The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1915-12-11
SCOPE OF EDUCA-
TIONAL SURVEY

The Educational Survey commission
was authorized by the legislature and
appointed by the governor, to consider
the school system of the state of Ne
vsda, and what steps, if any, seem de-
sirable for its improvement. The com
mission recognizes that its establish
ment at the suggestion of the teaching
force of the commonwealth was effect
ed. not in a spirit of criticism of the
present situation, but rather with a
desire TO plan in a broad spirit, con
structive efforts in public education
adapted to the future growth of the
commonwealth. The commission will
conduct its investigations in this sense,
and its first question will always be di-
,eeted. not at any possible defects in
the present system, but rather toward
the establishment of what seems desir-
able for the work of tomorrow.
The survey of the state system Of
nublie instruction undertaken in this
impartial spirit, involves free and
unhampered consideration of every as
meet Of the school situation, whether
brought about by constitutional pro
vision, legislative enactment, rules and
procedure of boards of education and
school trustees, or the traditions and
practices of any community.
Since educational administration is
closely associated with the conduct of
other public interests in the common
wealth, the commission will seek in its
labors the cooperation and assistance
of the various state officers and bu-
reaus, from which much of the infor-
nation which il will need can be
readily secured. 1t win rely in partic
par with utmost confidence on the sym
pathetic cooperation of the State De
partment Of Public Instruction. Since
the commission owes its establishment
to suggestion from the State Eduea-
tional Association of Nevada, and since
it recognizes that the center of gravity
of a school system is in each individual
class room, it will seek, what it doubt
less will receive, the earnest and re-
hective support of all of the teachers
OF Nevada, and of the entire supervis-
cry force serving in any capacity.
In order that the commission may
have the essential basic data for its
deliberations, il hereby directs that
there shall be prepared for il a survey
OF the population of Nevada, in gen
eral and by school district, with the
adult population segregated from the
young children in each district with
their ages, and as far as possible some
indication secured as to the rate of
increase of the population in different
sections of the state. The commission
will need detailed descriptions, with
Al. 49, r.f
vada, with indications of the lines OF
L transportation and communication. IL
will desire. furthermore, assistancs
from the office of the State Tax com
mission in informing itself as to the
distribution of taxable property IN
Nevada, and the proceeds which be
come available for school purposes in
various sections through a minimum
or maximum tax levy in accordance
with the prescriptions of the state law.
Essential facts in regard to school en-.
rollment, school attendance, the aver
age number of years of schooling per
pupil within a given period and many
others of similar import the eommis-
sion will hope to secure with the co
operation of the State Department of
Public Instruction.
Another division in the work of the
survey will be a consideration of the
supply of teachers for the public
schools, their training, certifieation.
tenure, and supervision.
Allied questions in regard to the course
Of study. the selection of texts and
methods Of teaching will also fall un-
der what we may call the educational
as opposed to the bust
ness management of the schools.
summary which will perhaps give
a slight indication of the work which
lies before the commission win include
the following topics and others of like
nature:
a. State and local boards of educa-
tlon, ex offieio, elective, appointive
term of service, duties and powers.
b. Officers of supervision, state, dis
triet, county, and local. selection, ten
ure, qualifications, salary and duties.
@. School funds, sources, methods Of
apportionment, maximum and minimum
levies.
d. School buildings and equipment,
in town and rural districts, standard
and types of school architecture.
f. Teaching force, training, certifi
cation, basis of selection and promo
ton, tenure, salary minimum salary
iaw), pension.
+. Course of study, outline for the
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