davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11
of the. \

& a. r. y " Z 80
eight gave prompt replies, and eisii,y-aix
Der cent. OF them wero III favor OF the
multiple list, such az we now have In
Virginia. we consulted the following
university men. DR.. A. s.. Draper, presi-
dent Illinois University; Nicholas Murray
Butler, president Columbia University:
William Il. Harper, president Chicago
University: y. l.. keII1le. University OF
Minnesota: Earl Barnes formerly of Lee
land Stanford University: Charles Thw'ing.
I.delbert College. Cleveland; ]. g. Shu-
manu-, Cornell University, and Charles
w. Elliott, Harvard University All OF
them were decidedly in favor OF tho
multiple PLAN" and several argsied the
subject at length. We have these let
ters on file. and they can be seen by
any one interested In file subject.
One Of the leading objections urged
against the multiple list is that when q
man moves from one county TO another
he may haSa to change his books. 1t Is
estimated that only three per. cent. OF
our population moves from one county to
another each year, for tho migratory
classes do not often cross over the line"
into anh.hes. county, and this Is so incon
siderable a factor uNt II may be dis
regarded 1t has been claimed that the
multiple list floods the country with book
agents and opens avenues to corruption.
The greatest text book scandals have
almost invariably followed single list
adoptlons, for scandals follow centraIiza-
ton of power, and under the single list
plan the State Board of Education selects
books for the entire State, while under
the multiple plan, such as We have now
in Virginia, this power Is practically scat
tered aver the entire State among FIVE
educators in each county or city. max
y, t,, an tr1
for any attempt at bribery.
We should oppose all Capitalization Of
power on this subject, and the idea OF
depriving local boards of the privilege
OF determining, to some extent At least
what books should be used in their schools
is abhorrent TO democracy. Many people
have the erroneous idea that under the
single list plan they will have fewer books
TO purchase for their children. and this
impression Is causing throughout the
State text book agitation, equal TO
tho free silver craze. which wa fear only
time and hard experience can allay. One
of the most disturbing factors among the
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11

How TO Interest Patrons Professor
j. j. O'Niel principal OF the Front Royal
school. also made spirited talk upon
STANDARD Methods and Red Tape Cur
riculum.' 1t was pleasure to have
Professor Maphis explain his duties as
Inspector and examiner. 1t cleared the
cobwebs from the brains Of great many
of us aud placed us In a position to aid
linn in his arduous duties He needs the
hearty corporation OF every superin-
tendcnt and teacher In his circuit.
One good result of the institute Is the
decision to hold a normal school In Front
Royal during the month OF June, for the
benefit OF teachers OF this and adjoining
counties, who are not in position to
attend one of the State normals. This
has ths hearty corporation OF Mr. Ma
phis, and he will lend his aid toward
making II n success. There will be other
prominent educators connected with the
school. who will take special pains to give
the necessary instruction in the new
branches which have been added 10 the
public school examination.
MRS. B. NJ. CONE. Secretary.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11

In response to your kind invitation
Venture to pen few facts relative to
the public school work OF Warren coun-
ty. Ny time has been taken up since last
September up 10 March 9th in the super
vision of school work. 1 may divide the
time into three parts in the saddle, in
tho school rooIn and In the office.
The superintendent has to be a ready
mouthpicce TO answer every question, uii-
fold e'1ery du(y. and interpret every
law and regulation from the trustees
circle to the patrons domain, Including
his corps of teachers, whose complaints,
troubles and wants are legion. have
visited all the schools In the county
fifty-ftve in number-ny visits entire
to the schools this winter number 1S1--to
some schools twice. others three and
some four to seven times. found thirty
seven with good enrolment, we'll or
sanized and well taught; found thirteen
with medium enrolment, fairly we'll or
sanizcd that will do: I found five with
small attendance. not satisfactory, that
should be consolidated with other schools.
The enrollmept last month was 1860, and
the average attendance was l.a5o The
school census of tho county is 2.iO, max
Ing about sNty-two per ceV. on roll;
thirty.nne school houses have patent
5
ticnary and reference books; the other
sixteen arc comfortable with good sur
roundings.
We had delightful teachers insu-
tute. February I'D and 24th to which
every teacher contributed something,
either a report essay, blackboard exer-
else, or music.
DR.. Frazer, Professors Payne and
Maphis, inspectors for NTH educational
district. were with MS and gave tnstruc-
tive. stimulating and healthfnl talks.
think they were we'll pleased With our
institute.
we have been holding local training
normals In the county. for the improve
ment Of those teachers who have not
bene financially ablc to attend State.
normals. must say the best results
have come from them to our teachers
In the shape OF preparation and Improve
ment They are conducted by our best
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11
The Warren County
Teachers Institute

