The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-06-10


 ance." He spoke on the subject in light vein, saying among other things that there Is no way of figuring out how to get attendance, the attendance or absence is in the hands of small boy.
 If by these pleasantries,, he said. T have shown you that you are wasting your time in figuring attendance per- centages, my visit here has not been in vain"
 Speaking seriously he advocated reading courses, before school games, and attendance contests between classes.
 He closed by quoting the experience Of several teachers and educators.
 The superintendents then had an ex- perience meeting, telling of trials and tribulations and successes in getting prompt and regular attendance. "A
 Principal c. V. Neuffer, of Brook side, discussed "Professional Reading Courses for Small Schools" He said that the age of book learning had pass cd. The birthrIght of a man of to- day was a fair education along the lives of the future calling in life. No man can do finished work without training. Especially is training neces- sary In teaching. The State Board of Examiners has been criticised for un- due rigidity on account of failing to pass applicants on account of lack of familiarity with current events. The problem before the country teachers to keep apace with the times Is R serious one. They have too long hours and too few advantages. The routine work is too expressing and un- less a professional reading course Is placed in their hands, they must be- come narrowed and their work blight ed. He recommended several courses
 The discussion was continued by Pro- lessor G. W. Good of New Site. He said that professional reading courses are no longer theoretical. Owing to the importance of the profession, it Is ab- solutely necessary for teacher to keep up with the theories, practice and his tory of his profession. It gives him a decidedly more comprehensive view or the teacher.
 He believed that inasmuch as much of the country is being used as a train ing school for inexperienced teachers reading courses are absolutely neces- sary. He recommended several courses. DR. McCartha Speaks. Dr. C. L. McCartha of Troy was in- troduced. He paid pr. Phillips of Bir- mingham. in whose place he spoke, a high tribute as a man and In his work The City Superintendent is master of his field, he said. He does not, as does the County Superintendent, have the township trustee, the county superin- tendent and the wrathy parent to deal with. The city superintendent. how ever, has grave responsibility. He has the great burden of raising or lower- ing the curriculum. It Is his mind that chooses the courses, which may make a successful educational year for hun dreds of pupils, or make 1t miserable failure.
 Upon the city superintendent depends the correlation of the schools of Ala bama from the Kindergarten to the great university. Colleges are facing the problem of having young men en- ter their doors more advanced than prepared. This is the fault of the city superintendent.
 The superintendent is placed in au- thority over his equals. men interested in the same work, and young girls. blossoming into womanhood, who are looking to the superintendent for en- couragement, sympathy, aid and com fort
 In their hands also rests the problem of school discipline. In many states the rod of authority has been taken from the teachers. He did not stand for the old knock down and drag-out methods, but believed In a final physi- cal resort.
 If the superintendent Is weak and snnushy." the future citizenship Of the city would be soft and 'mushy." he de- cIared.
 The teachers represent the great broad basis of citizenship and if the basis break. the citizenship falls.
 He believed that the system of av- erages and promotions was responsible for more of the supufiuity of the pres ant education than any one cause. lie believed in letting the grade stand TOT the work, and until this work was done no advancement should be given.
 He appealed for men of broad. clean and correct scholarship for these city colleges, the only colleges that the majority of our citizens shall ever reach.
 He finally urged that the teachers be men of common sense. The City Su- perintendent Is still an experiment. but the experiment will not fail and he prayed for the grace Of God on their work.
 The Committee on Nominations re- ported as the officers for the ensuing wear. Prof. w W. Benson of Geneva, President; R. O. Meek, Attalla, Vice. President, and W. c. Blassingame, East Lake, Secretary and Treasurer. They were elected,
 President Benson announced the fol- lowing Executive Committee: A. F. Harmon, Florence: w. T. Winn. En- terprise: l.. M. Stevenson. Lanett
 An adjournment was then taken.
 -.,r1urrrxy supusn UnrrsrsNrnKsAsTrg