Arizona republican., 1902-09-21
obe City Schools

Superintendent Mcdonald and the school board deserve commendation for the reforms already inaugurated in the administration of the city schools. The system of monthly examination or pupils in the grammar grades shouio have been abandoned long ago. The new system will enable the teachers tJ remain as accurately posted concerning the progress of their pupils as If exam nations were made every four weeks and the value of the relief to children of nervous temperament Is almost im- measurable.
 1T was also wise to drop the experi- ment of departmental work. Experi- ence has shown that the younger pupils make much better progress when taught by but one teacher.
 As this is but the beginning of Mir. McDonald's work as superintendent he is naturally inclined to proceed slowly in making changes in the management of the schools, and the public is to be congratulated that he has shown hlm- self free from the domination of fads. But in the line of conservative changes in the prevailing system the superin- tendent will find further opportunity for the exercise of his good Judgment. For illustration, some rule should be adopted which would permit promotion to the next higher grade at any time during the school year. Or rather there should be an abrogation of the existing rule so as to permit the super intendent to exercise his own discre- ton in the matter of promotions. This is q subject which should have the careful consideration of the school board. If pupils are to be restricted to the end of the year for promotion 1t IS apparent that the entire school resem- bles q fleet which is required to time It's proeress to conform to the speed of the slowest vessel. It is true, to be sure, that not a large number of pupils would be benefited by promotion in mid-term; but it is desirable, neverthe- less. that opportunity should be held cut for those who may earn promotion. In these times, when it is so important that young people be equipped for the battle of life at as early an age as pos sible. it is difficult to over-value the importance of gaining a whole school year in the advancement through the grades.
 Another reform which would work to the advantage of the whole school may be mentioned. Quite large num- Der of children in the intermediate grades really finish the course laid cut for the school year some weeks before the close of the term; after that they are rather idly waiting for the end. Ranging from the middle of March to the first of May, the rules should pro- vide for the final examination of such pupils as have shown that they have mastered the course, to the end at those passing the examination can re- tire for the current term. It would be no trouble at all for the several teach CTS to designate the pupils whose work had been Of the necessary standard to call for a final examination before the end of the term.
 This plan is in vogue at Kansas City and in the schools of other progressive communities, and it works splendidly. It sets up a prize before all the pupils which is extremely attractive. To know that by good department and thorough mastery of the coarse one may leave the school a month or two before the end of the term, would form the highest possible incentive to in- dustrious study-especially in Phoenix, where the closing weeks of the school year are uncomfortably warm. Much ill health is caused by unnecessary att tendance during the last weeks of the year. The extra vacation to be earned by close application would constitute one of the greatest aids to good govern ment and rapid progress. Let the ex- pertinent be tried, and the excellent results will surprise all the teachers.