The Oskaloosa herald., 1912-03-21

so that | may go the way OF all good
work, announcing wherever | go that
| 1 stand for workman that needeth
not be ashamed.-William Chandler
Smith.
The meeting of the Department OF
, Superintendence, National Education
al Association, recently held in 81.
Louis, was one OF the largest and
best in point of profit ever held in
the history of that association. The
membership of the association is very
cosmopolitan including as it does city
superintendents, presidents OF uni
versities and colleges, principals OF
high schools, supervisors of depart
rents. county superintendent, as
well as other educators and friends
Of education. AS matter OF fact,
however, the membership is largely
composed OF city superintendents.
Again, the organization is cosmopoli-
tan as IL Is not confined to any sec
ton Of the country but includes the
entire nation and indeed embraces
foreign representatives TO some ex-
tent. This mid-year meeting is some
what in contrast with the summer
meeting of the National Educational
Association, being made up almost
wholly of men and dealing almost
exclusively with administrative, edu-
cational problems. The programs
are characterized by the intensely
practical phases Of education and the
means that have been found most
successful in working out these
problems. Standards Of measuring
efficiency in the various lines of
school work and that have been
found successful BY educational lead
ers are brought forward for the pur-
pose of explanation and discussion.
Briefly, theory occupies little time
and attention, while the most sue
cessful methods for the accomplish
ment of the practical and useful in
education find the largest place.
=. - -
The spelling contest among the
grade children and which was re-
ferred to in last months notes is now
in progress and data will be given
out shortly. A list of words for each
class, from the fourth grade up
through the eighth grade and varying
in length from twenty 10 forty words
was prepared, and this list was used
in determining the average ability of
the respective classes. To obtain
the average standing OF each class
the individual percentages of the
members of each class we're added
and divided by the total number in
the class. In addition to this an oral
contest was held at the high school.
The boys and girls competing in this
contest were chosen by their respect
i've teachers as their class represent
atiyes, three from each class, so the
contest includes both written and
oral work Much interest has mani
tested itself on the part of teachers,
pupils and parents as well. all of
which will contribute to improvement
in this important and essential sub
ject.
The winter term of school closes
Friday, March go, and the spring
term opens Monday, April 8. The
quarterly tests occur during the week
beginning Monday, March Is. and the
close OF that week will mark the
close also Of the first half of the sec
oDd semester. The report cards will
be issued to parents for their inspec-
ton and signature the week follow
ing the tests. While the weather
conditions have somewhat interfered
With ideal school work we believe
that on the whole good work has
been done and substantial progress
made. We earnestly ask that the
reports sent out be examined care
fully and II unsatisfactory that the
teachers be consulted to the end that
the cause Of the dificulty be remOy-
ed. All will NO doubt agree that
regular and prompt attendance is OF
vital Importance and absolutely es.
sential 20 satisfactory school work
and We hope that as far as possible
nothing will be permitted to inter
fere with the attendance upon school
duties. r. w. ELSE.
Supt. City Schools.