The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1902-04-29
STATE SCHOOL LAWS
Information on Four Ques-
tons as to Education.
Superintendent Clements Writes 10 Other States
And Learns Of the Legislation There
in Force.

on the 4ln OF -hdTcn d cIiculdI letter -
the State Superintendent of Education
| Of each State in the Union, with the fol-
lowing questions:
/. Has your State a compulsory schooi
law. ami if so, how long are the children
| required TO attend school?
2. Do you think a compulsory school
law for or against the best educational
interest of the State?
8. Are the schools of your State sup
| ported by direct or local taxation?
A. Has illiteracy increased or decreased
Please give percentages.
B. What is the average length Of your
public schools in a year?
l have received answers as follows:
From the State Of Idaho-First cues
| ton, yes, from 6 to IS years. 8 months
a year, or during the annual term: sec
ond, for; third, both; fourth, it has de-
creased; fifth, seven months.
From the State of WashingtOn-First
question. we have a compulsory school
law, requiring attendance Of at ieast
three months; second, 1 think it has
proved beneficial to the schools: third,
by both; fourth, iliiteracy is on the de-
/ tooS iAll, " lA1IA1 ' Dc u
From the State Of Nevada-First ques-
ton, we have a compulsory school law.
1t has never been enforced. | think
were it enforced it would be a good
thing; second, We have a large fund in
vested in lands which gives over s13 a
year for every census child; fourth, I
don't think illiteracy has increased any
during the last ten years; fifth, nearly
eight months.
From the State Of Montana-First
question, yes, twelve weeks in a year;
second, for; third, local and State in
come fund from sale of lands; fourth, no
answer; fifth, about eight months.
From the State of North Dakota
First question, yes, twelve weeks in a
| year, from 8 to IA years; second for;
third, direct taxation and State school
fund; fourth, population has changed too
rapidly to give statistics; fifth, betWcen
seven and eight months.
From the State of ~Oregon-First ques-
ton. yes, from 8 to IA years, twelve
weeks in a year; second. for; third, both;
fourth, nave no statistics fifth, from 5
to s months.
From South Dakota-First question,
yes, from 8 to ii years, twelve weeks in
a year; second, for; third, local and by
interest or money from sale Of lands;
fourth, decrease; fifth, at least six
months.
From the State Of ~Utah-First ques-
ton, yes, from s to Il years; second, for;
third, State, county and local taxation;
fourth, decrease; fifth, from 81 to "a
weeks.
From the State of Observation-Disclosures
question, yes, from Z to IA years; second,
for our best Mars INTEREST,": third, by
local taxation with slight State aid;
fourth, We send you special report; fifth,
see special report.
From the State of Kansas-First ques-
ton, yes, from 8 to ii years, twelve
weeks; second, for, if wise in character
and well administered; third, almost
wholly by local administration; fourth,
have no statistics; fifth, IS. &c weeks.
From the State of Florida-First ques-
ton, no; second, see report mailed you;
third, State, county and district; fourth,
decreased u per cent; fifth, 50 days.
From the State of Louisiana-First
question, no; second, for; third, State
appropriates about a mill and a hall on
State assessment, local taxation docs
the rest; fourth, see report '9S; fifth, six
months From the State of Missouri
First question, no; second. would favor
a good compulsory school law; third, To-
cal taxation and State appropriations;
fourth, decreased; fifth, AS days.
From the State of Nebraska-First
question, yes; second, for; third, see re-
port; fourth, decreased; fifth, see report.
From the State of Delaware-First
question, no; second, for; third, both;
fourth, decreased; fifth, eight months.
From the State of Alabama-First
question, no; second, for; third, direct;
fourth, see census report, fifth. five
months.
From the State of Kentucky-First
question, yes, eight weeks a year for
seven years; second, our law does not
help, but it is the fault of the law we
have, not the sstem. third, both: fourth,
large decrease; fifth, five months in
country, ten in city.
From the State of West Virginia-First
question, yes, sixteen weeks yearly;
second, for; third, about four-ffths by
direct taxation; fourth ,~decreased; fifth,
five and a half months.
From the State Of Michigan-First
question, yes. four months a year IN
country, in city entire time; second for;
third, from primary school interest
fund and one mill On property; fourth,
decreased; fifth, from SIT to S.54.
From the State of Ohio-First qles-
ton, yes; second. for; third, both; fourth,
decrease; fifth, from 80 to "a weeks.
From the State of Indiana-First uues-
ton, yes; second, much in favor; third,
largely by local, also State tax and a
large school fund at 6 per cent interest;
fourth, have no figures; fifth, from 1877
to $50 DAYS.
From the State of Texas-First cues
ton, no; second, it depends Upon cir
cumstances; third, both: fourth. de-
creased; fifth, from 4.S7 to 7.87.
From the State Of Wisconsin-First
question, yes, for at least twelve weeks
in the year; second. proxy fer the best;
third, both; fourth, decreased; fifth,
from Z 20 10 months.
From the State of Minnasota-Firs
question, yes, for 60 days, second. de-
cidedly for the best; third. both; fourth,
decreased; fifth. from Z to 9 months.
From the State of Vermont-First
question, yes, from s to Is. must attend