The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1912-09-19
Radical Changes to be Sug-
gested by Committee Now
investigating Subject.
HIGHER STANDARD AFTER 1915
Consolidation of Schools, Fewer Pupils,
Better Supervision and Social Cen
ters are improvements Which viii be
Recommended in Reporh

The committee of fifteen appointed
a year ago by Superintendent Cary to
investigate the whole system OF
country schools and suggest modifca-
tions in the present school organiza-
ton, has just concluded another meet
ing in Milwaukee.
This was the fourth meeting Of the
committee during the year, The large
attendance at each of the meetings is
a criterion of the great interest toe
members have taken in the study of
country school problems. They are not
only giving freely Of their time, but
are defraying their own expenses as
well. John T. Sims, president of the
Stevens Point Normal school, attend
ed tho meeting as the representative
of the board Of normal school regents.
1t was hoped that the work of the
committee might be completed at this
meeting, but this was found to be inn
practicable Another meeting will be
held in October. A complete report
will then be made to the state super
intendent, who will have the report
printed for distribution among the
school officers Of the state, members Of
the assembly and senate, state officers
and people interested in improving the
rural schools.
The committee is of the opinion
that Fundamental changes In the adj
ministration Of these shoots are neces-
sary to make it possible for them to
meet the demands of present day con-
ditions The following are some of
the recommendations in the prelimin-
airy report made to State Superinten-
dent Cary:
l. The minimum legal qualifications
fol teaching in the public schools of
the state after, say, 1915, shall be two
years high school training and a
years professional work in county
training school for teachers or nor.
NAL school offering a special course of
study for country teachers.
.. TO meet the demand for in
creased efficiency on the part of
country teachers during the next few
years the certifcation law should be
amended in such a way that the sum.
mer schools for teachers may be able
to offer courses of study better adapt
ed to the needs of these teachers.
3. Some means should be provided
whereby the consolidation o. many OF
the 1900 district schools having an at
tendance of less than ten pupils may
be brought about.
4. To provide adequate supervision
of the county schools, the appoint
ment Of county superintendent Of
schools, and their assistants should be
vested in county boards of education
the members of which should be elect
ed by the people of the different
counties
5, Some plan should be devised
whereby, the country schools may BE-
made to serve as social eenters.
g. The number of county training
schools for teachers should be ma
terially increased.
State Superintendent Cary spent {
short time at the meeting, but took nc
part in the deliberations of tho com
mittee. At the first meeting of tn,
committee, in October, 1911, il or.
lining in a general way the possible
lines of investigation the committee
might follow, he said that he hoped the
committee would carry on its work
wholly independent Of the state de
partment of education. For this rea
son he has studiously refrained from
making any suggestion TO the commit
tee. However, he expressed himself a:
well pleased with the thorougAness ant
,arnestness which characterizes thu
work Of the committee. He hopes thai
their recommendations may be helpful
in securing the legislation which may
be found necessary TO assure tn,
country youth opportunities for secur
ing an education fully as good as tn.
opportunities nov accorded city
children.