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OF THE STATE OF NEW-YORK.

with the regulations hereinafter contained respecting the annual reports, the superintendent should keep notes of his observations, and of the information he obtains on all the subjects on which he is required to report; and he should particularly note any peculiarities which seem to require notice in the mode of instruction, in the government and discipline of the school, and the appearance of the pupils in respect to their cleanliness of person and neatness of apparel.

3. The superintendent will also examine the condition of the school house and its appurtenances; whether the room has the means of ventilation, by lowering an upper sash, or otherwise; whether it is sufficiently tight to protect the children from currents of air, and to keep them warm in winter; whether there is a sup. ply of good water; the condition of the privies, and whether they are provided for both sexes; and the accommodations for physical exercise. Their attention will be given to the arrangement of the school room; whether the seats and desks are placed most conveniently for the pupils and teachers, and particularly whether backs are provided for the seats-a circumstance very important to the comfort and health of the children. They should also inquire whether black-boards and alphabetical cards, or any apparatus to assist learners, are furnished.

The preceding topics of inquiry are suggested, rather as hints of the most important, than intended to embrace the whole field. The judgment and observation of the superintendents will discover many other subjects deserving their attention.

4. The superintendents will also inquire into the condition of the district, in relation to its ability to maintain a school; whether its interest and the convenience of its inhabitants can be promoted by any alterations, without injury to others; and they will suggest whatever occurs to them, to the trustees.

In case of any gross deficiency or inconvenience, which the proper officers refuse or decline to remedy, the superintendents will note it in their annual reports to this department.

5. They will also examine the district library, and obtain the information respecting it, hereinafter required to be stated in their reports.

II. Advising and consulting with the
Trustees and other officers of School
Districts.

This is made a special duty of the superintendents by the act; they are to advise the trustees and other officers in relation to all their duties; and to recommend to them and the teachers the proper studies, discipline, and conduct of the school; the course of instruction to be pursued, and the elementary books to be used. The notes which the superintendents make during their in spection of the school, will much facilitate the dis. charge of this portion of their duty.

should be informed that the omission of parents to re-
quire the regular and punctual attendance of their chil-
fect of such irregularity upon the other pupils.
dren will justify their exclusion, on account of the ef-
The superintendents should also observe whether the
teachers are careful to preserve the respect of their pu-
pils, not only by maintaining their authority, but by a
becoming deportment, both in the school room and out

of it.

3. With regard to the course of instruction, the ad-
vice of the superintendents will often be of great value
The usual order has been found by long experience to
be the best, viz: the alphabet, spelling, reading with de-
finitions, arithmetic, geography, history and grammar.
No child should be put to any study beyond his capaci
grammar particularly, demands so much exercise of
ty, or for which he is not already prepared. English
has acquired considerable strength of mind.
the intellect, that it ought to be delayed until the pupil

4. The books of elementary instruction.-It is believed that there are none now in use in our schools that are very defective; and the difference between them is so slight, that the gain to the scholar will not compensate for the heavy expense to the parent, caused by the subcapriciousness of change which some are apt to indulge stitution of new books with every new teacher; and the on this subject, cannot be too strongly or decidedly resisted. Trustees of districts should look to this matter when they engage teachers.

One consequence of this practice is, the great variety of text books on the same subject, acknowledged by all to be one of the greatest evils which afflicts our schools. It compels the teacher to divide the pupils into as many classes as there are kinds of books, so that the time rate hearing of a class of ten or twelve, where all could which might have been devoted to a careful and delibehave improved by the corrections and observations of the instructor, is almost wasted in the hurried recitations of ten or a dozen pupils in separate classes; while ever the superintendents find this difficulty existing, in large schools, some must be wholly neglected. Wherthey should not fail to point out its injurious conse form text books as speedily as possible. To accom quences, and to urge a remedy by the adoption of uniplish this, let the trustees, under the advice of the teacher, inspectors and superintendents, determine what text books shall be used in each study, and require evewith the designated books. This very desirable uniry child thereafter coming to the school to be provided formity may, perhaps, be facilitated by exchanges between different districts, of the books that do not correspond with those in general use, for such as do. For instance, in one school the great majority of spelling books may be those of Webster, with some of Marshall's, while the latter may predominate in another district, in which there are also several of Webster's. In such cases, an exchange of the differing books between superintendents might assist in the execution of such the two would obviously be mutually beneficial. The an arrangement, by noting the proportions of the vari ous books in the different schools.

