The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1912-12-12
THURSDAY DECEMBER IL, 1912
Admission at the University
of Maine

Much discussion is going on IN edL-
cational circles regarding the recent
action of the University of Maine In
removing the ban of examinations for
students entering the University from
the preparatory schools of Maine.
There are many who are severely con-
demning the University for doing what
to them seems like an injury to the
educational welfare Of our Maine
schools, while others are warm in their
praises of the step which the Uniyer-
Sity has taken.
To those unfamiliar with the new
plan of college admission recently adj
opted at the University of Maine, the
following will set forth Its salient fea-
lures: The new plan accepts students
from such secondary schools as have
been approved by the State Superin-
tendent. namely Glass A high schools
and academies. Instead of the certif-
icate in each subject formerly demand
ed, the University now accepts the
school record of the candidate in any
subject required for admission provid-
I'd this subject has been counted to-
ward his graduation from the second
AIRY school. If the candidate has not
completed in the secondary school
subjects required for admission, he
must pass the regular examinations In
these before being admitted. Gradu-
ates of schools not In the Class
A list presenting themselves for
admission will be examined in
all subjects coming from high
schools out of the state will be ad-
mitted on the same plan as heretofore.
Under the present plan the interests OF
the school are safe-guarded by sys-
tenn of cooperation between the State
Department of Education, and the
University If students from any Class
A secondary school fail in their col
lege work a notice Is sent to the State
Superintendent and to the school. The
State Superintendent notifies the
school of the failure and starts an In
vestigation which Is conducted Jointly
by the State Department and the Uni
versity. If the failure Is found to be
due to the school, steps are at once
taken to bring the school up to the re-
CURED Standard If 1t Is not the fault
Of the school but of the student, or of
conditions at the University, the school
Is relieved from responsibility. Canu-
dates for admission are not accepted
ON the new plan unless the principal
certifies that in his judgment the can
didate Is prepared to do college work.
Speaking on general grounds. we be-
Ifeve In the University Is taking very
haxadous step and one likely to result
In much lower standards of scholar
ship unless the Uniyerity Is extremely
careful In fortifying the plan against
injury to the whole educational life OF
Maine. 1t Is a far step from maintain
ing certain certificating grade in
preparatory school or from strict en-
trance examinations, to free entrance
with nothing more than the head of
the schools word as a guarantee of
making good in college.
The State Department of Education
is assuming a good deal in carrying
forward this new plan. 1t determines
the grade of school from which the
University may receive its students.
1t determines, in other words, the
Glass A school. 1t therefore goes
without saying that the grading of the
State Department of Education must
mean something in the future. 1t has
not always meant much in the past.
Oversight of our High schools has not
been vigorously thorough. The over
sight has been complimentary and not
condemnatory where such should have
followed inspection. If Glass A is to
mean in the future certain material
equipment, the classification for edu
eational purposes is worse than use
less; if henceforth it is to stand for
record in scholarship, determined af
ter personal oversight from the State