The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1908-07-24
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA,

| answered by two teachers that the
nine months work is done in sever
or eight months time, which car
more easily be done in rural thar
city schools. A change of teachers
every year or two tends to compli
cate matters, for new teacher has
no knowledge Of the pupil. But ii
the pupil is compelled to regularly
attend school much of their diff.
culties will be obviated. The superin.
tendents in general were in favor oi
the section" system, although local
conditions may require some
modification of the application OF the
course of study. Minute speeches
were made by Supts. Fillebrown
Anderson, Nolan, Ransom, Nachti-
gall, Swanson and others.
The matter of teaching civics,
geography and physiology as per
course of study, was criticised as be-
ing out of harmony with other re-
quirements in school work, such as
examination questions.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Ex-
aminations" was discussed first by
Supt. VIM. M. Mair, of Minnehaha
county. There seems to pe some
difficulties as to. the necessities of
city pupils being required to take
their examinations. Prof Lange in
a most pleasing manner indicated
how a few delightful days may be
spent in the Black Hills after the
adjournment of the convention.
At the close of the morning ses-
sion the superintendent were re-
quested to pose for group picture
on the grounds north of the court
house. They were delightfully."- sur
prsed to find the photographer on
he court house steps ready to greet
Fem upon their return, with a fully
'eeesoped photograph in hand, ready
taks orders to be delivered the
211a evening. This is rapid pro-
'ess in photography. But remember
~: + Rapid City.
The afternoon session was opened
y Sapt. Swanson advising as to con-
traction of new school buildings,
e.ative to ventilation, heat, light,
ta. BY law all plans and specifi-
ations for new school buildings
must be submitted to the state de-
partment for it's approval.
Teachers Examinations" was in
troduced by supt. Brown, of Meade
Mon
that the examinations should be
graded by the county superintend-
ents since the teachers ability and
desirability are better known by
county superintendent, than by the
department at Pierre. But it was
also brought out tha, the state de-
partment is Influenced to no little
degree by the recommendations of
the county superintendents, and if
county superintendent has an un-
desirable applicant he should so state
to the state department, and refuse
to recommend such applicant.
The present methoc relieves the
county superintendent of many cor.
plications that might arise rs re-
suit of failure of some applicants
having political influence. Permis-
sion given to those who fail in GER
tain studies to bring up such studies
and again. be examined in them
within six months was approved.
The discussion was continued by
Supts. Muller, Aldricn, Nolan, Kel-
logg, and others. 1t was suggested
that the superintendent secure the
cooperation of local newspapers in
commencing the present law, and
thus creating sentiment in it's favor.
Supt. Smith, of Beadle county, sug-
gested that care should be used in
recommending applicants to the de-
partment,-lthere should not be too
much leniency because of local
celebracy of the teacher.
Supt. Quigley thoroughly believes
in the present system of examination,
and considers that the major part
of the trouble lies in the lack OF
scholastic qualifications of appli-
cants.
Supt. Mair said: 'The lawyer
knows law the preacher knows
theology and the Bible These men
study every day. The men who arr
leading the world of thought are
students, and the most successful
teachers are students. Scholarship
is the greatest qualification Of a
teacher, and the present system OF
gradation of manuscripts by the de-
partment at Pierre and the speak.
er will vote ever for the continuance
of the present plan.
This subject ELECTED animated dis
cussion, the tendency Of which was
favorable to the present system.
The next topic, lead by Supt. F.
l.. Ransom, of Sphinx county, de-
!, vcloped few new ideas worthy Of
future consideration. The theme was
paid Educational County System
VS.. Present System The new sys.
tenn contemplates an educationa,
commission for the entire county
acting in school matters as the pres.
4 ent board Of county commissioners
act in other county business. This
system will centralize the manage
ment of all rural school matters
such as apportioning school tax
which should be the same for al
parts of the county, Improvement.
4 and construction of school houses
hiring and location of teachers, am
Z many other matters in the same line
i Under the present system Of dis