Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-02-10

the law. Under the first named, the
period of attendance, our law pro-
vides that a healthy child from seven
to fourteen shall attend at least
twelve consecutive weeks. Now it
will be observed that no definite
time is specified when he shall at
tend. The parent or guardian, but
more often the children, may choose
the first, middle or last period in
the school year. To allow this is an
Infringement upon the spirit of the
law. 1t also works an injustice to
the child and to the school likewise.
IL the child enters late he is misft
There is no class for him to enter nor
can he work successfully because of
what he has missed. To hold class
back is manifestly an injustice to
all. New classes can not be formed
and the result is that he has created
as much excitement as squeaky boots
at an evening party. We believe
this may be obviated by fixing the
time even though it be necessary to
change our present term system.
There are many who would in
crease the period of attendance from
twelve to sixteen weeks or even six
months. 1t is argued, and the point
is well taken, that twelve weeks is
too short period for the teacher to
gain and hold the heart and interest
OF the pupil. A longer time would
permit this and give the teacher an
opportunity to inspire pupil with
a love for books and desire for a
higher life. In Germany the pupil
is required to give full time till the
maximum age limit is reached. lido
not believe we have. as yet, reached
the point when this may be done in
America but when our people have
seen the full benefits Of such law
g lsieYs thsyl xii be ca ger fer atise.
or six month period even in the
working districts Of our cities.
The age limit presents greater
diversity OF opinion. In most states
fourteen is the maximum years.
New Hampshire and New Mexico
place it at sixteen. Five other states
place the limit at fifteen, while Col
orado reaches twenty-one but does
not enforce over sixteen. 1t will be
seen that our Legislators do not favor
a continuance beyond the sixteeth
year. We think it would be better
TO extend the term of months rather
than the age limit.
10 be in school for six months
each year for seven years would, we
believe, bemore advantageous than
a greater number Of years with less
schooling per year. Greater good
will come because the pupil is con-
tinuous in his work; because he ac-
ouires more of the school spirit; be-
cause he receives this training at the
most susceptible period Of his life. !
To increase the age limit also in
creases the cares Of the teacher and
likewise the officer selected to en-
force the law, for the work necessary
to maintain attendance greatly in
creases with age. Then, too, we be-
lieve the greatest good can be ac-
complished before the pupil reaches !
the age when the hand of authority
falls heavily upon him. We would
emphasize our point-increase the
work done during the year
rather than the number Of years.
The enforcement of our law
should be simple one but at
present seems to be poorly done.
The fault does not seem to be with
the law so much as with those who
should maintain it. The oft repeat
ed question, Am my brothers
keeper? comes up again. Each
seems to feel his obligation discharg-
ed when he himself, has fulfilled the
letter Of the law. Indeed it is diff
ficult problem to reach good |
neighbor and not lose his friend
ship. Yet we feel that this is rln-
necessary. The law requires mere
to the director or truant
officer who has the power to act.
In many instances we take for
granted that officers know while
in really they are not cognizant Of
our so called fragrant violations.
With proper cooperation on the
part Of the teacher, patron and
county superintendent we believe
much Of our present trouble may be
eliminated-at least in our rural
schools. 1t has been advocated that
the truant officers power be extend
ed to the teacher. In the case of
towns where principals and super
intendents have charge, such a
course might prove successful. In
such places the board now has the
power to place the authority in
their hands or the principals may
serve written notices on the proper
For the success of our rural schools
the teacher should not have the sole |
power. Our lady teachers should |
not be compelled to teach and act as
chief Of police. Such course i'm
bitters tbe feelings Of pupils and
parents, thus jeopardizing her posi-
ton in the school
We can make our present law
more satisfactory by making the
most Of it. Allow it to take its full
course and we believe our attendance