Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1921-12-09
REPORT ON TENSAS SCHOOLS OF
. ASSISTANT STATE SUPER
VISOR OF RURAL SCHOOLS


November 26, 1921.
Superintendent T. 81. Harris,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
My dear Sir:
In company with Superintendent
C. L. Barrow, the following schools
Of Tensas parish were recently vis-
led: Menzies, Loamland, Delta Bridge,
Cypress, Waterproof, Newellton and
st. Joseph.
My efforts were directed particu-
larly to the improvement Of class
room instruction. My activities dur
ing the week may be summarized rs
follows:
1. The daily programs Of teachers
were observed with the view Of de-
termining whether the requirements
Of the course Of study were being
carried out as regards the time allot-
ment to the several subjects. The
teachers were urged to familiarize
themselves with the course Of study
to be able to put into practice the
principles and methods suggested
therein. It was pointed out that the
advantage in, using the new text
book and. tie new system in the
teaching Of spelling win largely de-
pend on the presentation Of the sub
ject exactly in the manner recon-
mended in the course Of study and
in the directions to teachers given
in the text. Copies Of carefully pre-
pared questions in several subjects
were placed in the hands Of the
teachers. They are intended to aid
teachers in the study Of important
phases Of the several subjects. Special
attention was directed to the well
selected lists Of references and aids
to teachers given in connection with
the several syllabi. Teachers were
urged to make every effort to i'm
prove themselves professionally.
2. Close Attention was given ia
the recitation. The classroom pro-
cedure Of teachers and their manner
Of conducting recitations were Oh.
served and helpful criticisms given
when deemed advisable. The at.
tention o3 teaehsrs was directed "a
the great importance Of teaching
children how 70 study their lessons,
The importance d : definite and
clear assignment of lessons was en-
phasized, and the teachers were
urged to make use Of the recitation
periods for teaching instead Of for
the purpose Of asking many aimlesa
and unnecessary questions Demon
stration lessons wers given in several
schools. sSome Of these Lessons were
given in the presence Of al the
teachers. The lessons were. then dis
cussed with the teachers in order that
they might have . definite under
standing Of the procedure and aims.
8. A number Of standardized. tests
were given. The teachers and the
parish superintendent assisted in the
scoring Of the papers, and the re-
suits were placed before the pupilA
An earnest desire to improve may
be created BY showing teachers and
pupils what the present situation II
and in pointing out definitely ways
to improve i. Interesting results were
obtained from these tests and the SUI
what the present situation is and.
in pointing out definitely ways to i'm
prove it. Interesting results were OBJ
tanned from these tests and the su-.
perintende1t and teachers, I feel
sure win BE interested in continu-
ing further objective studies
4. A CHECKING up Of the school
room equipment was made with the
view Of pointing out to the school
authorities the needs with reference
to certain essential equipment, such
as historical and geographical maps
and outlines, supplementary read
ers, supplies for primary depart
ments, etc. Wherever such needs
were seen, the attention Of the
superintendent was directed thereto.
In this connection, it may be said that
there is perhaps greater need for
additional supplementary readers
than for any other line Of equipment.
This statement ID made IN view of
the wen established fact that habits
Of effective reading and . desire TOR
wide and varied reading can hardly
be developed without an ample sup
ply Of interesting reading material.
In several Of the schools. there are
no supplementary readers to be
found in the libraries. Attention was
called to the list Of supplementary
readers recommended, in the course
Of study and the authorities were
urged to make some arrangement
whereby n many Of these - posi-
BILE may be installed at the earliest
date possible. The course in reading
as outlined in the course Of study,
cannot be carried out effectively
until some supplementary readers ars
supplied.
s. The effect Of low promotion
rates and the retardation and elimi-