1. In regard to proper studies: if they find any important one omitted, or that pupils are hastened on without thoroughly understanding the preliminary or previ ous branches, they should point out the error and its consequences. For instance, they should urge the absolute necessity of children being thoroughly and frequently exercised in spelling, so that they make no mistakes in any words in common use. Without this it is impossible for them to be good readers. And in the exercise of reading, they should insist on clear and distinct articulation, more than any other quality; and generally the ability of the superintendent is relied upon to detect bad habits in the manner of reciting, erroneous ideas of the subject, and superficial acquirements.ca, has already been given, and will continue to be fur2. The discipline and conduct of the school. It can scarcely be necessary to remark on the importance of order and system in the schools, not only to enable the pupils to learn any thing, but to give them those habits of regularity so essential in the formation of character. Punctuality of attendance, as well as its steady continuance should be enforced. Parents should be told how much their children lose, to what inconvenience they expose the teacher, and what disorder they bring upon the whole school, by not insisting upon the scholars being punctually at the school room at the appointed hour; and above all, they should be warned of the injurious consequences of allowing their children to be absent from school during the term. By being indulged in absences, they lose the connexion of their studies; probably fall behind their class; become discouraged, and then seek every pretext to play the truant. The habit of irregularity and insubordination thus acquired, will be apt to mark their character through life. Trustees

5. The Erection of School Houses.-The statute has enjoined upon the superintendents particular attention to this subject. Whenever they learn that the building of a school house is contemplated, they should advise with the trustees respecting its plan. He must be a su perficial observer, who has not perceived how much the health of pupils, the order and discipline of a school, and the convenience of the teacher, depend upon the arrangements of the school room. This is not the place to state the best models. Information upon that point, collected with great care from Europe and Amerinished in the District School Journal. Whenever repairs are about to be made to school houses, the superintendents should avail themselves of the occasion to 6. In their consultations with trustees and teachers, recommend such improvement as may be desirable. the superintendents should be especially careful to communicate their suggestions in a kind and friendly spirit, as the most likely means of success, and as the only mode of preserving those harmonious relations, which are essential to their own happiness as well as usefulness; and whenever they observe any thing in the mode of instruction, in the government or discipline of the school, or in any other point, which, in their judgment, requires correction, they will make it a point to intimate their views to the teacher in private, and never, on any occasion, suffer themselves to find fault with him in the presence of his pupils. Children cannot discriminate, and they will feel themselves at liberty to blame, when the example has been set by others.

The authority of the teacher should be preserved entire while he remains. If his conduct is worthy of public censure, he should be at once dismissed, rather than be retained to become an object of the contempt of his scholars

III. Reports to the Superintendents.

1. The time when they are to be made.-By § 38, of the act of 1841, (No. 173,) the county superintendents are required annually to make reports to the superintendent, at such times as shall be appointed by him. The town superintendents of common schools are required to file their reports with the county clerk, on or before the first day of August in each year. The law made it the duty of the county clerks to transmit certified copies of all such reports to the superintendent by the first day of October in every year. This duty is now to be performed by the county superintendents, who, for that purpose, are to have access to the reports filed in the clerk's offices without charge. Although the time thus fixed for transmitting the reports to the superintendent is longer than is necessary, in many counties, yet for the purpose of giving ample opportunity to render the returns full and accurate, the same time is hereby appointed for the county superintendents to make their reports; but it is required that they shall be made and deposited in the post-office in season to reach the office of the Secretary of State by the first day of October in each year. This is essential to enable the superintendent to prepare his annual report to the Legislature, for presentation at the proper period.