the outlook most encouraging. DR.. Bruce
Payne gave his views upon changes that
might be made In the public school cur
riculum and the best means Of apply
ing them, DR.. Payne very truly said
that child who has not been taught the
relation OF the subject he is studying to
his life has not been taught, Neither
does he believe In the total depravity of
the child. He again very truly said that
there are tendencies both ways. and 1t
depends upon which receives the train
Ing whether good or bad prevails. DR..
Fraser followed this with an, address
Upon the proper curriculum for public
schools. DR.. Fraser Is q great advocate
OF agricultural training In the public
achool. and OF introducing more nature
study into the everyday routine. These
with talks upon several subjects by the
superintendent and several teachers, In
terspersed with music closed the pro-
gramn,e for the day.
Saturday being teachers day, the ses-
sions were devoted almost entirely to
reports from the various schools, which
were very encouraging.
ID Professor ]. ID. Harris, principal of tho
Strasbilrg Graded School, uads a very
Interesting and helprul address upon
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11

I helpful Mothers Clubs have been or
gained in connection with tho several
schools. and the mothers discuss with
each other and with the teachers Mt
their meetings come phase Of child train
Ing. Lectures from interested speakers
are frequent at their gatherings. Tho
value Of these organizations IS very great
In stimulating interest and In producing
cordial cooperation between the patrons
and the teachers. The mothers are learn.
Ing, as well as the pupils and are great
gamers from. the intercourse.
There still fingers some opposition 20
the system on I'll part OF primary
teachers and of those who do not I'M
derstand md appreciate the value and
the method of the work
A teacher was asked few days ago
how the Kindergarten under his direction
was succeeding; he replied ooh. we'll,
1t is n good way to give the children &.
good time" Not at all approaching tho
fact that the plays and games and sto-
rles were training unconsciously and In
the best way the faculties Of the chill
dren. and laying tho foundation for
getting at later day better hold on
tile subjects OF serious study.
Another who had been brought up in
the old methods OF primary work, de-
clarcd that the worst children In her
class were those vino came fron he kin
dcrgarten. Her training in Tho formal
methods of instruction prevented her APP
probation of the freedom and spontaneity
OF kindergarten methods. The teachers,
however, who are still searching for the
best methods OF work and are willing 20
avail themselves of every helpful sug-
gestion are saying that their best pupils
conc from the kindergartens.
a real difficulty still exists, also. In
adjusting the transfer from the kinder
garten to tho primary school. There
seems to he need OF a connecting class
illustrating the necessary modification
in the direction OF both classes of schools.
We are fortunate in having in the city
and In active operation an excellent kin
dergarten training school This Is an
incorporated institution with board of
trustees under tho guidance OF Miss Alice
y. Parker, an experienced kindergartener
and an expert In presenting kindergarten
methods and In fitting pupils for cfli-
Client kindergarten work. The teachers
graduated from this school are doing
excellent work and meeting all rcason-
able expectation. Two-thirds of all tn.
kindergarten teachers in the public
schools are graduates of this school. and
a number of its graduates are engaged
in successful work In private kindergar-
tens.
Tho kindersar,ens of Richmond have
met with gratifying success, and the
outlook for the future is bright.
PEDAGoGUE.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11

