Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-07-02
A YEAR OF GEORGIA SCHOOLS.

A YEAR OF GEORGIA SCHOOLS.
The average annual report" whatever its subject
may be, is likely to appaII even the most stout
hearted and omnivorous of readers 1t is therefore
singuary pleasing to note that the annual report Of
Georgas Department Of Education for the year 1911
is richly inviting book as well useful record
This is due partly, no doubt to the fact that the
period it compasses marked the beginning Of a new
era in our school history. the dawn of what may
trul be called an educational renaissance; but it is due
very largely we believe to the insight and the pusing
sympathy which Superintendent Britain and his as
sistants have brought bear upon the preparation
of this admirable volume.
The report contains remarkable wealth of sta
tstics that win be valuable to the General Assembly
and to every teacher and student of education
in the state The noteworthy fact is that these figures
have been presented in such a manner that they ap
peal to the average citizen. and in many instances
they have been trenchanty interpreted that they
become not only record but a stimulus to new
endeavOr.
1t was in 1911 that the legislature passed the
.praeticaI and most progressive sohoOI-IawGe
has ever known. This measure, in the opinion of
Mr. James C. BOykin. editor Of the United States
Bureau Of Education. gave Georgia school system
that win compare favorably in its structure with
any state school organization in the country" The
new Law did not become actually operative until the
latter months Of 1871 but the spirit it engendered
was manifest even within that short time Such, at
least is the testimony Of Superintendent Britain;
and he predicts that in the current year. its good
effects win be much more evident.
The departments report shows that during 1911
the total value Of the new school houses built
amounted to eight hundred and ninety-seven thou
sand. eight hundred and twenty-five dollars
pared with an expenditure for the same purpose
OF I'VE hundred and twelve thousand. six hundred
and forty-one dollars the year before This is
heartening sign, for 1t shows that the people as
whole are giving more heed to the comfort and the
beauty Of their school houses; and a good school
building is almost invariably accompanied by good
school system.
The amount raised by local taxation for school
purposes in 1910 was a Million three hundred and
seven thousand one hundred and thirtysix dollars
in 1911 It advanced to a million. five hundred and
slxtysix thousand six hundred and hfyfour dollars
Here again. is evidence Of substantial progress at
particularly vital point for It is matter of
observation that those communities of the state are
most and progressive where the local aid
to schools is most liberal.
In this connection. Superintendent Britain urges
the need Of providing some whereby the weak
er rural communities may be helped to pay their
teachers more adequately. Where we are relatively
weakest he says. is in the amount of school funds
supplied locally.
FOR some years past, this has been seen and
vigorous efforts hare been made to Improve con-
difiOHs AntH HOp fpenty-eight counties and
hnnfreds Of districts supplement educational
fuads By local taratton. seIf-heip Is the most
direct and accurate aid that can be 0iven. 1t
does not, however, reach those schools most
needing aid and in some toay means should be
devised By t0hch they can pay teir teachers
promptly and in proportion to the importance
Of .fhe service desired" -
The prompt payment Of teachers is perhaps the
most urgent matter the General Assembly has to
consider connection with our state school SYSTEM
and the present session could render no service more
praisevorthy than to solve this particular problem
1t took LaFoTette considerable time to discover
the truth about Roosevelt
One thing after another. After the convention
the big prize fight