The Duluth rip-saw. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1917-19??, 1923-07-14

possible. I have no information as
to the 60 cities in question, but
accept the newspaper statements to
that effect.
For months, there has been
talk about changes in our course OF
study. So far, nothing substantial
has been done. Probably next year
we will still have the same course
of study as last year. Probably next
year more than 80 per cent. Of our
grade teachers will again find that
they are unable to do the work In
industrial art within the time allot-
ted. The School Committee should
give immediate attention to the
suggestion Of the committee of the
Duluth Teachers Association at
less requirements be enforced in
art and music; that a simplified
course of study be adopted; and
that more time be provided for
major subjects. Supt.- Bentley and
the School Committee ought to
weigh carefully the suggestions OF
the teachers. -
sT believe that we require not
only changes in our school course,
but changes in our school system.
This last year, 1913 grade teachers,
according to the Teachers Associa-
ton, reported shortage in text
books; 6S grade teachers a short
age in reference material; and f67
grade teachers bought from their
private purses in order to carry
on. Every one will agree that our
teachers should be furnished with
adequate supplies. Some of the text
books used by our school children
are in a disgraceful condition.
con the other hand, the official
inventory of the supplies of nine
departments on hand in the school
system store room on May /, 1922,
which is practically the close of
the school year, showed that the art
supplies amounted to S9,50S.72, or
more than all the supplies on hand
in all of these other departments.
The art supplies on hand were twice
those of the manual training de-
partment.
practically the, same condition
was true as to the 1928 inventory
taken May !, when the art sup
plies amounted to S8,792.4A, or
more than all the supplies on hand
in all the remaining departments.
The art supplies on hand May 1,
1928, were almost three times those
Of the manual training department.
Is there any reason why thousands
of dollars should be carried from
year to year in art~supplies, when
teachers report shortage in text
books, and many of the text books
used are not in disable shape?
In the industrial art course, 9th
grade, three periods day out OF
total Of eight periods day are
given to art, five school days a
week. Parents, teachers and prin-
cipals have complained about this
overlooking in art work. Protests
have also been made by members
of the Board, but, to no avail.
1t makes little difference just
what exact percentage Of our chill
dren are deficient in arithmetic The
important thing is that they are
decidedly below standard accord
ing to the tests. The fault does not
lie with the teachers. They do the
best they can with thea course of
study. Very many Of them favor a
more simple course Of study and
less supervision.
Many citizens believe that the
future policy of the Board should
be to build up our school system
by making promotions from inside
the system. We now have two super
visors in Duluth of less experience
than some of our principals. These
supervisors were brought to duluth
and are paid higher salaries than
any of the principals received. Our
own principals and teachers should
not be further ignored in recon-
mendations by Supt. Bentley, I'M
less it is absolutely impossible to
find anyone within the system who
A.. - r,z,,. 1ksnx.