The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-26
FOR CLEANLINESS
 IN THE SCHOOLS
Novel Plan Suggested By State Superintendent of
 Public Instruction

Montgomery November 25.-(SpeciaD. = The fact that cleanliness is not only next to Godliness, but a part of the every day education of the children is impressed upon the teachers of the state by H. J. Willingham, Alabama superintendent of public instruction. And just how well the said teachers get the idea and put 1t into practice is to be made a matter of record so that he, or she. who runs may read. In each school will be posted a score card, showing the grade and what it is based upon.
 Carrying out the plan MT. Willingham has provided for every school room a card entitled: Sanitation and Decora- tion." To the person in charge he writes. "You and your pupils are interested in having your school score first grade. After health day, January 19, grade school and suspend card on wall for the inspection of the superintendent and pat rons.'' There is a total of 100 points. From 90 to 100 means first grade; 80 to 90 second grade; 70 to 80, third grade and below 70 scrub school.'
 The plan of thus giving credit is divid- ed into six sections, in importance as follows: Yard and exterior of house, to- :, tai, 20 points, water supply, 10 points; decoration, 20; floor and walls, 10; l1gnt and ventilation, IS; general, 20.
 Credits in the first division are given thus: "Yard clean, no bushes, weeds or debris, 5; no ash pile, 1; no loose paper or lunch thrown down. ?; two or more trees planted or well kept, ?; outhouses clean, unmarked and in good repair, 4; house painted, window panes in, 3; house lat ticed or surrounded by cannas, shrubs, or flowers, 3.'
 Water receptacles properly washed get o. no water on the floor, 1; supply of water pure, 2; individual drinking cups or fountain, A. Ten points are given for two or more well framed pictures. three for calendar or suitable drawing on board, three for work of pupils we'll displayed, two for United States flag and two for state flag. Bouquets of flowers may be provided in lieu of the flags If so de- sired. 5# t..
 For loors we'll scrubbed or oiled five points are allowed; for floors carefully swept 4; painted and clean walls, 4; no useless calendars or inartistic advertis- ing pictures, 2. If lights fall over left shoulder of pupils credit of is given with more if there is no light In front. Two more come with lighting area at least 1-7th of floor space, and if the
 
 cess. Window board and windows open at top are worth {, while the last two may be included in gravity or mechanical ventilation system if desired
 In the general inspection credits are given as follows: Good blackboards and erasers 3; good patent desks, 5; desks properly placed and proper size, B. teach CTS desk and chair, 2; globe. maps, charts (purchased or home made), B.; thermom- eter kept at 65 to 70, g.
 This is a continuance of our plans to make the schools of the state healthy and wholesome places. and to bring out a love of the beautiful and artistics in the minds of the children" said MT. Willing ham. Each teacher is to make out the card and keep it hanging in plain view. She will not dare. if she desired to do SO, make any better showing than the condi- tions justify. She would lose the respect of the children and brand herself un- truthful at once.
 s'And just the fact that their attention has been called to the importance of these things will bring up the average. Teach CTS as a rule, are not only willing to do well but anxious to, and I have found them ready helpers in every movement set on foot to better our educational con- ditions. I believe that every country teacher in the state is going to try for that first grade and if any fail to reach it those in charge will not be slow in seeking the reason why Alabama schools can be as good as any and those charged with the responsibility of their develop ment are going to find this office CO., operating with them zealously and un- tiringly until the rural schools approxi- mate the standard of excellence maintain ed in the towns and cities"