Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1915-01-13
THE STATUS OF
ELKO CITY SCHOOLS

Sohle SoulCeS TeSaTulnS certain phases !
of the state school law and state
course of study as they apply to the |
schools of Elko, wish to make this |
public statement of my attitude to-
ward the same.
The school law gives to districts OF
the first class such as Elko. Reno,
Carson City, Virginia City, Sparks,
Goldfield and Tonopah the privileges
of engaging a city superintendent who
may hold office for four years. These
districts may also arrange for them
selves modified courses of study sub
ject to the approval of the state board
of education.
1t is presumed that the plan of
promoting pupils from the eighth
grade of any school is part of the
course of study that controls that
school. This being true, it follows
that the plan for promting the pupils
from the eighth grade in Elko with
credentials that allow the pupils COM
plete entrance into any high school of
the state, whether it be county high
school or a district high school, should
be found in the course of study un-
der which the school is working.
This means that if there is a course
of study adopted by proper author
ity in Elko district, and approved by
the state board of education and that
course of study prescribes the eXami-
nation and other method that sets
the standard for promotion from the
eighth grade, then ii would not be eN-
pccted that the eighth grade would be
required to take the examination pre-
scribed by the state board of educa-
ton for the. eighth grade pupils of the
state generally.
Such Il course of study would not
in any sense take the Elko schools
out of the jurisdiction of the state de-
partment of education. The school
would still be under the supervision
Of the state superintendent and his
deputy. The only difference would be
that the course of study adopted by
the city of Glko would be the basis of
supervision instead of the state course
OF study that is arranged for general
school purposes instead of for any
special district. The chief benefit to
he gained by the adoption of such
course of study by the Elko schools
wuld be the possibility of enriching
the course for Elko in a way that is
not possible in the average crowded
schools of the state.
am convinced that the board of
trustees of Elko should cause such
a course of study to be adopted. and
| shall do all in my power to secure
the approval of the state authorities
for a course of study presented by
Superintendent McWhinney. There
are many reasons why other means
of promotion rather than the state eX-
animation should be used in closely
supervised schools but until Elko au-
thorities arrange a course OF study
that is approved by the state board
of education that will set other and
better standards for promotion ii will
be necessary for the Elko schools to
adhere to the present state eXamina.
ton and methods for promotions.
| hope there may be action taken
Immediately upon these matters, so
that all who are interested in local
affairs may know the method by
which the school is governed.
In conclusion let me say that there
is absolutely no misunderstanding be-
tween Superintendent McWhinney and
my office regarding the advisability
of an independent course of study for
Elko, and other statement to the con-
trary Notwithstanding, and are work
ing together to secure to Elko the
privilege of making her schools the
very best possible.
Signed G.. T.. ANDERSON,
Deputy Supt. of Public Instruction.
For some time we have been work
ing on the state course of study with
the idea in mind of making 1t more
nearly conform to local conditions.
When the proposed changes are work
ed out the course will be submitted to
the board of trustees for their APPROX
al or rejection. Should 1t be approved
by them It will go to the state board,
as the law specifically provides that
all schools regardless Of size or grade
of work given are part of the state
school system and rs such under the
supervision Of the state department
of education.
am expecting to go to Carson City
in the near future for the purpose of
taking up the proposed course of study
with the state board Of education.
This will necessitate my remaining
away from my work for several days,
and during my absence Miss Gardner
will be in charge.
+. G.. M'WHINNEY.
-O--
STATE COMMISSIONS
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