Newark post. (Newark, Del.) 1910-1969, 1911-01-11
A DISCUSSION OF
RURAL PUBLIC SCHOOL
Continued from page a.

community are in consequence sure to
suffer and fail of their real purpose
II, on the other hand, those who live
within easy reach of each other, are
willing to sink personal opinions for
the good OF the whole and will sup
port their leaders in every good move
lnent, they are bound to progress, not
only in material things, but also IN
higher standards and in greater salts
faction of living.
This is what is being done in MANY
places in regard to solving the rural
school problem, and it is with a de-
gree OF satisfaction that | am able to
present some OF the results that have
been obtained in certain Western
States. In consolidating their coun-
try schools many communities are fol-
lowing the general trend of business,
and. at the same time, obtaining bet
ter results. Constellation is the only
way that educators have worked out by
which the country pupil can get the
benefit OF modern teachingl VIII ch
trains the hands with the mind. The
value o. school is not measured by
the few isolated facts that the teacher
is able to drive into the chid's mind
but rather by the extent to which he
is taught to use his mind in solving
problems that are constantly present.
ing themselves to him for solution. 1t
is generally conceded that one of the
best methods OF training the mind is
to teach the pupil to do something
with his hands. This calls for an
equipment that cannot be provided in
school of six pupils, but is feasible
in a school OF sixty.
The advantages of consolidated
schools are summed up by one educa-
tor as follows:
"A long step is taken towards sow
ing the problem. How to keep the
BOYS on the farm By this plan, the
farm again, as of old becomes the
ideal place in which to bring up child
rem, to give them the advantages OF
centers of population. and have them
spend their evenings at home.
The classes are larger and hence
more interesting.
Large classes INSPIRE the strong
students to excel and the others tc
initiate their example.
Closer relationship, more varied n.
tercourse, and finally class rivalry, tenc
to stimulate interest.
The classes become stronger, pupil:
continue longer in school and ire
quently secure higher education.
The larger numbers make the game:
more interesting, and hence contri
butte TO the attractiveness Of schoo
lie.
The social life OF the pupil is widen
ed and the circle Of acquaintance ex
tended. The larger association i'm
proves the manners of the pupils
strengthens their individuality, broad
ems their experience with others, ant
makes them better and more intelli
gent citizens.
The consolidated school quickens
public interest in the schools; pride II
the kind and quality of work done i
made manifest.
1t is the only means of realizing
free high schools-for all and acces
sible to all.
The larger boys and girls are KEEP
in school, are given better instruc
ton and are offered manv advance
subjects. A larger proportion OF tn
pupils are enabled to complete thel
preparation for high school.
All the children have the same OF
portunity to secure the advantage {
higher education. which under tn
present plan, only small percentag
can have, and that at great expens
by leaving home and goino to the cit.
1t gives an opportunity to the prom
ising, ambitious boy or p'-' regard
less OF wealth. and, in return, the Stat
is endowed richly with citizenship {
superior quality and efficiency.
Parents and children become moi
contented when good school advar
tages are brought to them in the couI
try
Better teachers can be employee
hence, better schools.
Teachers are retained longer, al
hence become more efficient.
The buildings are more COM ortab
and convenient, and better adapted.
school purposes. The same numb'
OF rooms can be built and maintains