2. Their contents.-The reports are required by the statute to be the same as those now made by county clerks, with such additional information as the superintendent shall require. They will contain:

(1.) A statement of the whole number of towns and cities in the county, distinguishing those from which the necessary reports have been made, and those from which none have been received:

(2.) A true and accurate abstract of all the reports filed with the county clerk during the year, or since the preceding annual report, by the town superintendents of common schools of the several towns, certified by the county superintendents respectively, to be true and accurate abstracts of said originals. To facilitate the performance of this duty, printed blanks will be transmitted to the county superintendents. The several columns are to be footed, so as to exhibit an abstract of the reports for the whole county.

3. They will also report the number of district schools visited by them during the year, and the number of times each school has been so visited, specifying the number when they were accompanied by the town superintendent. They will state the condition of the schools under the following heads:

(1.) Teachers.-The number of males and their ages, viz: the number under 18 years of age; those over 18 and under 21; over 21 and under 25; over 25 and under 30; over 30 and under 40; over 40 and under 60; and over 50. The number of females and their ages in the same manner. The length of time those of different sexes have taught school, viz: the number of males who have taught less than one year; the number who have taught one year and less than two; two years and less than four; four years and less than six; more than six years; and the same in respect to females. They will also state the monthly compensation of the teachers, specifying how many receive the different sums that may be found to be paid; thus, the number receiving $8.00 per month; the number receiving $10.00, &c. and arranging them according to the sex of the teachers They will ascertain from the teachers respectively, the different portions of time they have kept any one school, and will communicate the result in a table, showing how many teachers have kept the same school one year, two years, three years, four years, five years, more than five and less than ten, and more than ten years.

(2.) The course and extent of study pursued.-Under this head the report will state the following particu

lars:

Number of pupils in attendance at each time of visi

tation.

Number of classes in the school. Number of pupils learning the alphabet.

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do do

do

History of the U. States. other history.

grammar.

use of globes.

engaged in other studies, specifying them and the number pursuing each study. (3.) They are to report the result of their observa. tions:

1st. In relation to the qualifications of the teachers generally.

2d. In relation to the mode of teaching adopted in the schools.

sd. In relation to their government and discipline. And they will notice gross irregularities or imperfections.

5. Condition of the School Houses.-They will state the number built of stone; those of brick; of wood framed, and of logs; also the number having but one room; those having two rooms in which schools are kept, and those having three or more rooms; the number in good repair, and the number in bad or decaying condition. They will also state the number which have no privies; those which have one; and those which have two or more.

5. Condition of the District.-Any information which may be obtained under the inquiries already suggested, and which may be deemed useful, or in respect to which any beneficial action of this department can be had, will be stated in this report.

6. The state of the district libraries-The county superintendents are required to examine the library of each district, and ascertain the whole number of books purchased, and on hand, and their condition; and the average number in circulation, i. e. the proportion usu ally kept out. They will state in their reports, the whole number of books in all the district libraries in the county, and the average of circulation obtained from the averages of each district. They will state, generally, the condition of the books, as far as seen by them, and the degree of care and attention apparently bestowed in their preservation by the trustees and librarian. If they discover any improper books in the libra ries, they should suggest to the trustees their removal; and if they find them continued, notwithstanding, they will report the facts to this department.

8. They will also report the whole number of persons to whom they have given certificates of qualification as teachers, during the year, specifying their sexes and ages, viz: those under 18-those over 18 and under 21 -over 21 and under 25-over 25 and under 30- over 30 and under 40-over 40 and under 50-and those over 50.

8. It will be perceived that trustees of school districts are required to state in their reports the number of select schools, other than those that are incorporated, within their respective districts, and the average number of pupils attending them. There are such schools in cities and villages, as in Utica, Schenectady, Poughkeepsie and other places, which are not within any school district. As the information desired has a very important bearing upon the common school system, the county superintendents are required to ascertain the number of such schools and the pupils taught in them during the year, which are kept in such cities and villages and are not included in any school district, and state them in their annual reports. They will be careful not to embrace any that are contained in the reports of the trustees; and to insure accuracy, they will specify the city or village in which the select schools are established. Those that are incorporated will be included in the reports to the Regents of the University. IV. The licensing of teachers and annull

ing their certificates.

