The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1903-04-02
OK. n. G.. THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 1903.
THOROUGH EDUCATION
VS..
HIGH SCHOOLS.
By R. R. PHELPS, Principal
of Drummondtown Academy, Virginia.

of Drummondtown Academy, Virginia.
Written for The Commonwealth.
It can hardly be denied that the es-
tablishment OF a graded school is bene-
ficisl to the community at large, and
equally true is it that the addition Of
high school branches is conducive of
higher education OF the general public.
For to send boys and girls off to pre-
paratory colleges, where for two years
they are taught high school branches,
is too expensive for the average citizen.
Moreover, the rules ct colleges are too
lenient for boys OF tina. age, when with
drawn from the influence of home
supervision, and in consequence the ef-
feet upon their character Is far from
good. But were graded schools OF high
standard established, with easy access
to the masses, not only would the great
number OF students who spend one or
two years at college, receive the same
amount OF Information at less expense,
but also greater numbers would be
able to enjoy this better education.
But if graded school with high
school branches attached, has a form
OF godliness as shown above, but denies
the power thereof, there is a good deal
to be said in opposition to its establish
ment, chief of which is that it tends. to
drive out private schools and gives no
satisfactory substitute and keeps great
many from going to college. In the
former case it is probable the private
school would be more thorough, and In
the latter college training would to a
great extent atone for the insufficiency
of early school work. Thus a good
graded school with high school require
ments is very good, while a poor one is
almost worse than none.
Now, there are two prominent reasons
why graded school with high school
classes when established in a prosper
GUS community, may MOI be an un-
questionable benefit. The first is,-ti,o
lack OF active cooperation or the fault
OF house holders with large families.
This obstacle is OF course irremediable,
until such cooperation can be secured.
The second is the lack Of careful atten-
ton to the lower grades, which is itself
due to the combination of several
causes.
Outside OF Cities, it is a matter OF
surprise how many teachers are incom-
petent for their work. The sovereign
remedy is the requirement of passing
an examination before election to the
order. This examination, however,
only supposes knowledge of certain
subjects. But knowledge is not all that
is necessary. A teacher should 60 on
ward and upward and continue to gain
information. Nor is this the only thing
W OO COAcAOe10Os ID A0 VI Su0 dUl0 W
impart that knowledge to others? 1t is
indisputable that there are born teach
ers, but Others can be trained to imi-
tate their methods SO closely, that for
all practical purposes they are just as
good. In fact we often find it the case
that those who are supposed 'just to
have the knack," have acquired that
knack at the expense OF hours Of hard
study and years of careful observation.
Every one of ordinary common sense
can acquire the power of 1mparting
knowledge and city schools demand it,
nor is there any reason why it should
not be universally required. To be
satisfactory in general results; the two
things every teacher should have, are
thorough knowledge cf the subject
taught and method of presenting that
subject-a method at least technically
correct. But no one should deceive
himself with the vain hope that these
two will secure for him brilliant sue
cess.
There 1s another point to be consid-
cred: Unless we show interest In our
work, 1t isl next kin to impossible TO in
spire interest In our pupils. No city
teacher who hopes to attain this knowl-
edge would think Of going to school
without having prepared the lesson for
each class" outlined It, = as they tech
nically say. Why should not the same
FOR OVER Sixty YEARS.
Mrs. Wlnslow,s Soothing Syrup has
been used for eixty years by millions Of
mothers TOR their children while teeth
ing, with perfect success. It soothes