The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1901-10-17
TO MAKE IT GENERAL.
State Superintcndent's Plan For Uni
fo-n7ity in Reports.

county supcrinteldeats inaugur2te in
each county Of the State the plan fo-
the training of tie teachers that has
been 50 successfully put in operation
in Richmond by Supt. Wallace.
Mr.. NcMahan has issued the follow
ing circular letter which is being sent
10 every county superintendent Of edu-
cation in the State, and which is pub
lished in order that the teachers may
the so ner get full explanation o.
what is expected Of them:
Dear Sir:-In order to assist the
teachers in putting into operation the
course of study-especially in follow
ing the suggestion as to classification.
programme and primary work, i
would be we'll if you could provide for
them some sort Of systematic instruc-
ton throughout the school year on
Saturdays, once or twice month, to
begin at once. This system has been
inauguarated in several counties. the
superintendents and their boards being
anxious to bring all the schools into a
we'll organized system. well graded, and
we'll taught These teachers to whom
the county seat is accessible are met
there on one Saturday in each month,
other groups Of teachers are instructed
at other points in the country most
accessible. For instance: In Richland
county, at the initial meeting in CO.
lumbia last Saturday, thirty-tive teach
ers were present; next Saturday Supt.
Wallace and his assistants will meet
the teachers in the lower part OF the
county at Eastover, and the following
Saturday they will meet the teachers
in the upper part OF the county at
Camp Ground-three groups for this
county. Here the teachers are being
instructed in arithmetic, English and
Landon's "Teacing and Class Manage
ment." Special attention is given to
the problem af grading the schools,
arranging the daily programme, and
keeping the smaller children profitaDiy
occupied.
Six meetings should be required OF
each group of teachers between now
and the close Of the school year. The
work should begin this month. The
law requires that the new BOOKS be
used as each school now opens and the
graduation be made as prescribed IN
the course OF study pamphlet by the
State beard. Every school must con-
form and at the end OF the session
We are to report to the legislature the
number OF children. in each grade IN
each county.
Regular teachers meetings under the
authority of the county board not only
assist the teachers in the organization
and management OF their schools as
we'll as in the better mastery OF certain
branches Of study. but bring them un-
der the direction Of the county super
intendent where he can instruct them
in the proper keeping OF school regis
ters and rendering OF the reports re-
ouired. so that hereafter the statistics
of the county will be more accurate
and the county superintendent can
make his annual report with compara-
tive ease. The schools or a county are
thus brought into system. and the
teachers feel the helpful stimulus OF
contact with co-yorkers, all having
more definite ends in view. Another
benefit is that we follow up the in
struction of the last summer school
and prepare for that Of the next
avoid the loss, OF spasmodic effort ana
build up the teachers by continuous
instruction, not only theoretical but
practical. :.
While | have not yet assurance OF
the funds TO compensate the instructors
that will be needed TO assist you.
can promise to reimburse them for the
necessary expenses of travel. etc, am
sure that all progressive educators are
so interested in this WORK that N yonr
country as elsewhere they will gladly
contribute their services.
% viii your beard approve the plan
and adopt a rule that the teachers
shall attend at the places deS.gnatei
by the county superintendent ana snail
do the work as required?
(2) II 50. would you approve the tcl-
lowing named as your assistants:
90 Can you obtain their services
upon the terms stated in this letter?
Yon -:ill appreciate the need OF nav
ing similar instruction given TO your
negro teachers. In some OF the coun-
ties competent negro instructors have
been secured Can you not find such
a negro instructor for the negro teach
ers of your country? If he only IN
structs them in keeping the statiHtics
required in the registers and IN max,
ing a proper report to you. it would