Milford chronicle., 1911-08-11

of this committee therefore that
"The course of study should con-
tain detailed scheme of instruction
in morals and manners and in physi-
cal exercise suitable for the rural
school,"
The value Of music and drawing
as cultured subjects, aside of their
utility value, entitle them to a place
in we'll rounded course of instruc-
ton. The fact that many rural teach
ers lack training in the subjects is
no reason for neglecting them. As
the same time which has to be spent
on the actual teaching is small and
the results so inadequate under such
teaching, it is the opinion of this
committee that
"A reasonable amount of work in
music and drawing form an essential
part of a course OF study for the rural
school"
"More education for efficiency is
a general criticism directed toward
the school and 1t applies with pecu
liar force to our rural courses. AS
a rule there has been an absolute
divorcement OF the school and the
activities OF country life. The move
ment for vocational training in the
graded and city schools has spread
and within the last few years has
reached the rural school where it
has taken the form Of actual pre-
paration for the work Of the farm
and home. That there is need of
this type Of training is potent to
every close observer and there are
many of those who have long real
lied that the products of the soil do
not compare in value and quantity
with the native richness of the land
and the labor spent in it. While the
comparatively small size Of the aver
age European farm is an important
factor in the problem Of intensive
farming and high productive values,
it is undoubtedly true that the more
factor is the training in |
elementary agriculture and home
which is a fundamental |
part Of the training of the rural |
and Eutemantive schools of North |
Europe. Several of our States, in
TACT most of them, recognizing what
useful training may be given in the
,ural school, have issued syllabi Of
courses which are distributed to
every district. The work is of too
recent origin in our own country to
,ay definitely what it has aecomp-
ished. but the results abroad would !
llone justify its trial among us.
Delaware is an agricultural State.
The majority Of boys and girls in
he rural schools will, or should stay
IN the farm and it therefore becomes
he duty Of the rural school to edu-
ate them in this direction. The
lmOunt of work which can be done
low is limited as to the fundamental
required for intelligent citi-
.enship and cannot be neglected. !
When the State will have q larger
chool unit of control and taxation,
hen it will be possible for the rural
districts to have their high schools
uited to their peculiar needs Just as
he towns now have them. 1t is the
opinion therefore of this committee
hat
The course Of study should con-
ain a detailed outline of work in
Elementary agriculture and domestic
ciences for the sixth, seventh and
ighth grades and an outline of in
rOductory work for the fourth and
fifth grades. And further that such
teps as the State Board Of Educa-
ion may think proper should be
AIKEN at once to stimulate the teach
rs to prepare themselves for the
eaching Of these subjects and to in
crest the oranges and farmers sOcie-
les in the establishment of expert
mental plots. A course in farm book
eeping should also be outlined "
This report has been confined to
be rural schools as your committee
elieves that their interests demand
our attention at once.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE S. MEssERsmTH,