school board In regard to my proposed
plans, and they supplied all my wants
inagnanimously. So the house has been
whitewashed, this being tho first time
in all these years an necessary repairs
done, new heater is In place OF the
old ono, flowers have been planted In
the yard. and everything Is more at
tractive to the school child.
Bright maps and a few pictures OF some
of our great statesmen now adorn the
walls So many OF the children were
without good reading In their home. I
proposed to the children that we nave
an entertainment. consisting of recita-
tons, songs, charades. tableaux. dialogues,
etc. We were successful In our under
taking, and realized enough money from
this source to purchase q splendid collec-
tion of twenty books A kind friend and
teacher donated several books to the
school. SO our library now consists of
about thirty excellent books.
The mind needs nourishment as we'll
as the body. and that too. daily: for
what a boy sees and hears. determines
the kind OF man no will be.
Question your pupils In regard to their
fayorite authors. and poets. and require
them to nemorlze some short selection
from their favorite writer's. find this
very Improving. The salary of teachers
In Glover Fill District has been In
creased five dollars per month. so they
now receive thirty dollars, instead Of
twenty-five.
We need longer term. 30 wo must
continue to agitate this subject.
The hearty cooperation of pulpit; press
and citizens would work wonders.
Let each county have leagues and con-
tinue to agitate the subject and sue
cess will be ours.
FL p. GOoDE.
Grange Hall School, skiaquarter. va,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11
kindergarten Work
in Richmond Citv

rhc care OF tint class Of children,
which reaches from the nursery to the
normal school--whcn tile child is being
warped by the Indulgence and neglect
OF training I'm the homes OF the ri..n
and poor alike, or by contact with tho
vicious OF the stroet-is a matter OF vast
Importance to the welfnrc OF any com
munity II is tho work OF the kinder
glr'en TO train and guide the children
nj this pivotal period OF their Develop
mcn,.
Tho Introduction OF the kindergarten
has led to Il careful study OF child ma
lure and a wise adaptation Of means
OF stimulating II and giving Il right d.
rcctIon have been carefully considered
and put into operations these methods
reach out toward the training OF all the
powers Of tho child correctly and strong-
~. yet without conscious effort on his
part TO that end. Without knowing It the
child Ia led to an appreciation and prac-
ticc OF those Very qualities that make
life useful and happy. His life In bright
and full OF interest and JOY and his facui-
ties are In process Of training for more
serious work.
II was with sucll purposes in view
that an effort was put forth to Introduce
the system into our public school sys-
lem. Public sentiment must he aroused
and stimulated to action. Too rnuch
praise In this direction can not he ac-
corded to the Richmond Educational Az
socintion now presided over by Mrs. q.
IT, Munford.
This organization was untrfng In its
effort to enlist public interest and secure
f4ol necessary municipal action. The work
was successfully accomplished and pro
vision secured for the Introduction Of
these schools. Accordingly, little more
than two years ago tho kindergarten
Was introduced into the public school
system of Richmond. and three schools
were organized. Each OF fhese was pro-
Nided with director and an assistant
aud the necessary equipment. More than
40 children In the aggregate were ac-
cotninodated. The formation Of these
schools touched popular chord. and
more Children applied for admission than
could be provided for. The next year two
more schools were added. with "a CORES
ponding increase in teachers and pupils
The present session ns5-1e0s) our kinder
Gartens number six. with n supervisor,
twelve teachers and about three hun
dred children. Favorable popular senti-
mont continues 10 grow and the demand
continues for additional schools. The
bright and happy children. deeply in
tercstcd in their work. obedient to their
teacher and mutually courteous and con-
sidcratc OF one another are n veritable
heredc,ion to all observers.
Tho mothers arc also sympathetic and
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11
PROFESSIONAL COURSE FOR
FIRST GRADE TEACHERS

