Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-05-19
Twentieth Annual North Da-
kota High School Gather
ing Opens At University
Today; Several Fine Ad-
dresses Given. y

In welcoming the visitors at the
twentieth annual high school con-
ference. which opened at the univer-
sty this morning, President Thomas
# Kane stated the purpose Of the
conference. namely: the promotion
of good fellowship among teachers Of
the state and of definite gains for ed
ucation. In continuing his address
President Kane gave as methods by
which gains for education could be
accomplished, the improving of work
in the schools and the enacting of
legislation governing education.
The keynote principle for the
teacher of today to hold in mind is
the Importance of keeping a profess
sional attitude toward his or her
work. The doctor when called as.
sumes charge Of the case, as do the
architect and men in other lines of
work, but the teacher has been serv-
ing more in the light Of an employe
rather than an authority or one with
ia professional attitude.
Conference Clearing House.
The annual conference serves as a.
clearing house for the high schools Of
the state, keeping those interested in
school work up-to-date in method and
attitude of service. The field Of the
school is to fit the child for the needs
OF society and the curriculum must be
arranged to suit the individual cases
or environment. Among other things
thrift should be given a place in the
fundamental training of the Ameri
can youth; attention should also be
given to health. The school must
give training in ideals, conduct and
morals, and must elevate the child.
At the present time bills before the
national law-making bodies indicate
an increasing interest in education.
in the provision for the care Of weak
nesses In the present methods Of in
struction. supervision and the like.
! This educational statesmanship as a
result of. the war. for the need Of the
educated man was made more nlatli-
fest then at any other time in our his
tory. =,
President Kane advised the assem-
bly, to remember the standard set up
by the superintendent OF public in
struction two years ago: mo illiter-
acy in North Dakota by 1924" Train
ing is of vital importance for the
teacher as we'll as the student. In
order to facilitate schooling it is
necessary that more and better pre-
pared teachers be available; higher
salaries will come Of necessity The
field of the teacher extends from the
immediate class room work to the
consideration of state and national
policies.
In closing President Kane, said
Education is definite field. It's re-
suits are of vital Importance; It is a
field for the expert. the profession
AL"
Preliminary to the presidents ad-
dress, music was given by a university
choir under the direction Of F. II.
the School of Education, 1ntrod uced
Mr.. Kane.
| Miss Nelson Speaks.
The work of the high school in the
preparation OF teachers was the
~. Nelson. superintendent Of public
instruction. A need for teachers of
ability and training is felt throughout
the state. The giving of examinations
in psychology, pedagogy. and senior
reviews for which the student Grams
simply for the sake of passing the ex-
anination. in order for pupils of the
high schools to get teaching certifi-
cate is in reality a farce. Special
teacher training courses are often
abused, but Miss Nelson said that
state superntendents agree on the
need Of such work.
/ In many cases the heads Of the
high schools are helping the pupils to
get certificates as trainers of the fu-
ture citizens Of this country by the
easiest methods, and are pushing
them through. Specific training. OF
at least conscientious work. is in de-
mand. The giving of special May ex-
aminations in the subjects mentioned
in the above paragraph for the grant
ing of certificates will not be carried
out after this year. Miss Nelson said
The highest type Of men and wom-
en- must be attracted to the schools OF
democracy is to be held up, is to keep
its present status. High ideals are
needed in teachers. The work should
be done through a love OF service
The examples set by some instructors
in school and out Of school should not
be tolerated. because Of the moral in.
fluehce on the child.
In the discussion of the national sit.
uation, Miss Nelson held that place
for education should be given in the
pfeS1Qent 3 caDlnet. Every person In
terested in school work must boost
for better schools and better teachers
in order to turn out better citizens
among them capable teachers.
! A short discussion by the Assem-
bly, Of the national situation followed
Miss Nelson's talk.
Inspectors Talk.
| Inspector c. l. Robertson told o.
his work in connection with school.
1 of the state. In the near future the
classified high schools OF North Da'
kota are expected to be increased
This means better equipment. better
buildings. OF 120 schools not more
than ~ have suitable buildings, still
enrolment is growing rapidly. a 55%
increase being made in the last few
| years.
] Evasion Of teaching requirement,
has been made in many cases in thu
Continued on Page 5.)