The Penn's Grove record., 1923-12-07
School Growth
In State Shown
Total Enrolment Last YeaI of
693,342 and Teachers
Number 21,644

cation at its meeting here llned up
in support of proposed legislative
measures designed to deprive the
governor of the power of appointing
the state commissioner and to place
this authority in the hands of the
board.
Endorsement was also given legis-
lation providing for the appointment
of school census and attendance oti-
GERS for all counties. For some years
the state board has been desirous OF
the authority for appointment of the
state commissioner and sponsored a
bill with this end in view during the
last session of the legislature, but 1t
failed of passage. By unanimous vote,
the boards legislative committee was
instructed to get similar legislation
introduced during the coming session.
The term of Commissioner John En-
right expires January l, 1925, and 1t
Is proposed that the appointment of
his successor shall be governed by
the contemplated law-if 1t gets by.
In adopting a report by the prip
cipals Of the five state schools, the
board decided to adhere to tests
started to determine the fitness OF
high school pupils to enter normal
schools with the intention Of becom-
ing teachers. On behalf of the prin-
cipals, Robert Lynn Cox Of Mont
clair, chairman of the normal school
committee, suggested additional rules
which were adopted by the board.
The principal additional requirement
is that high school principals shall
certify as to the eligibility Of high
school graduates to take the entrance
tests. Other recommendation of the
principal follow:
Some Rigid Tests
That a certificate of qualification
from the high school principal in the
form prescribed by the State Board
of Education shall be filed at least
fve days before the examination with
the normal school which the student
wishes to enter, and shall be accepted
by said normal school as pre-
requisite for the examination.
examinations be the first Monday OF
June and December, and that no addi-
tional examination be held.
That reviews and drills in elemen-
tary subjects be required Of all high
school pupils who are candidates for
normal school entrance.
That high school teachers be urged
to place great emphasis upon good
form in written work, since good form
and clear thinking are related.
That the normal schools prepare q
syllabus for the use of high schools,
indicating in a general way the ex-
animation rec .rements.
That one of the standard tntelli-
gence tests be given as a part Of the
entrance examinations and the re-
suits Of this test be utilized In the
formation of the sections in the nor
NAL school.
That high school principals be
urged to exercise the same care in
certifying candidates to the normal
school as would be used In certifying
to the colleges.
The committee, in it's report, states
that in consequence Of the wide pub
licity given the results of the entrance
examinations there has developed the
impression that the number Of fall
ures was abnormal and that in conse
quence the schools have suffered In
public estimation to an unfortunate
degree
"As a matter of fact" the report
says, there is nothing unusual in the
situation. A similar condition has al
ways existed and will continue so
long as the public schools welcome all
who seek admission and attempt to
give these students the best training
they are able to receive. Many of
these graduates have proflted from
their high school training and society
is just that much the gamer. Ambi-
ton, perfectly natural and legitimate,
urges many pupils, who, because Of
a lack of natural capacity. are unable
to profit from higher education, to
seek entrance to the professional
school and college. These institutions,
Since tuoy are uOt COmpelleu 10 re-
ceive all corners, wisely refuse ad-
mittance to those whom they consider
unprepared.
These constitute the larger proper
ton of the failures. The rejection Of
these students ought not to be inter.
preted as reflection on the high
school, The failures In normal school
tests are approximately the same as
in college examinations. for which the
high schools are specifically prepar-
ing.
Miss Dorothy B. Smith was con
trmed as helping teacher for Mercer
county at salary Of $4,000 a year.
succeeding Miss Marion George, r.
signed. Elizabeth Woodward, Free
hold, was confirmed as county attend
ance officer for Monmouth.
Confirmation of Louis DeYo of
Bound Brook finally settles a contro-
versy over the superintendency CT
the Somerset county schools. Mr.
DeYo is principal OF the Bound Brook
High School. A vacancy in the county