in the State of at least nifty dollars ($5Oy
per month. Every young, ambitious teach
er in the State would desire such GER
tifcate, and would strive to win 1t. Our
State examiners, working through the vi
vision superintendent and trustees, could
make this certificate u prize OF great
value. Such provision would appeal to
the ambition and pride of the Individual
teacher and would elevate and dignity
the teaching profession Immediately.
Such course is also OF great I'M
portance to our puuic and private high
schools and summer normals. These
schools must have a course OF study
adapted TO the advancement OF first-grade
teachers. The norma1s OF &c ,Ufalng
summer should have work for them TO
begin, leading to something higher and
better. Otherwise, We shall fail to reach
the best class of our teachers.
AS to the breadth of this course, 1t
should be an enlargement on the pro-
sressive professional course. Rhetoric,
geometry and physics added to the course
as 1t has been would make 1t much bet
ter. One serious defect in the progress
siye course has been the lack of rhetoric.
Pupils have been led to pursue a splen-
did course In literature without having
studied style and invention. AS "a result
OF this they have failed to see the beau
ties of the classics of this course.
We need a course, therefore, that will
stimulate tirst-graue teachers to further
effort to attain higher mental growth
aud development. The high school course
could not meet this requirement.. Few
of our teachers gave the time to do the
work required In Latin. Neither have
they the time and means to take a course
at the State Normal. We must place
good normal course near them, one that
can be pursued partly at home and partly
at some high school or srrnmer normal.
Gate City, Va. f. b. FITZPATRICK.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11

There scems to be 30 much misunder-
standing as to the plan OF adoption OF
text books now II, operation that we shall
state 1t briefly.
Tho State Board OF Education selected
from about twenty-five arlthmctics four
OF the very best ones, to be submitted to
the several counties anG cities OF the
state, for cnch to make selection OF
one arithmetic, To be used exclusively In
that county or city. u tho board had
named only one arithmetic for tho entire
State, then this would have been the
single list plan. but as tho cities and
counties were given g. list OF four nrith-
metics from which to make a choice OK
one. according to their special needs the
arrangement Is called the multiple list
plan. And what we have said about the
arithmetic applies also to other text
books.
a full discussion OF this subject would
consume SO much space We must be sat
isfied to touch only a few salient points.
When we were appointed to position
on the State Board OF Education three
years ago VIC had never seriously consid-
cred the relative merits OF the single and
the multiple lists OF text books for our
public schools. hut We were inclined TO
the single list, for tho surface reasons
seemed to point that way. Before taking
definite position, however, we spent weeks
in investigating the subject by consult
Ing what we considered expert authority
In nearly every State in the Union. We
did not consult lawyers. or physicians. or
politicians, or editors. but we sought
Information from n class who had most
naturally given this subject careful and
intelligent thought. and who from expe-
rience could furnish us most helpful In
formation.
In addition to gathering around us
many circulars and reports on the sub
ject, we wrote one hundred and eight let
tiers TO educators, telling them we were
trying TO decide which was the better
plan for Virginia to adopt, tho single or
the multiple list OF books. for her public
schools.
These letters were addressed to super
intendents of public Instruction. superin-
tendents of public schools. principals OF
high schools. and also to n few ''cduca-
tional giants" from number of our uni
yersities.
Ninety-nve out OF the enc hundred and
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11
Red Hill to Have High School.

Editor Of The Ttmes-D Dispatch:
Bir.-Replying to your inquiries as to
the outlook for high school at this
place, would say that the prospect is
most encouraging. Our people arc
thoroughly In earnest and the committee
appointed at the recent educational rally
has already secured subscriptions toward
building a house amounting to $500 or
more.
The site has been secured and ma
jorlty of the district trustees are heartily
in favor OF the move, This school will
consolidate about SIX or seven private
schools and two public schools. Alto
sether, numbering about 'one hundred
pupils.
The splendid addresses OF Dr. Eruce
Payne, Mr.. Everett and Nh. Charles
Gettaphis, examiner and inspector mas
given great Impetus to the work. ).
Sincerely yours,
j, N, FAIRS.
Red Hill. Albsmarle county, va,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11

