The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1912-07-11
EDUCATIONAL.
(BY G. w. MEISNEST.)

Some short time ago the daily press
in commenting on the meeting of the
Normal Board of Regents, quoted
President McKenny OF Milwaukee as
an opponent of the Training Schools
of the state. 1t was stated that he
clearly disapproved of their work and
that they utterly failed to fulfil vhe
purpose for which they were intended,
and hence were a menace to the rural
schools.
Remarks like the above did not seem
to me to be those of President Nc
Kenny and | wro.e to him at once
asking for an explanation The letter
received by me from President Nc
Kenny explains itself and expresses
his views on this matter. While we
may not all agree with him. this letter
| given above his signature clearly ex-
presses his views and probably also
the views in general with some modi-
lications Of many others. AS soon as
such changes may be possible under
present existing conditions change
similar to that recommended of course
should be made. Following is the
letter;
My dear Mr.. Meisnest:-
have your letter concerning the
press report of remarks made by me
relative to the county training school.
! When my attention was called to the
newspaper report, | knew that my
friends thru the state would be asking
explanations, in view of the loyal sup
port have given the county training
schools since have been in Wiscon-
sin.
The discussion of the training school
| question was entirely incidental. The
Board of Regents were considering the
rural school courses at Normal schools.
Since these rural school courses are
| the same as county training school
courses, the discussion broadened, and
included the training school. My re-
marks were impromptu, may have
used the word "menace," but if so, it
was i'll chosen. 1t does not represent
my thought. My meaning hope will
be made clear by this letter.
| am glad to give a detailed state
ment of my views concerning the
county training school in its relation
! ia ha nln ole 10
consin,
/. | believe that our most serious
educational problem is the country
school.
,. | believe that better teachers is
one of the first conditions for solving
this problem.
3. | believe that the normal schools
will be unable in the future, as in the
past, to furnish any large number Of
teachers for the rural schools.
4. believe that special schools like
county training schools or departments
of schools must be organized to train
teachers for the country schools.
5. | believe that the county training
schools of Wisconsin have rendered
and are rendering notable service to
the rural schools.
So far, the friends of the county
training school will agree with me.
Perhaps they will not agree with me
when ! say that it seems to me the
county training school, in so far as it
must be responsible for the training of
teachers for rural schools, offers one Of
the most serious educational situations
we have to meet, and for the following
reasons:
|. It's course covers two years be-
yond the eighth grade. Some schools,
by virtue of entrance requirements Or
standards for graduation, extend the
time TO two and one.half, possibly
more.
,. Two years beyond the eighth
grade do not give sufficient prepara-
tion for country school teachers,
Neither in respect Of age nor scholar
ship in the vital things for which the
country school ought to stand can any
school sufficiently prepare teachers in
such limited time.
II the county training schools are to
serve The state adequately, one Of two
things must be brought about.
!. The county training school
course must be heightened TO at least
four years beyond the eighth grade, or
.. Entrance equirementsequival
to two years of high school work must
be made.
As a result Of many discussions with
training school prime pals, have con-
cuded that either alternative is diff.
cult to bring about, altho probably not
impossible. IT Is difficult TO lengthen
the course, as that would mean more
teachers, usually larger buildings, and,
consequently, more expense, for which
| am told not many counties are will.
ing TO stand. To require two years OF
high school preparation for entrance
means break between the country
school and the training school, which
many training school principals have
said to me they do not favor. There
may, Of course, be solution on the
financial side by the states taking
: over the county training schools ant
assuming their entire support, but
, believe that that would be dlticul
thing 10 nccnmnliSh