The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1904-01-29
the discussion that IS to follow.

Tue uISCuSSiuu tnaU is 10 tOiiOW.s
In the course Of school visit
satisfy yourself that the adopted text
books are being used as the basis OF
texts, that the course OF study is used
as a basis OF graduation. that the
daily register Is properly kept, aud
that the common necessities of the
school-room are supplied BY the
trustees. Exanilre the daily program
with reference to the number and
order OF recitations. Note whether
the primary grades arc being neglect,
ed 10 the mixed schools. Does the
program indicate ttat the teacher il
Interested In the advanced grades
only? @S
Observe whether pupils arc respect
ful to their teacher, and manifest
confidence In her management, and
ability. Observe the general condi-
tiol OF The room, furniture. books.
apparatus, etc, but don't give pupils
or teacher occasion to think that you
are playing detective. Don't send
word that you will visit on u certail
day. On the other hand, don't enter
the scho0l-room without knocking at
the door. Don't conduct o recitation
as an ideal example to be followed.
Don't fail to speak word to the
children II by the invited teacher so
to do Don't get into q. way OF
lecturlng with the chief alm OF dis,
playing knowledge. II you have an
important message for the school,
don't fail to deliver 1t just because
the teacher happens NOT to extend i
formal invitation to you to address
the school.
Don't give the teacher advice ia
the presence OF the school,; and II you
have some important or radical
changes 10 method, Or discibiine To
suggest, advise the teacher to mako
the change little later on In the
week, SO that pupils mAy not connect
the change with your visit.
Call on trustees aud patrons when-
ever it is possible. Trustees are
almost invariably glad to consult
with you, and will often visit the
school with you.
! While offering those brief suggest
ions In full faith and sincerity, /
anticipate that there may be those
who will choose To debate some OF the
points before allowing them to pass,
that Is II they happen to be c0nsId--
cred worthy OF discussion.
As the question OF Teachers Insti-
tutes is TO receive consideration at
the County Superintendents' Conven-
! tion which Is to be 10 session tomor-
row, / will refer to this briefly. Tho
usual questions confronting us id
connection with teachers institutes
are, show to secure a full attendance,
and how to awaken an intense inter-
est on the part OF teachers who
attend" M
l know OF but one successful and
impartial plan for securing a full
Attendance at the county Institute,
and that is the plan of treating all
alike, and requiring attendance in
every case except where sufficient and
valid excuses are offered. ] do not
recommend open revocation OF i
certificate for non-atttendance, but
, DO recommend that tho ccrti titicate
be considered without force until the
holder has attended an institute,
which would usually be for one year.
In this way the penalty IS suited to
the neglect OF duty, After the hold
er has attended the next institute In
the county; his certificate would
again be IN force, II it be argued
that we have no authority for this
temporary annulthent OF certificate, !,
would suggest that no teacher is
likely to insist that you openly revoke
his certificate,
4 AS to plan for awakening an
interest among teachers at the
institute, / would suggest fist the
printing OF a full topical program
showing just what topic IS to be
considered at each lesson. This pro-
gram should be in the hanGs. OF The
teacher fully ten days or two weeks
before the time for conyening the
institute. The next step is to give
the teachers something to do. This
principle of securing interest is. Just
as true with reference to the Institute
as tits with reference to the school,
Assign topics to different teachers
some time before institute week, and
thus give ample time for preparation.