the personal
interest Of patrons and school
officers in the work of the schools.
If members of school boards and
parents would show their solicitude
for good school work, by frequent
visits to the school "a custom much
neglected) we would witness
great change for the better.
A much greater uniformity OF
text books in the schools during
the past year, has contributed to
better and more uniform work, and
has been advantageous in many
ways. 1t is desirable that when
ever changes in textbooks are made
that such books be selected as will
secure uniformity throughout the
county.
SCHOOL LIBRARIES.
Nv observation convinces me
that MANY boys and girls, through
the influence of the library books,
have been reclaimed from large
class whose chief chief aim was
mischief making, to become readers
and thinkers. That the libraries
are valuable acquisitions, goes with
out saying. It is hoped that town
Officers Will ODSCLNC oUL NV NOAAA
pliance with the law in the matter
in order that we may derive the
advantages arising from placing
good reading material in the hands
of the children.
INSTITUTES.
Two teachers Institutes have
been held since the date of my last
report. One at Wilmot continuing
for five days conducted by PROBES
sors Shuts and Beck and one at
Kenosha continuing for two days
conducted by Cheever and Gillian.
There were seventy-eight teachers
enrolled at the latter. The attend
ance was exceptionally good and
the teachers manifested much in
terest in the work.
SCHOOL CENSUS FOR 1895.