The Leader, enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1915-1921, 1920-05-10
THE COUNTRY SCHOOL PROBLEM

There is greater problem in America today than the
problem Of the country school 1t half boys and
girsyet only half trains them only half the time. Since
such large proportion of future citizens have their
ideas formed and their ideals nodded in the country
Schools the kind OF training given these schools becomes
question OF vital Importance The fact that many great
men-eaders in city and national hfe-came from the
country sometimes pointed evidence that the country
school is doing its work. that it needs changes; i'm
provement.
1t is that the country a splendid place in which
to develop leaders If he is at all intelligent and observ
ing, the country child gathers of valuable
knowledge and experience by of living the
try He can not help absorbing it from his environment
and the habits of industry which the country child early
develops invaluable assets to him. But too often
there is little nothing in the country school that awakens
the interest holds the attention of live boys and girls
Bright quick, active ambitious children the the
try least spare drift the city schools and the city
ways and their power and influence diverted from the
development of country life
AS general thing of the activities of the coun-
try life and development is given place in the country
school, Books, dead facts dates words work having
relation to life the farm these constitute the larger po
ton of the country chd's daily program.
While they still very young, boys and girls want
to work out of the problems which up their
every day lite They want to get busy to start doing real
work in the world
and home problems, of home and community needs they
Will fee that school has some relation to real life Too
often the country school something apart from the life
OF the community, and has no influence the social
business affairs '~----
Give the boy real things to do. Let him begin to
solve real problems To learn MANAGE rotate crops
to produce enough to pay the the his
investment Let the girl learn how keep house. cook
manage the affairs of the house.
If the school work is one of the right character and
teacher is capable real interest will be taken in school work
The War has and is making America. Great
changes coming in coutoms living in industrial
iyties in educational methods and opportunities Some
changes arc coming in customs in living industrial
ing, not only here but everywhere
The shack schoolhouse will go; in its place will
the country high school real high school right in the
country Teachers will be trained teach in the country
to teach in terms of country fe the school will be
longer Teachers will be employed for the whole yearQ2
months) and have home in the community possibly a
teachers cottage furnished by the school district.
This does not mean there will be II months term
of school it that yhe close of school term
the teacher will remain in the community and carry her
influence into the homes of the children training them in
things which concern their home problems.
The state school, tax will be equalzed The city town
and country will all pay equal share for these better
things.
Are the boys and girls worth it? If not say nothing
do nothing, and will get nothing.
The Chamber of Commerce would like to such
rural schools in Ben Hill County Help make this
dream true.