Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-11-03
Relation Of the College of Agriculture
to Agricultural Departments in
Schools of Secondary Grade.


John A. Roberts, Commissioner Of
Agriculture)
The teaching of agriculture in schools
Of secondary grade is project under
taken within comparatively recent
years. 1t was ante-dated by the es-
adjustment of Colleges of Agriculture
by nearly half century
since there is new conner in the
field of agricultural education, ii Is
then a very proper question 10 ask,
What IS the relation of these i've; Of
The college of agriculture and the ag-
riculturai department of the secondary
SCHOOL," Their official relations ARE
rot competitive. but cooperative,
During The period OF Its brief ex-
istenee the Colleges Of Agriculture
have lad serious difficulties In over
come. The RESPONSIBILITIES placed upon
them have been tremendous but none
naore important than the preparation
Of its graduates for the profession of
teaching agriculture. The teacher of
secondary agriculture must not only
he well trained in professional agri-
cultural subjects, but experience has
demonstrated that he must be pre-
pared to teach many other subjects. at
least until the full four years cnfri-
cuium in Agriculture is underway.
In most instances in our own state
he has been called upon to formulate
and set In motion the agricultural
work Of the secondary school, and this
calls for organizing as well as teach
ing ability. Several years ago, when
IL became apparent that this extraor-
binary demand was soon to be made
upon the College of Agriculture. four
yaars' curriculum, leading to the de-
gree Of Bachelor OF Science in Agri-
cultural Education, was established.
This curriculum is now being careful
~ considered by the College author
tiles, and it is possible that som.
slight revision may be made in the
near future to further adopt it to the
preparation of teachers of secondary
agriculture.
Thus far In Maine coordination OF
effort has been effected only to the ex-
tent that, for admission to the Col
Iege Of Agriculture, of the University,
credit IS given for work completed in
agriculture. providing Wei organized
curriculum is maintained, and is under
the direction of we'll trained agricul-
tural teacher. 1t is evident that fur
ther co-ordination will in time become
necessary. but first there must be made
a thorough classification of agricultnr-
al subjects in the secondary school,
and definite standard of pedagogy
established. A certain uniformity must
be secured, and precise values given.
When such a standard is reached, then
the College should, and unquestionably
wiil. coordinate the College courses
In, agriculture. to articulate with the
courses given In the secondary school.
Tha College will of course be COM
PEELED for many years, II not perma-
nently, to offer beginners courses in
agriculture for the benefit of those
who DO not have the benefit of second
cry agriculture. The principal advan-
tage in such. a coordination of work
Will be the possibilities of more adj
vanced study for the College student.
Just how the College will be able to
coordinate It's work TO meet this con-
Gttion is at present unknown. but that
q reasonable and satisfactory plan will
be found may be expected.
II such a coordination is to be
brought about. it will be seen that the
secondary school has also much to do
with the project. At present there ap-
pears to be differences Of opinion con-
corning the function of secondary ag-
ricuitnre. II we agree that the aim OF
education Is to bring about a COM
plete and proper adjustment to life,
then the function of secondary agri-
culture is two-fold.
LIST, to siyeits students such kno%i-
edge Of the principles underlying
modern business agriculture; such an
acquaintance with its practical work
:ngs; such a conception OF life ana It's
responsibilities; and at the same time
such q supply of mental working tools
at ready command as shall help them
10 understand and control their en-
yironmsnt both mental and physical.