Evening journal., 1914-07-18
SATURDAY JULY le. 1914
PUBLIC SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.

PUBLIC SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.
xAJE have received from DR.. Charles A. Wagner
w State Commissioner Of Education, copy of
pamphlet issued by authority Of the State Board OF
Edu alton, entitled Public school Attendance of Della
children in 1912 and 1919 DR.. Wagner also has
sent copies Of it to prominent officials and citizens of
our State Later he Will give it wider dstribu-
zion Il is publication which undoubtedly will
sist the Of education in Delaware and It
be read too carefully by parents. Those who have
'ead speak in the highest of the intelligence
rankness and fearessness with which the commission
has approached subject which is OF vital import
t. thousands Of children in our State.
The pamphlet is really printed copy Of the com
nissioners first bulletin At the time he first made it
public We printed much Of it in columns and
commended edorially. We take pleasure in giving
space now to the following extracts from it:
The summary of last years u9l2-19ls) school at
tendance sho that boys and girls IN the rural schools
attended the average from 20 to so days each al
though the schools open than 14O days. In
.he town schools, exclusive Of Wilmington the average
attendance is about 1856 days each although the schools
were open than $50 days This poor attendance
the damaging feature of the entire school sit
uaton. II lessons half learned, lack oft in
lerest in the work and in the school, many parts of
branches not studied at all and feeling, hurt
.u than all else that being present absent does
Dot matter; this for the children For the teacher it
poor and unsatisfactory progress Of the classes
That teacher and pupils may be interested and really
enjoy the work. attendance must be for the full term
and regular throughout the term.
"The school authorities of the State should at once
tIy to make this attendance more regular and for
longer period especially for the older children Every
school oncal has moral responsibility to try to get
this attendance
Merely noting attendance the school register
and recording it in the monthly or annual school re-
all
Of the teachers duty concerning attendance Certain
proceedings should unfangly follow the childs alb
sence from school the assumption that school au-
horites in these days much responsible get
good attendance travelling salesman is responsible
get business for his house We exert ourselves
teachers parents superintendents, commissioners 10
secure the best attendance possible in any community
Therefore, any all of the following means should
be used to impress the child with the Importance OF
attendance both before any occurs or after il
has occurred
"a The teacher should manifest regret for the alb
sence to the child and the school, and state the wish
that it may not again, or only when absolutel,
necessary, as in case Of Illness.
"2- The teacher should tell the child about what h
has missed by being absent while at the same time try
ing to make lessons interesting that children vii
feel they are losing If they miss lesson.
"5 The teacher should appeal to the parents
make every effort to send the child TO school regu
lary, and to keep the child thinking either tina
attendance is not important what do not lear
Today shall learn tomorrow
a. The teacher should appeal to the County Super
lnendent and to the Commissioners OF 10 any nnuer
lion citizen speak Indifferent children OF parent
both, about the importance and necessity OF scho
attendance.
80 The teacher should carefully note her averal
and percentage of attendance if there is declin
learn and note the II there be If the
removable one, the teacher should become acti,
and earnest in removing the
IS. The County Superintendent should carefully not
the attendance when visiting schools. commend tn
teacher where it is good and inquire the whel
is not good. Then through efforts with pupils, pal
ents. teachers. Commissioners, as opportunity ma
oner, endeavor to get the particular and individu
OF poor attendance improved by direct and col
Icous effort in response of obligation
a. The County Superintendents should be read
also. besides taking the lead in urging attendance wi
suggestions OF incentives pupils and with reasoi
teachers and parents cooperate with any person
associations or officials that appeal to them for a
nstance.
IS. The Commissioners should both directly al
Indirectly. help to create the feeling that for
school child his duty to obey. is his duty
De in school, just il is the duty of the empoye to
1t his work promptly and punctually every day.
"9 When each of these influences thoroughly co
vinced the Importance Of fun and regular atteu
ahce and persuaded that the effort to get it at on
Is worth while if this was tried before" VIII
sach and all of these thus combine and cooperate
better attendance. shall be sure to spend our O.
earnest belief in its value and most gratifyi
improvement"