Weekly journal-miner., 1916-01-19
PUT SCHOOLS ON
 A BUSINESS BASIS
(From Sundays DaiIy.)

the Journal-Nliner has secured series of educational articles written not only by those immediately connected with education but also by broad minded men who have made certain careful study of the situation and are willing to express their ideas for the benefit of the thinking public. Com ments addressed to the editor of this department will be received and an swercd as soon as possible if the writer will sign his name, merely as an act of good faith-Editor.
 In the present era of public criticism and reform, the question of school system and education has developed into large subject, not so much through the efforts of idcalists and theorists. or the noble aspirants for office, who blazen the political plat form with "I will better your schools, " but through the increasing interest Of the practical and successful business men. who instead of stating that all is wrong and not offering better meth ods or suggestions. merely have asked the question: Are schools operated from a business standpoint?' And we reitcrate: Are they:" Are schools enjoying that system and smoothness with which the average business enterprise is conducted?
 The prime element of business is timc-so many hours a day, six days week, and fifty weeks a year. How does this compare with the working hours of the teaching profession Some teachers merely put in the re quired time from S.30 till 4:30; other- work from carly morn till late al night boring over lesson assignments lecture outlines, and class note books while a precious few not only do theil regular work thoroughly, but find plenty of time to enter into commun ity cooperation, where they serve thl public in those outside influence: which mean so much to the pupils ana often retain those who tire of schoo
 al an early age. An so on and o1 one always finds the work unevenl, divided in the present school systems Division of labor is unequal. WhosC fault Is it? Why not require teacher to work eight hours day-no more
 If within that time she is unable tC accomplish her assigned work, there
 will be either of two causes at ono
 prominent Either she is given toc
 much to do in which case the super intendent and board should make al
 immediate adjustment, or she is in
 competent for the position and shoul,
 be discharged.
 This element of time could be sue cessfully carried to a broader scop,
 by hiring teacher by the year ans ) paying her by the year. Let he work eleven months, using one montl for rest and recreation. Do not in
 crease the length of the scnool yea
 but increase the service of the teach CT. Let her attend institutes for si! or eight weeks eacl summer, increas ing her proficiency in some needed phase of her work. The aim is |,
 lengthen the time. thereby requirin;
 less extra work each day during tn
 school year.
 Chief among the potent factors O
 the professional problem and mail ] causes of internal disruption, are opel defiance of supervisors, lack of co
 operation, artistic temperament, poo health and touchy nerves.
 , A worthy teacher of valued experi
 cnce and excellent training e1terc,
 the services of school system an at an early date found fault with tn . whole regime. She was classed as
 ''knocker," Ut might be added tha
 she found fault with the town and tn [ people in gcneraD, and suffered t ? continue her classes. But matter , reached a grave situation when sh
 openly and natly refused to follow tn
 instructions of her supervisors. claim
 ing that their outlines were incorrcc s and their visiting hours did not har I monizc with her program. Now, wa f she hired to do as she pleased or t
 follow the general scheme set fort ' by the superintendent and supervis
 ors? Such action on the part of ey v cry teacher would soon destroy or
 ganization and in short time wrec' the success of any school. Wha should be done in such a case: Jus
 what the business manager would d. Il when one of his clerks acted in . similar manner-the pink slip" O $ the following pay day or a ''tw e weeks notice"
 \ superintendent entered a con