1. Examining and licensing teachers.-This authority, it will be perceived, is given by sub. 2 of 36, of the act of 1841, (No. 171.) It being very desirable that all the teachers should be licensed by the county superintendents, so as to secure the competent talent and know. ledge, and to produce uniformity in a county; and to afford every reasonable accommodation to those desiring to offer themselves, they should make their arrangements to examine applicants for licenses in the diffe

Number of pupils learning to spell without being able rent towns of their county, during their visitations in

to read. Number of pupils learning to rend.

do

do to define words.

such towns. For this purpose, they should appoint a particular day and place in each town, and when the town is very large, in different sectionsof it, when they of such appointment should be given. It is probable

Number of pupils studying arithmetic, but not beyond will be in readiness to examine teachers. Public notice simple division.

that this will bring together several applicants, and thus diminish the labors of the superintendent: particularly as a license by him will obviate the necessity of early examinations, as well as prevent the necessity of a re-examination during the year. In making such examinations, they should confine them. selves to the subjects specified in the statue in relation to town superintendents, § 46, (No. 57,) and should ascertain the qualifications of the candidates in respect, 1st, to moral character; 2d, learning; and third, ability. First.-They should require testimonials of moral character, from those acquainted with the applicant, which should be either verbal or written, and the latter. is to be preferred. This is not a matter to be neglected or slighted. Those to whom the training of our youth is to be committed, should possess such a character as will inspire confidence in the rectitude of their princiciples, and the propriety of their conduct: and it is to be understood as a positive regulation of this department, that no license is to be granted, without entire satisfaction on this point. This must be understood to relate to moral character-to the reputation of the applicants as good citizens, free from the reproach of crime or immoral conduct. It does not extend to their belief, religious or political; but it may apply to their manner of expressing such belief or maintaining it. If that manner is, in itself, boisterous and disorderly, intemperate and offensive, it may well be supposed to indicate ungoverned passions, or want of sound principles of conduct, which would render its possessor obnoxious to the inhabitants of the district, and unfit for the sacred duties of a teacher of youth. who should instruct as well by example as by precept.

Second. As to the learning of the applicants. It should appear from their examination that they are good spellers, distinct and accurate readers, write good and plain hands, can make pens, and are well versed 1st. In the definition of words:

2d. In arithmetic, at least as far as the double rule

of three :

3d. In geography, as far as contained in any of the works in ordinary use:

4th. In the History of the United States, of England, and of Europe generally:

5th. In the principles of English grammar: and, 6th. In the use of globes.

If they are found well acquainted with the other branches, a more slight knowledge of the 4th and 6th heads, as above enumerated, may be excused.

Third. The ability of the applicants to teach. Mere learning, without the capacity to impart it, would be of no use. The deputies should satisfy themselves, by general inquiries, and particularly by a thorough examination of the applicants respectively, of their qualifications in this respect, of their tact in dealing with children, and especially of their possessing the unwea ried patience, and invariable good nature, so necessary to constitute useful teachers of youth.

Having satisfied themselves on these several points. the county superintendents will grant certificates of qualification in the following form:

Form of certificate of qualification to be granted by County Superintendents.

the allegations against him, when it is proposed to annul his certificate, particularly when the alleged ground is deficiency of moral character; and he should have full opportunity afforded him for defence. The county superintendent may, at any time, examine any person holding a certificate, to ascertain his qualifications with respect to learning and ability: and a refusal to submit to such examination, would be, in itself, sufficient evidence of incompetency, to justify the annulling his certificate.

3. The form of the instrument annulling the certificate, may be as follows:

Form of instrument annulling a certificate. To all to whom these presents may come. Whereas, on or about the day of

184

a

certificate of qualification to teach Common Schools, was granted to A. B. by the [town superintendent of the town of in the county of ] or [by the County Superintendent of Common Schools of the said county of ] And whereas, on due exa

mination and inquiry by the County Superintendent and the Town Superof the said county of the said A. B. has intendent of the town of been found deficient and unqualified to teach Common Schools; Know ye, therefore, that we, the said County and Town Superintendents, do hereby annul and declare void the said certificate of qualification so given to the said A. B. In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, this day of County Supt. Town Supt.

