Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1908-02-14
Wbaf obey SAP

Supt. Vigness: For some time l have
noted the different expressions in the
Tribune in connection with the Bis
marck schools. Some of these have
emanated from members of the board
of education and some from interested
patrons. No doubt some things have
been uttered i'll advised by both sides
and some irritation has been the con-
sequence, but the ultimate result will
tend to better schools. Without cast
ing any reflections whatever ] feel
free to state that the critical eye of
patronage will invariably raise the
standard of efficiency, be that in teach
ing or in any other public service.
It is not my intention to enter in
to any controversy or to come out with
fault findings. As county superinten-
dent of schools / am we'll aware of my
relations to the Bismarck Special
School District, and do not wish to
intrude. But as a taxpayer and a pat
ron am interested. My children are
in these schools and it is a matter of
vital concern to me that these child
rem be given the best training for man
hood and womanhood that environ
ment, money and efficiency can furn-
ish.
r Let us consider this matter in a
cool, deliberate manner. 1t concerns
us all. The state inspector has been
here. He has visited our schools twice.
He has reported his findings. have
not seen his reports, but judging from
what is being said, he must have in
dictated some shortcomings which
should be remedied. The inspector
is man of scholarship, talent, abil-
ity and good judgment. He knows his
business and we should carefully con-
slider what he may say-not resent
his statements. It is a mistake to be.
gin beating about the bush for subter.
fuges and try to justify ourselves.
Broad minded men and women, anx-
ious to improve and progress, will not
consider adverse reports distasteful.
Only the sleepy, self-suficient who
have crawled into their own shell with
the idea that all Is we'll and peaceful,
resent rude awakenings. We should
not be thus. Rather than look ugly we
should shoulder the wheel together in
an effort to overcome the weaknesses
whatever they may be.
The course Of study has been men
toned. Some say there is one and
others say there is none. l am sure
both are honest. take it that there
Is course Of study, but it has not
been sufficiently in evidence to be oil
much value. Some Of the teachers
have evidently not been aware Of it's
existence. This is serious weakness
because a course Of study, outlining
the work expected of each teacher dur
ing each month, is an absolute neces.
sity in an up-to-dat school. Rather
than dispute what has been said in
this matter, let us see that such a
course is placed in the hands of the
teachers now, and let every teacher
be held strictly accountable to some
one for faithful compliance with the
work expected both as to quality and
to quantity.
The inspector gave the first i'm.
pulse to healthy awakening. Soon
after his first visit, at the suggestion
of thoughtful woman, the board plac.
ed principal in charge of the Will
school and added teacher to the
force. This was wise move, because
it enabled Prof Moore to devote his
time and energy to the work in The
high school building. He could moi
possibly have supervision of both the
buildings do his regular work as 8
teacher and do himself or the schools
justice. There is a limit to every
mans capacity for work So the ad
ditional principal was wise move
But 1t should not end here. A city
having the school population of Bis
marck should have a high school prin
cipal whose duties should center abou
the high school work and city super
l Z. - :
intendent having general supervision
over the entire school system of the
city including, If necessary, the duties
OF a truant officer.
Another thing. In connection will
our schools there ought to be regular
ly organized mothers or parents
leagues holding regular meetings witt
the teachers, say once or twice {
month.
/ Different matters of interest to the