Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1908-04-14
40 m~7'A>~
FOR SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

Editor Times RepuDllCan:
Dear Sir: q recent issue Of the
Times Republican. there appeared an
article written by a gentleman from
Eldora, in which he condemns the con-
soldation plan for rural schools.
In this same article is painted
picture. dark and dismal, which he be-
lieves would be the result. II console
dation were put in operation.
There was a time when it was con-
sidered unnecessary, in fact not prac-
teal, for farmer to be an educated
man; but that day has gone. and thank
God, it has gone forever. II there ever
was time when any class of people
were in need of a more liberal educa-
ton, 1t is the farmers sons and daugh-
ters OF the present day.
The rural school system, as In oper-
alton, is out Of harmony with Ameri-
can ideals of today This is an age
of progress. All lines of industry have
advanced at an amazing rate, as has
also our city schools and higher in
stitutons OF learning. The country
school has advanced but little, If any,
during the last twenty years.
II lIeTc were dIiy WHY ny WHICH lilC
grade might be determined, we would
find the average pupil in the rural
school quits school with abou. a sixth
or seventh grade education; and thus
equipped, goes out in the world to
compete with his more fortunate COILS
ms, in this day when competition is
drawn so keenly. 1t is not that most
parents don't wish their children to go
higher, but most country homes are so
situated that the young folks don't
have access to the city schools. The
idea Of putting the boys and girls out
among strangers at just the age when
the guarding influence of home is most
essential, does not appeal to the aver
age parent.
Under system of consolidation
these boys and girls would remain in
school. There would be a purpose to
work for. The course of study would
equal that provided in the city schools.
Instead of the smaller pupils having
to wade thru snow and storm and sit
all day in poorly heated, badly light
ed unventilated one-room school
house, the result of which is often
seige of sickness, doctors bill and
a months absence from their books.
they would be transported in suitable
conveyance, in charge of respectable
persons, to modern school building,
constructed somewhat according to
sanitary principles.
Furthermore, with the consolidation
system when a student has completed
the course he will be on working
basis to take up college training if he
desires. and that is impossible under
the present system, without two or
three years of preparatory work, and
that does not look good to the aver
age person of 18 or 20.
In most cases the pupils would no
he gone from home any longer than
under the present system AMI so far
as the live stock suffering, and our
system of agriculture ruined because
of being deprived of fifteen minutes
assistance from the boy night and
morning. need be no cause for alarm;
but on the contrary, with more fully
developed mind, the boy will have
broader conception of life and will so
devote his energies that our system
of agriculture will be intensified, farm
ing will become more profitable and
homes will be made happier.
Leading educators are advocating
consolidation. most teachers are in
favor of it. and it is only the course
of time till the little white school
house on the hill will be a relic Of the
past.
Volumes might be written in favor
Of consultations; however. the strong
est argument is. that the system is
sound in principle and where in oper-
alton is working satisfactorily.
BEN PUTNAM
Laurel Iowa.