194

4. A duplicate of this instrument should be served on the person whose certificate is annulled, although it will be valid without such service. It is not necessary to give notice of it to the trustees of the district where he may be employed, to render it effectual; but such notice should promptly be given, to prevent the loss by the district, of its portion of the public moneys, which would ensue from the employment of a teacher not holding a license.

5. The county superintendents are required, at the expiration of every three months, to state in a separate report to this department, the names of all persons whose certificates of qualification have been annulled by them, with the cause of such proceeding. In cases where it may be proper, such reports will be published in the District School Journal.

6. They are also required to keep a register of the names of all persons to whom they grant certificates of qualification, with the date of such certificate, and the town in which it was given; and also of the names of all persons whose certificates are annulled by them, with the date of the act and the general reasons therefor.

Their proceedings in relation to the granting or annulling of certificates are subject to appeal to the superintendent, by any person deeming himself aggrieved.

V. Miscellaneous Duties.

1. County superintendents are undoubtedly within the class of public officers required by the constitution to take the oath of office. This oath should be filed with the county clerk previous to the performance of any duty.

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, BE IT KNOWN, That I, County Superintendent of Common Schools for the county of having examined A B. and having ascertained his qualifications in re- 2. Upon being duly qualified, they are directed to an spect to moral character, learning, and ability to in-nounce the fact to this department, stating their places struct a Common School, Do HEREBY CERTIFY, that he is of residence, and the post-offices to which communicaduly qualified for that service, and accordingly he is tions intended for them should be addressed. They hereby LICENSED to teach Common Schools, in any town will also state the most practicable mode of transmit and district of the said county, until this certificate ting to them any books or packages. shall be annulled according to law. Given under my hand, this in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty County Superintendent.

day of

It is conceived that 93 (No. 142,) applies only to the certificates of qualification therein specified, viz: those granted by the town superintendents of common schools, and that, while such certificates are valid only for one year from their date, those granted by the county superintendents, not being thus restricted and limit ed by law, have full force and effect until they are voked or annulled by competent authority.

3. It is recommended to them to assemble the teachers of neighboring districts, as often as may be, at convenient places, that they may communicate with him and each other, on the best modes of promoting the respecting the manner of teaching, the government of success of their schools. By comparing their views schools, and the various topics of practical duty, they will eventually derive much benefit. Indeed there is no subject on which more light may be thrown than on that of primary education, by full and free discussion; not re-but with the honest desire of improving by the experi for the purpose of maintaining preconceived opinions, ence and observation of others. And if permanent associations of teachers can be formed in each county, or where the county is large in different portions of it, they will not only promote the usefulness of the members, but will produce those feelings of reciprocal kindness and good will, which should belong to a profession of such importance, and enable them to preserve

2. Annulling certificates of teachers. 1. This can be done only by a county superintendent, with the consent of the town superintendent, when granted by such town superintendent. But a license granted by him, can be annulled only by him.

2. Previous notice should be given to the teacher of

4. The county superintendents should make them-grade of certificate, which ought never to be granted selves familiar with the laws concerning common schools, the regulations of the Superintendent, and his decisions and instructions in explanation of them, which will be furnished to each. They will find this knowledge equally indispensable to the performance of their own duties, and to enable them to impart the information and furnish the advice for which they will be constantly solicited, and which is, indeed, one principal object of their appointment.

