The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1926-01-15
A STEP BACKWARD

Of education in ruling that hereafter all eighth
grade pupils must take a state examination as a
test of their preparedness to begin high school
work.
The order was issued after the Rev. N. C.
HOff of Helena and the Rev. M. T. O'Brien of
Great Falls had protested that the method then
prevailing Disseminated against pupils Of Roman
Catholic parochial schools. It provides that be-
tween January 18 and February 1 a county ex-
amining board, the expenses of which the county
must pay, shall hold an eighth grade state exam
nation, and that students who do not qualify
cannot enter high school.
Protests against the order have come from a
number of cities, including Butte, Helena, Great
Falls, Glendive and Billings, and the state board
is being criticised severely for what is described
as it's failure to understand the fundamental diff
ference between rural and city systems of educa-
ton.
It is a fact that, for a quarter Of a century,
the trend has been away from the formal exam
nation as a sole test of fitness. A broader
standard of gauging the pupils eligibility for
advancement-the basis of mental equipment, ap-
plication to study, department and general intel
ligence, in addition to standings arrived at by
examinations-has been adopted.
owe are asked to revert 25 years and make
the object of eighth grade work merely the pas
sing of an examination" declares Marion C. Diet
rich, superintendent of the Billings schools. "For
instance, we teach history for the facts, motives,
and results, without st~ressing dates. The state
examination touches upon these lightly and
stresses dates. That illustrates the fundamental
difference between modern methods of teaching
and those upon which the state examinations are
founded. This ruling is disconcerting and dis
couraging."
The state examination, it is pointed out, was
formulated principally for the rural schools where,
by reason of limitations and the paucity of stud
ents, an entirely different method of instruction
is necessary. This method is faithfully reflected
in the questions prepared by the state for eighth
grade pupils. 1t is far removed from the modern,
departmentalized system of teaching that prevails
in up-to-date city institutions.
With those of other Montana cities, Bozeman's
grade schools will be affected by the order to a
considerable degree. AS explained by local school
authorities, what are known as Junior high
school" subjects and heretofore considered by
Bozeman parents to be of primary Importance
must now be made secondary to the passing OF
a state examination.
The Junior high school" is a modern method
of beginning, at an early age, the broadening = Of
the mind, the development of individuality, thu
forming of habits of observation and the cult
waiting of tastes for the finer things of life. L
includes the more or less intensive study of Ma
ture, music, domestic science, manual ~trainins
and physical development. It has been productiv,
of most praiseworthy and encouraging results
Under the now-abolished plan of home rule
Bozeman grade schools allowed credit for thes,
studies in determining eligibility for promotion
"The new ruling" a local educational AUTHORITY
explains, means that Junior high school subjects
heretofore considered of primary Importance
must be made secondary to the passing of
state examination because a considerable portion
of the three hours a week devoted to them mus
be spent upon things, now considered out-of-date
stressed in the state questions.
Another deplOrable feature is that hereafter
the study of agriculture by grade pupils win b
required. One can imagine the uselessness O
examining agriculture down the throats of cit
children who have no particular interest in farm
ing and in all probability wiz never follow it a
a vocation.
'The order Of the state board Of education
nothing less than retrOgressive. When the mex
legislature meets, it is possible that efforts {
correct this unfortunate situation win Be made.
The action for which the state board deserve
most severe censure Is its refusal to heed IA
earnest recommendation Of two of its member.
Miss May Trumper superintendent of public 81
s~truction, and John Dietrich. superintendent s
Helena schools, who vigorously opposed Tie or7e.
Mas Trimmer and nFr nsoAseh 81