Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1924-01-24
STATE SUPERINTENDENT
OF FREE SCHOOLS
WRITES LETTER
To all County and District Superin-
tendents:


To all County and District Superin-
tendents:
/ am sure that you will agree with
me when Z say thst the primary OBJ
ject of the elementary school is to
teach thoroughly the fundamental
subjects of the elementary course of
study The State should never dis
credit it's Common School Diploma
by comforting it upon any one who
has not attained thoroughess in
these subjects.
/ believe that, as our school work
continues to improve and our teach
ers become more efficient, our ex-
aminations for the Common School
Diploma should become more search
ing and our grading of them more
exact until reasonable standard of
thoroughness is reached. 1t is only by
such evidences of efficiency in our
school work that we can gain and
hold the approval Of our citizens and
taxpayers.
1t is well, also, to remember that
large numbers of our common school
graduates annually apply for admis-
sion to the high schools and that lack
of thoroughness in the elementary
subjects will result in a large per-
centage of failures. When this oc-
ours pupils so failing are the first
and loudest to condemn the mistaken
kindness which permitted them to
graduate before they were ready to
do so.
IN the preparation of questions for
the diploma examinations this year,
these facts will be kept in mind, and
you may expect to find them some
what more difficult than last year.
With the preparation and distri-
button of the questions for these ex-
aminations, the direct control by this
office ceases and the further admin
istration Of the work devolves upon
you. To secure the results desired
by all Of us, two points must then
be kept constantly in mind. First,
that the examinations be conducted
fairly and honestly; second, that the
papers submitted be graded carefully
and with reasonable cIoseness and
accuracy.
kT.r lou hAa INaxy
trust to the honor of those under my
control for the faithfulness and hon
esty with which they perform their
duties yet. ordinary precaution should
be taken that such trust be not plac-
ed in persons who have not proved
themselves, or who may be lacking in
ability and understanding.
1t is common complaint in some
sections of the State that few Of
our teachers unfairly assist their
pupils in various ways. 1t is even
charged that in some places the pa
pers are carelessly graded, and in
some cases not graded at all. Per-
sons guilty of such conduct should
be removed from the teaching pro-
fession. There is no better way to
teach good citizenship than by accus-
toming our school children to expect
only fairness and justice in school.
You will accomplish little by teach
ing the sin Of lying and dishonesty
if the pupils are at once permitted
and assisted to cheat on examination.
Then both as a matter of enhanc-
ing, and protecting the value of our
State Diploma, and in cultiyating
those qualities which go to make up
good citizenship, absolute fairness
and honesty must be observed both
in the conduct of examination and in
the grading of the papers.
The Rural School Department will
later communicate with you along
these lines.
1t would be well to circulate this
letter among your teachers.
Very truly yours,