The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1914-06-26
THE BULLETIN OF THE STATE
BOARD OF EDUCATION.


Some two weeks ago The Star-Mir-
ror received from the office of the com
missioner of education at Boise copy
of thirty-page bulletin entitled, "Edu-
cational Conditions in Idaho-a special
report of the Commissioner of Educa-
ton to the State Board and approved
by the Board for publication" Be-
cause OF the rather considerable length
of the bulletin, there was neither time
nor space to reproduce in full its most
absorbing contents; and this paper
was thus forced to select for repro
duction olny such portions as seemed
most striking, as called for radical
changes, or as seemed most plainly to
answer those questions which the
state at large has been latterly pro-
ditions In Idaho.
A more recent and detailed examin-
alton of the bulletin confirms the earl
Ter impression that the document me
its conscientious study by every per-
son at all interested in the future
policy of Idaho with reference to hei
several educational institutions. We
have not yet found the opportunity
(Which we soon mean to make) of
perusing 1t with such care and close
thought as would warrant an express
-f-vx {,xl IN, p,-1 fC 20
GUS proposals. In the near future we
shall hope in these columns seriously
to discuss in turn the seven
main divisions in which the principal
topics of the pamphlet are grouped.
In the mean time 1t is only right
that we should chronicle some favora-
BILE impressions formed during casual
survey of the subject-matter.
In the first place the mere exist
ence of such bulletin is prima facie
evidence of the good faith, sobriety,
industry, and definiteness with which
the state board and the state commits
sioner from the very beginning took
up their momentous work-the work of
studying educational conditions in
Idaho with view to proposing a plan
that will give more and better educa
ton to the whole state at the same
or reduced cost.
Although it contains only thirty |
pages the bulletin represents an
amount of work that is actually cOlos-
sal. The task of gathering the facts
was alone an immense undertaking; |
the analysis of them and the determin-
ing of their true significance was an
other herculean labor; and, the real
of the complicated situation
once grasped, the evolution of def
mite plan, of specific recommends
lions, of a clearly outlined program
for the state legislature was further
great achievement which the citizens
of the state had perhaps no right to
expect so early or in so complete a
form.
The language of the bulletin is clear
and economical of words. 1t has no
glittering generalities, no rhetorical
1ourishes. 1t is direct, business-like,
in meaning
The bulletin is comprehensive. 1t
includes a discussion of and proffers
| solution for every important and
school problem that has
risen in the state in connection with
he several state schools. 1t leaves
10 one in doubt as to just exactly
low the commissioner and the state
,oard feel on every educational matter
n the state; and 1t presents for the
arly consideration of voters and OF
MEMBERS of the legislature series of r
which reveal with +
tartling clearness, brevity, and EN- v
basis their convictions as to just what h
hould be done to improve situation T
ow generally admitted to be tangled G
nd unsatisfactory. G
To prepare such bulletin for pub 6
cation required not only hard and I'M 81
emitting work, high intelligence, spe- b
al training, and full knowledge Of ex- c.
ting conditions. 1t required courage d
nd honesty-courage and honesty OF CT
most incorporating character, too. H
'hatever may be the merits or the al
AVIS of the scheme proposed (and on re