The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-04
HIGH SCHOOLS.
By F. B. WATSON, SR., Chatham, Va.

The Importance of the establishment OF
high schools in the counties and school
districts of Virginia cannot be over
estimated. There are even greater rea-
sons therefore, under existing conditions
and circumstances. than for an increased
number OF normal schools. though the
propriety OF the latter is undoubted, and
their great and permanent usefulness
unquestioned Normal schools must In
evitably add gradually to the effective
teaching force OF the State. "a consum-
nation" always "devoutly to be wished
for; but with quadruple their number
even, the time when they could probably
furnish sufficient continuous teaching
force for the 5000 public schools OF tho
State, with every possible aid from de-
nomina,ional colleges. would have to be
moro or less remote in the future. For
the present. at least, and for years to
come really. 1t Is plain or apparent that
with all the welcome and desired help OF
normal school and college, the public
schools must look to and depend upon
additional sources for supplies OF teach
ers suitably prepared for the high and
responsible profession and work.
The force OF this position Is largely en-
HANGED by the fact of recent marked
advancement created by the honorable
State Board Of Education in the standard
OF education and distinct requirement for
broader and more thorough preparation
upon the part of teachers in our public
schools TO make possible, therefore. this
progressive step OF greater teaching
preparation and fitness. as well as the
securing of sufficient supply OF teaching
material for the imposing array of schools
in the State, the high school becomes ut
once the only practical solution OF the
problem-and actual and absolute neces-
sity.
Again, tho high school is the natural
nursery Of the college. whether State or
UNCONVENTIONAL, Without the educational
stimulus, the desire for further mental
light and training given by the former
hundreds perhaps of the youth OF both
sexes would never seek admission In or
become candidates for the more advanced
instruction offered by the latter.
State appropriations for normal schools
are thus to a larger degree utilized and
made immeasurably more effective by like
substantial encouragement to the Jeffer-
sonian high school plan and ideal. The
two classes OF schools. therefore the
one stepping-stone to the other. a link
uniting the higher to the primary or gram
mar grade school, should both receive
state financial assistance. and be allowed
to advance pari passu for the greater
perfection of the public school system,
and for the best and grlndest results.
Many competent teachers, as observation
abundantly demonstrates. of elemenptry
subjects or those constituting the currl-
culum of tho grammar grade schools,
have received or acquired their prepara-
ton alone from that class of schools,
never having heen pupils OF or students
at any other; but now that "a teaching
knowledge OF additional subjects is Inn
peratively required. the large army OF
teachers expected to have such broader
preparation must look for the requirement
thereof to other and higher sources, The
High school. IN the very nature OF things.
must constitute, in no small way. tho