and increase the public respect and confidence by the or even of the finally successful party, which is so insalutary restraint they may exercise over each other, dispensable to the efficient performance of their superand by the means they will thus possess of excluding visory duties. unworthy associates. The regular and steady increase It will be perceived by the eighth section of the new in the rate of wages paid to teachers, proves that their act, that county superintendents are authorized hereprofession is advancing in public estimation. The un-after to grant two classes of certificates of qualification natural augmentation of the numbers of those who have to candidates for teachers: the one similar to those heretofore devoted themselves to other professions, par- which they are now authorized to grant, and the other ticularly that of the law, has produced the usual effect of the same description with those which town superof a redundancy; and many of the best educated young intendeuts may grant. and that the consent of the town men in our State are now turning their attention to the superintendent is not requisite to the annulling of either business of instruction, as the pursuit of their lives. class. This discretionary power will enable them to In this state of things more depends on the teachers discriminate between applicants of different qualificathemselves, than on any other cause, to elevate the tions, and at the same time to supply the demand for character of their profession, and with it, the standard legally qualified teachers. A judicious exercise of the of education, and thus expand to the utmost extent the discretion thus vested in them, will speedily create a blessings of our schools. desirable competition among teachers for the higher except to teachers of undoubted ability and qualifications, and should ordinarily be reserved until the county superintendent has thoroughly tested such ability and qualifications by a visit to the school. 6. By the tenth section, the State Superintendent is authorized, on the recommendation of the County Superintendent, or on such other evidence as he may deem satisfactory, to grant certificates of qualification of the highest grade. This power must of necessity be sparingly exercised and will be reserved as the suitable reward of thoroughly tested superiority in teaching. The several County Superintendents are hereby directed.in their next and each succeeding annual report to specify the names and distinctive qualifications of any number of teachers not exceeding five within their jurisdictions, whom they are willing to recommend as candidates for such State certificate; having particular reference to ability and success in the communication of mental and moral instruction, and of the power of self-culture and the formation of those habits and principles best adapted to develop and strengthen the various physical, intellectual and moral faculties.

5. No stronger or more gratifying evidence can be afforded of the approbation with which the Legislature regarded the system of county supervision as at present established, than is comprised in the fact of devolving upon the officers charged or to be charged with these functions, the duty and responsibility of deciding in the first instance, upon all appeals now authorized to be preferred to this department. Under this provision, they are not only vested with most important powers in reference to the settement of the numerous controversies which spring up in the several districts, but enabled to exert a prevading influence of permanent utility as peace-makers, in that extensive class of cases where the paramount interests of education are now too frequently sacrificed to the attainment of a temporary triumph, or the gratification of a domineering, avaricious or selfish spirit. There can be no doubt tha: the presence and explanations and friendly counsels of one in whom all parties can confide-whose integrity is above suspicion-who comes to them, not with the dictatorial assumption of power, but as one deeply interested in their welfare and that of their children, and anxious only to restore harmony and peace where harmony and peace are indispensable to the common welfare, will, within the compass of a very short period, materially reduce the number of vexatious, protracted and unprofitable school district controversies and dissensions. There will still, however, be left a wide field for the exercise of sound judgment, nice discrimination and untiring patience and equanimity.

7. In the discharge of the various duties imposed upon them by the late law, the several County Superintendents will occasionally be called upon to receive and answer letters from inhabitants and officers of school districts. The expense so incurred is made a legal charge on the county; and the respective Boards of Supervisors are authorized to audit and allow the same. As such allowance, however, is discretionary with the Board, the Superintendents will find it advisable to curtail the expenses which may accrue from this source within as narrow bounds as possible. The facility with which personal communication may in most instances be had, and especially the opportunity which will be afforded by their periodical visitations of the districts, will obviate to a very great extent the necessity for epistolary correspondence. Cases will, however, frequently occur where such communications may be ne

ty Superintendent, the requisite amount will doubtless promptly be allowed by Boards of Supervisors.

