The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-07-08


The state department of public in
struction will recommend to the mex.
legislature a number of changes IN the
educational system now in vogue IN
this state. The department will seek 10
render more effective the Educational
laws of the state with the assistance
! ct additional supplementary legisla-
ton. Supt. Pendergast stated yeSter-
day that the Minnesota laws regulat-
ing the schools were far superior to
that in effect in other states, yet there
were number Of desirable changes
which would be proposed to the next
legislature.
The state appropriation for assisting
rural schools had for several years
been $4,000, but at no time recently
had that amount been sufficient to
| meet the growing demands of the edu-
cational system, promoted by a large
increase in the population every year.
The next legislature would be asked
to set aside $4,000 for this purpose,
which would, for the present at least,
be adequate to give every country
school $50 which came up to the re-
! quirements prescribed by law. This
appropriation had been the means Of
establishing in the rural schools a
higher standard, as not only those ex-
pecting to receive the state aid took
an interest, but all looked forward to
the time when they might receive from
the state assistance which would aid
materially in developing a higher
character for the schools. A large num-
Der during the last year were unable
! to secure this aid on account of the
deficiency in the appropriation. There
were in all 700 rural schools in the
state.
A proposition would be made to give
rnn fny, I, o1r % h.,
county teachers reading circles Mr..
Pendergast said that these societies
had become one of the most important
features Of county educational work.
All the counties had an organization
of this nature, and, if the legislature
recognized and authorized the forma-
tion of the circles, it would greatly
encourage a progressive feature of the
work among teachers. The officers
of the local associations gave cut a
book which was read by every teacher
in the county, and during vacation the
county educators gathered at a con-
venient place and discussed the book.
An increase in the appropriation for
school libraries would also be asked
for. At present the state gives an
nually $4,000 towards purchasing liter
allure for the graded schools. If the
school district puts up $40 !or books,
the state contributes an additional $40,
which, at the present low price of
standard publications, will purchase
what will be very fair start towards
a public school library.
The compulsory free text book law
will be again proposed. At present
about half the school children in the
state are using free text books, and
there seems to be little difference Of
opinion among educators as to the Ce-
STABILITY Of free books in !he schools.
There has been much dissatisfaction
in various parts of the state, because
of frequent changes in the books or
dered by the local boards. These
changes have Invariably worked hard
| ship among the poorer pupils. Min
nesota is somewhat backward in this,
as many Of the states have been OPP
Grated under the free text book sys-
tenn for many years, although we have
a law which makes adoption of the
free system optional with the school
district.
An increase in the appropriation for
state aid to each high sch Dol which
comes up to a certain standard will
| also have to be increased, as The ap-
preparation was exhausted this year
three months before school was out for
the summer.
The state graded schools, which are
also given assistance by the state, will
be increased about S., COO At present
there are 100 graded schools in the
state, counting st. Paul and Mime
apolis as one. Last year $4,000 was set
aside for this purpose. The graded
schools, as well as the rural schools,
were handicapped last year by the
shortage of the appropriation. Efforts
will be made this year to secure
enough to take care of the state OBJ
legation to all it's schools.
The state also gives $500 to every
high school which gives a thorough
senior course in connection with regu-
lar school studies This is done to as
sist graduates who expect to become
teachers to a thorough and practical
preparation for their work as teachers.
To secure this aid the school must con-
! duct a special room given up to this
course, and employ special in
structor.
There is a possibility that the town.
ship plan, which has been 50 success
adopted by the coming session of the
| legislature. 1t was proposed last year,
but did not meet with general favor.
1t is thought, however, that the legis-
| lators were not fully advised as to the
| desirability of the plan, and that no
| trouble will be experienced in getting
| it through both houses.
Under township plan the government
| of the schools and the appointment
| of the teachers is looked after by a
| township committee, which exercises
| similar functions to the school trustees
| for the entire township, instead of a
| single school district.