The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1921-10-08

sure to the diocesan educational
authorities measure of control, over
the text book situation. Specifically,
it would make possible the selection
by groups or individuals of books
which would be congenial instruments
in their hands; and it would also save
the system from the introduction of
any book or books which might be un-
fit for use.
1t is of much importance that the
teacher be allowed to exercise
choice, within limits, of the books she
is to work with, for, by so doing, her
teaching personality is respected to
the good of her class. The teachers
personality is one of the finest assets
she brings to her work; if she is legis-
lated into the use of book which is
not acceptable, the best results will
not be forthcoming. At the same time,
however, choice should be limited to
the field of texts which are recognized
as standard by competent authority
Some teaching communities appear
not to have followed the development
of text book production; they are en-
ploying some books which have long
ago been discarded by progressive
school people. In the interests of the
teachers in these communities and the
children of the diocese who attend
schools conducted by them an ap-
proved list should be prepared
Many pastors have spoken during
the past year in favor of absolute uni
fOrmity of text books within the sys-
tenn. Their objection to diversity
of texts is based upon the supposition
that the arrangement frequently in
wolves additional expense upon the
parents of children who pass from one
school to another where different
books are in use. To this it may be
said, % that less than ten per cent OF
the pupils in grade schools transfer
during the course of their elementary
training. Absolute uniformity of texts
would benefit this minority slightly;
| it would relieve them of some incon
venience, but for the reason above
stated it might easily work to the
detriment of the stable majority; (2)
| the financial burden borne by those
who move from one school district tc
another is more apparent than real
Consultation with principals reveals
that it is simple thing, generally, tc
sell the books for which they have nc
further use to those who follow, anC
that it is quite as simple to procure
other books at the school to which
they transfer.
The difficulty would be solved abso
lutely through the establishment in
st. Paul and Minneapolis of central
book exchanges under diocesan man
agement where secondhand text books
could be bought and sold. Such in
situations could be operated on small
capital, and be made to pay for them
selves.
HIGH SCHOOLS.
Secondary educational facilities
within the diocese are inadequate
Minneapolis has no High Schools fol
boys, pay or free; it has one pay High
School for girls, and one parochia
High Schools for girls. ST. Paul has
two pay High Schools for boys ant
three pay High Schools for girls. Op
portunities for high school training
in the rural districts are even more
meagre.
The result Of this lack of provision
for the higher Catholic training of oul
parochial school graduates and other:
is that either they go to work, or tt
public High Schools, or to Commercial
schools under private and non-Cath
Ollie management. There is no neet
to stress the consequences of Thu
wholesale escape from Catholic edu
cational influence. The leakage il
very unfortunate, and quite beyont
control until the passage from Gram
mar grades to High School is mad,
possible and easy through the estab
lishment of free Catholic High Schools
in both cities and at advantageous
points in the rural districts.
In the cities, at least, beginning
should be made, we believe, in favo
of the boys; CD because at presen
their opportunities for Catholic Higl
School training are less than are those
of the girls; (2) because of the specia
temptations which boys have to ente
commercial life when they have com
pleted their elementary school course
(3) because of the special dangers tt
faith and morals to which boys O
High School age are exposed; (4) be
cause of the special need of the Churcl
for Catholic manhood, well educated
and solidly established in the prin
ciples and practices of the Faith. w,
do not here feature the necessity O
safe-g guarding vocations to the Hol,
Priesthood, for that phase of the prob
lem is certain of solution through tn
creation of Nazareth Hall.
The lack of Catholic High School
in the rural districts is quite as Sc
rious as in the cities. In one respec
it is more serious, for the public Higl
Schools in the smaller communitie
within the diocese very frequentl,
have faculty members who are alumni
of 1eighboring UNCONVENTIONAL col
leges. These teachers display thei
loyalty to their Alma Mater by encoul
aging pupils to take their college worl
at these institutions. Naturally, the,
show greatest interest in gaining tn
brighter pupils and those of athleti
ability. Some pastors complain tina
propaganda work is especially intens
lamOng the Catholic pupils.