Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1903-04-17
EDUCATIONAL
The Truancy Law.
So


The popularity, success and general
efficiency of this law depend directly
, upon good judgment in its enforce
ment.a An unreasonable and arrogant
, Interpretation of the law will lessen
its efficiency by rendering it I'm
popular, while a sensibleeand reason
able Interpretation and enforcement
willie render the law popular and
efficient.
County and city superintendent
should consider carefully each case
of truancy or habitual absence in
their respective districts, and then
advise the truant officer as to the
best course of action. In many
instances the superintendent will be
able to adjust the case without friction
and without oany expense whatever.
Do not turn these o matters over
indiscriminatelya to your truant officer,
as you neglectDan important duty in
so doing. Earnestly urge. your
teachers to be wise in regard to the
law. No teacher who exercises dis
erection will ever use the existence of
this law as threat to pupils of his
school. Let good sense prevail, athat
this good lawa may be benefit.
First.-The parent or guardian of
the child shall determine whether the
child shall attend a public, private,
denominationai ore parechial school.
The state may insist that such school
shall bee taught by as competent
teacher. @ 80
Second. Pupils music attend
school for suchetimeoas school is in
sessions a
Third.-sPupil fourteen years of
age or over whoacansead and write the
English language and 9 whoaare regu2
larly employed for0 their own support
orthe Support of some, one depending
upon them are required to attend
School but eight consecutive weeks.
Fourt1e- Pupilsswho are graduates
Of the common schools. or are eligible
to admission to any high. school of
the state are exempt. @
Fifth. Children who are physically
or mentally incapacitated, are exempt,
butdhe school authorities may take
proper means toosatisfy themselves
that sach claim fore exemption is
based upon valid reasons under the
claw.
Sixth.@Truant officers must be
appointed, but they arespaid for only
such time as they work. In districts
where there is no trliancy OF ahabitual
absence, under this law, the school
authorities are not required to give
the truant officer any work to do;
hence, the expense to such district
will be nothing.g
Seventh.-A reasonable excuse for
absence should always be con-
sidered. The law is meant to reach
those parents who refuse to educate
their children or whose children are
beyond parental control. Because a
farmer may need the assistance of
his boys in some emergency is no
reason why the truant, officer should
cali upon chim. COS
, Eighth.--In case pupil refuses to
attend school, and his parent or
guardian declares his inability to
compel him to do so, then the truant
officer proceeds against such pupil as
would be done for any other juvenile
disorderly act
Observation-Disclosures should
arrange to, havesat hand all lists Of
enumeration of school children in
their respective counties or cities.
They should require, at least monthly,
the names, addresses and ages of all
pupils enrolled in the several schools
who woYldoconae under the provisions
of this act. By this means it is easily
determined if any schildren are
violating the law. The law imposes
an important duty upon the teachers
eby requiring monthly reports of all
truancy or habitual absence. %
Tenth.-Note othe provisions of
sections. 6 of the law, relative to the
duties Of the school enumefator.
Great care should be exercised by
your enumerators in taking the next
enumeration
The Importance of the law will be
realized mofe fully as the years go by
: and its beneficial effects are seen.
The several school officers of the
state, all citizens who would aid in
egiving the state citizenship swell
educated, and the general public are
urged to give, this important measure
their unqualified support. The intel
, ligent and faithful enforcement of this
law will bring great and lasting
benefits TO tIA state q @
I would like to see the new Wood
lawn Cemetery improved in appear,