Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1898-12-22
THE. SCHOOLS OF the STATE
SOME FACTS FROM THE STATE sUPERIN-
rENnRNT's REPORT.

lENOEN1 , AEEOhL4
/ State Superintendent of Public Instrnc.
tior Charles J Baxter has completed his
annual report to the State Board of Educa-
ton, with the exception of the school
census figures This latter portion of the
report is being held back, owing to the
padding of the census figures in Jersey
City, where reimbursement has been
ordered
The report treats at length many inter-
esting educational topics and shows the
advance made in the schools of the State
during the past year. Attention is called
to the fact that there has been a large
increase in teachers salaries during the
last year. The average monthly salaries
of male teachers during the school year
of 1696-97 was $81 49, and the average
salaries of male teachers during the school
year of 1928 was $85.82, an increase of
$443. The average monthly wages for
female teachers for the school year 1896 81
was $4S 10, and for 1S97-9s $40 ~. an in
crease of 81 SO.
From the statistics furnished by the
various counties, the state superintendent
points out that there has been during the
year 1897-98 over and above the year
1896-97: An increase of $3.50 422 81 in the
amount paid for teachers salaries; an
increase of 407 in the number of teachers
employed an increase of "a in the num-
Der of school buildings; an increase of
81 ,995 95S in value of school property an
increase of 60 in the number of school
buildings owned an increa.e of 1902 in
average daily attendance; an increase of
Z ,867 in average daily enrolment; an in
10 80 lie
have been neither absent nor tardy a
decrease of 3,023 in total number of cases
of tardiness decrese of 122 in the num-
mer of applicants for county certificates
rejected an increase of $28, 49, 81 in
amount expended for text books and school
apparatus: an increase of $S9,465 in State
school tax: an increase OF $498, 135 35 in
district school tax an increase OF Us 900 In
appropriation for industrial training; an
increase of $4,000 in appropriation for
manual training an increase of $500 in
appropriation for teachers institutes an
increase of AZ in number of districts levy
ing tax for teachers salaries; an increase
of 81 in number of districts leyying tax to
huild school houses an increase of 70 in
the number of districts levying tax to pay
debt and interest an increase of Al in
number of districts levying tax for text
books and school apparatus decrease
of in number of districts levying no tax
There are but four districts in the State
that now levy no tax for school purposes)
an increase of Ala in number of visits made
by county superintendents
The report treats at length the matter
of current history teaching. After intro
ducing the subject, Mr.. Baxter says
To be in a high degree effective it is
not only necessary that the teacher should
have his eyes and ears open to the world
of sight and sound about him, but he
should also keep in touch with every i'm
portant line of interest whether scientific,
social, political or historical In teaching
the sciences the latest discussions and dis
cOveries are essential to intelligent instruc-
ton, are indispensable to both teacher and
pupil. When studying the geography of
country the teacher should interest the
pupil in what is going on there. He should
be made acquainted with the object of
political parties, the meaning of elections
and the national, State or local issues at
stake, at the time political campaign is
in progress, and in doing this. the discreet
teacher will always avoid whatever shall
have partisan basis. The pupil should
be made familiar with the functions of
government at the time of their regular or
special exercise, and when fully discussed
in the public press. The pupil should also
know who are the poets. the philosophers
the authors, the musicians, the artists and
the preachers of the age. Interest him in
the men and events of the times and you
enlarge his mental horizon, carry his
thoughts beyond the doings of the family
and the neighborhood. relieve the monot-
ony of his daily duties, enrich his conver-
sation and broaden his intelligence"
On the subject Of school boards, the re-
port contains some interesting information.
1t says: Notwithstanding the fact that
large majority of the members of our local
school boards have received no special
training for the important duties they are
required to perform, and their time and
energies are necessarily mainly devoted to
their respective pursuits, some of these
school boards show knowledge of school
work and school administration that would
do credit to the professionally trained.
The boards who give the several teachers
in their, employ an occasional day for school
visitation know how to secure the largest
returns for the salaries paid and are render
ing both teachers and communities valu-
able service. The particular school board
that has been employing special talent to
instruct its teachers seems to have adopted
some twentieth century ideas prior to its
advent The practice of some school
boards Of delegating to each of its mem
bers practical control of the school located
nearest his place of residence is not to be
commended. Under this arrangement
conditions might arise that would appeal
to personal interest and which might in
some cases lead to action that would not
conduce to public good Each member
should take an equal interest in all the
schools of his district and should regard
himself as personally responsible for the
proper administration Of all its shool
affairs.
"In large number OF districts the mem
bers OF the board of education never visit
the schools under their CONTROL unless
some repairs are needed, or unless there is a
complaint against the teacher. 1t is
recommended that law be enacted max
ing it the duty of each member of board
of education to visit each school in his
district at least four times during the year.
and while it is in session, and that record
of such visits be made IN the school regis
ters and included in the teachers annual
report
"Those Of our superintendent who have
adopted the plan of giving public exhibits
of the work done in the schools under their
supervision are to be congratulated as to
the results. The preparation of such ex-
hibits has proven stimulus to both teach
ers and pupils throughout the school year
and by giving our citizens better appre-
citation of the work done has served to
greatly strengthen their interests in our
public hools
There is much in the report by way OF
advice and encouragement to the teachers
in the State.
County Notes.
On Thursday of last week little son of
E. E Clifford's, at Barnsboro. while play
ing with broom stick, had violent fall,
from which he suffers intensely, and fears
are entertained that his injuries will prove
fatal.
The Thorofare Epworth League has
elected the following officers: President
e.. A. Dehart; Vice Presidents, C. w. Will
kins, Hannah Richards, L. K. Wilkins
and Mary L. Dehart; Secretary, Miss May