Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1913-09-19
LETTER FROM STATE SUPERIh-
IENDENT HARRIS.
CIRCULAR No. IL

STATE OF LOUISIANA Baton Rouge,
Dept. of Education Sept. 10, isl5'
Dear Superintendent-The Department
of Education attempted earnestly to frame
Questions for the August examination
that we're in every way fair and reason
able. The questions were based upon the
textbooks used in the public schools, and
the questions in the theory and art OF
teaching were taken from one of the
books of the Teachers Reading Circle
Course.
When the papers were received, COM
petent, active public school teachers were
selected to grade them. The examiners
were instructed to grade as literally as
possible consistent with proper standards.
Many Of the applicants failed to pass the
examination and secure certificates.
Wherever there was a reasonable as
sumption that set of papers had been
too rigidly graded, the Chairman OF the
Examining Committee went through these
papers again, and if he could consistent
ly do so, raised the grades and issued GER
tificates. Between one hundred and two
hundred sets of papers, falling only few
points below the pass mark, were select
ed and are now being regarded, with the
thought that it may be possible to raise
the marks and issue certificates to these
applicants.
With the idea of relieving the situa-
ton, notified the superintendent two
weeks ago that they might employ un-
qualified teachers, who would be permit
ted to teach until the next examination,
provided it was understood that they
should not receive any public school funds
until after they have earned valid certifi-
Gates.
Believing that still further relief is
needed in order that all of the schools
may open, the Chairman of the Examin-
ing Committee and have agreed that
we will again look over the papers and
issue certificates upon the following basis:
l. Teachers who applied for first grade
certificates, but failed to make the re-
quired average, usually made low mark
in geometry. We will eliminate the ge-
ometry, and if they make the required
average on the remaining subjects for
second grade certificate, we will issue
second grade certificate. Should the mark
fall below that required for second
grade, we will eliminate both geometry
and algebra, and issue third grade GER
tifcate, If the required average for third
grade is made.
2. Teachers who applied for second
grade certificate, but failed, usually made
a low mark in algebra. We will eliminate
the algebra and issue third grade GER
tifcate, provided the required average on
the remaining subjects is made.
Mr.. Commit, the Chairman of the Com
mittee, has done, and is doing, everything
possible to cooperate with the school Of
ficisls throughout the State, keeping in
mind always that proper standards should
be maintained, but that no teacher should
be done an injustice. He has never failed
to re-examine papers when asked so to
do, and this he does in the presence of any
complaining teacher. He goes over the
papers time after time and corrects any
errors that may have been made. In short,
it is his and my purpose so 20 conduct
the examination of public school teach
ers that proper, uniform standards will
be maintained throughout the State, with
out doing an injustice to any one.
Very truly yours,
T. H. HARRIS,
State Superintendent
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