Now that we have a Stgte Examining
Board. It Is of the greatIst Importance
to the teaching profession that the state
Board of Education establish profess
sional course of study leading to pro-
fessional certificate.
Heretofore, what has been known as
the progressive professional course, has
offered some induccment to flrst-grace
teachers to pursue advanced work. The
certificates issued for the completion of
this course. however, are of local interest
and local value. They are not necessarily
recognized outside of the county in which
they have been issued This fact ren.ers
them OF little value. Nevertheless, ac-
cordng to the report OF the State Su-
perintendent. the progressive professional
course has been great stimulus to ed
ucation in Virginia. Last year, inAScott
county, twenty-one teachers were In
school pursuing this course. This was
due to the fact that the teachers OF the
county were urged by the school officers
to take up the work. The district school
boards of the county aided materially
in this work by paying teachers holding
professional certificates $40 per month;
likewise the trustees OF Wise county
have greatly encouraged advanced work
by giving professional teachers $45 per
month.
We cannot hope to induce young men
and young ladies of talent to entcr.dtne
teaching profession as long as we offer
them for their services a certificate that
entities them to a salary OF only $40 per
month.
They are ready and willing to meet
the requirements of the professional GER
tiicate, il we offer them any material
inducement.
One OF the great needs. then. of
the teaching profession Is professional
certificate implying scholarship and abi-
ity, and commanding salary anywhere
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11
Need Good Teachers,

Editor OF The Times Dispatch:
Sir,--I am neither one OF the three
superintendent. teacher or trustee but
feel great interest In the work OF the
public schools. The first step In the
right direction is to put in efilclent teach
,cls, those Whom work from sense Of
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11
Selection of Books
For r ural Schools

Editor OF The Times-Dispatch:
Sir,-In your issue OF February 18th
Mr.. Joynes strikes the keynote OF sys-
tenn for Virginia preparatory schools. The
single list has been an essential long
felt by our teachers and patrons. But
the teachers heretofore have sanctioned
1t with approximations. When an amateur
selects an artists materials. the portrait
is spoiled. Textbooks must be selected
by teachers-those used by children In the
rural districts by country teachers.
TO elaborate Mr. Joynes's plan: The
committee of three school experts having
formulated list of books for the State,
the subcommittee should be requested
to grade their respective schools In ac-.
cordance with the State curriculum. The
rural teachers grading for the five or six
months term. While the town and city
teachers grade for longer terms. The
grades being designated by specific sub
jects--perhaps by pages In the textbook.
When these grades have been referred to
the committee of the expert three, re-
vsed and accepted, adopt them with the
textbook. Require every teacher In the
State to use these grades, with here
and there proviso. Supply each teacher
with term report card for each Of her
children, on which shall be recorded that
child's grade work and rank In the
school. Thus he may on entering anotner
school. carry his credentials.
Establish a thorough high school for
every district or every two districts In
the State. letting the district school be
preparatory. continuing the grades Of
these preparatory schools in tho high
schools thus giving the children the adj.
vantage OF high school at homo. One
school. whether high school or primary.
being but prototype for the others OF
the State.
Parents in Virginia have learned that
the cheapest is never tho best book, and
the matter of n few cents is not consid-
cred If a child may use the book till he
completes the grade. In view OF the pres
ent phenomenal awakening to the im-
portance of reform in our school work,
there need be little apprehension as to
the price OF a book. That the child get
the worth of his book is the item of in
terest s. B. ASHBY.
Isle Of Wight Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11
Improvement Of School Buildings.
and Grounds.

dHQ OIOuHQS. IIl'f..
Editor of The Times Dispatch:
Sir,--What Is moro gloomy or depress-
ing to a bright, observant child than a.
dark. untidy. unattractive school-room?
Frequently the child comes from a home
where the walls are adorned with pic-
lures OF their favorlte poets or states
meh, hut how often Is 1t Just ths re-
verse;
The; child of poverty is quick to note
the bright, attractive school-room, So
tho thought Of improving the sclpnl
building, Which has boon in operation
for nearly thirty years, has been - my,