Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-02-12
chosen from among the very best citi-
zens of the entire township.
How 1t Should Be Done.

IeIS OI Tie GuClTe TOWNSHIP.
How 1t Should Be Done.
Under this system teachers proper
ly certificated would file their appli-
cations for positions with the secre-
tary, and, If elected, would be assign
ed by the board to position for which
they seem to be fitted. AS a conse-
quence there would be fewer misfits
better teaching, increased attendance,
and better returns for the money ex-
pended. The plan now too often fol
lowed in some townships of electing
to office men who are pledged to fav-
or as teachers one neighbours daugh-
ter for the spring ,another for fall, and
still another for winter, cannot be too
severely criticised.
Township High School in Favor.
The township high school is grow
ing in public favor but it's establish
ment is not possible unless the town
ship becomes the unit. Thirteen Of
these schools are now in existence,
and others must be provided if we are
to lift the rural school to the place
now demanded by the progressive cit
liens thruout the state. In all cases
township high schools are managed
by the same board that is charged
with the care of other public schools
of the corporation. To put them I'M
der separate board would be as I'M
reasonable as it is to have from two
to nine boards managing the schools
of township divided into rural in
dependent districts.
Is For Advanced Pupils.
The establishment of township high
schools is for advanced pupils only
and not intended to interfere with
rural schools now provided, but to in
cite pupils in them to remain longer
| that they may complete a prescribed
course of study. These schools will
serve high purpose by connecting
the country school with the higher in
| situations.
Revised Course of Study.
The revised course of study given
in the Handbook for Iowa Schools"
is planned to meet the needs of most
advanced pupils in township high
| schools. In some counties having
these schools the principal of the high
school is made the superintendent,
thus insuring better supervision than
is now possible.
Should Unite Rural Districts.
That pupils may have equal school
privileges with those in school town
| be taken to unite rural independent
districts into school townships in ac-
| cordance with section 2800 Once
united the board of directors may re-
district, if deemed wise.
Consolidation Follows.
When the school township is made
| the unit of organization it will be an
easy step to the consolidation of the
rural schools. This will come sooner
or later The time is here when the
! people in the rural districts are de-
handing that their children shall have
equal school privileges with children
who dwell in our municipalities. This
should be brought about, and we ask
/ the hearty cooperation of the friends
| of education everywhere that public
sentiment may be thoroly awakened
to the needs and the possibilities of
greater unification in rural school mat
tiers.
Want Matter Discussed.
/ We recommend that county super
|intendents and others interested hold
public meetings at which high schools
in rural communities. transportation
Iof children, consolidation of weak dis
itricts, better teachers, and other ques-
lions be discussed. We have entered
upon the new century. No great chang
les will come to us. nor will improve
ments be perfected without effort.
3. @. Lille,
County Superintendent, Independence.
R. V. Veneman,
County Superintendent, Boone.
o. j. McManus,
County Superintendent, Council Bluffs
Advisory Committee
Richard c. Barrett,
Superintendent Public Instruction.