To qualify themselves for the judicious and enlight-cessary; and when so certified under oath by the Counened discharge of the duties and responsibilities thus devolved upon them, the county superintendents must first render themselves familiar with the various laws S. The power of removal from office vested in the Surelating to common schools and with the published de- perintendent will, it can scarcely be necessary to say, never be exercised unless upon the most pressing exicisions of the department under those laws. In order to secure as far as may be possible, perfect uniformity gency, and in cases of flagrant neglect, violation or of decision throughout the State, it is recommended to perversion of duty, where the action of the appointing the several county superintendents to refer at once to power cannot be had in season to avert the evil. While the head of the department, every question respecting the Superintendent will, in no case undertake to review the proper interpretation of any given statute or prin- or in any manner to control, by the exercise of this power, the designation by the respective Boards of the ciple, not clearly apparent or specifically settled by the published decisions. It is of the utmost importance individual deemed most suitable to discharge the duties that the administration of the system should be uniform of the office of County Superintendent, he will take care that the confidence reposed in such individual, is in every section of the State. Discordant principles and neither abused nor betrayed: and especially that the clashing decisions in reference to the same point, must, great interests of education, and the salutary provi. it is obvious, fatally weaken the influence of that admi. rable organization which now prevails, and introducesions of the legiglature for their advancement are not anarchy and confusion in the place of order and justice. In the settlement and disposition of the various questions which will come up before them. the county superintendents can preserve and extend their influence and promote their usefulness, only by a strict impartiality between the contending parties, and a calm, temperate, dispassionate, but at the same time, firm and dignified examination and decision of the points at issue. If they err, either in reference to the facts or the law, a prompt remedy is afforded by an appeal to this depart ment; but if they have imprudently made themselves, either by an overweening confidence in their construction of the law with reference to the particular facts of any given case, or otherwise, parties to the controversy; they will find it exceedingly difficult to regain that in fluence over the minds and feelings of the disappointed,

rendered obnoxious to the people in consequence of the incompetency or unfaithfulness of the agent selected to vindicate the one and enforce the other.

UNIFORMITY OF TEXT BOOKS.

9. It is believed that the period has now arrived when an earnest and systematic effort should be made, under the auspices of the Town and County Superintendents, to relieve our institutions of elementary in-truction from the serious embarrassments resulting from the diversity and constant change of text books. The several County Superintendents are therefore enjoined to avall themselves of the earliest practicable opportunity to cause an uniform series of text books, embracing all the elementary works ordinarily used in the common schools, to be adopted in each of the districts subject

to their supervision, under the direction and with the consent of the Trustees; and when so adopted, not to be changed for the term of three years. Whenever such uniformity can be extended throughout all the districts of the town, and throughout all the towns of the county, it is very desirable that such extension should be made; but from the great diversity of views in relation to the relative merit of different works, the progress of this extension must necessarily be slow. The foundations may, however, be laid by the attainment of uniformity in the respective districts, for an ultimate harmony of views and concert of action on a wider thea

tre.

10. The compensation of the County Superintendents is provided for by § 39 of the act of 1841, (No. 174.) They should make out an account of the number of days "necessarily spent in the discharge of their duties," which should be verified in the manner required by the board of supervisors, which is usually by oath. The board is then to audit and certify the whole amount to be paid. Upon producing to the county treasurer a certified copy of the resolution of the board, he is to pay one equal moiety out of the moneys in his hands for the contingent charges of the county Another copy of the resolution of the board, certified by the chairman and clerk. should then be procured. To this should be at tached an order signed by the co. sup. drawing it, to the Treasurer of the State, directing the payment of the remaining moiety, the amount of which should be specified, to some person to be designated therein. The person in whose favor the order is drawn will present it to the Comptroller, with the certified copy of the resolution, and that officer will draw his warrant on the Treasurer, who will pay the amount, on the receipt of the person presenting the order.

It is believed that under the provision allowing compensation for the days necessarily spent in the discharge of their duties," the superintendents will have a right to charge for the time employed by them in visit ing the schools and districts, in licensing teachers, in annulling their certificates, in collecting the materials for their reports, in visiting the academies in which departments are established for the instruction of teachers, in preparing the reports required of them, and copying those made by the commissioners of towns.

As their pay cannot exceed $500 in each year, which will only cover 250 days, and as in the counties gene. rally, more than that number of days will be required for inspections and preparing reports, there will be little occasion for very minute inquiries respecting the services entitled to compensation.

11. County Visiters. The authority to appoint these visiters given by the act of 1839, (No. 3.) remains in full force, and the gentlemen heretofore selected retain the powers conferred by their appointment and the statute. Although the same exigency for their services does not exist, yet they can still be eminently useful in awakening public attention and concentrating public opinion on the subject of primary education, by co-operating with the deputy superintendents. They are, therefore, to be encouraged and assisted in any efforts they may make to visit the schools and improve their condition. The County Superintendents will find them efficient and able auxiliaries.

A review of the several heads of these instructions will impress the County Superintendents with the extent, variety and importance of the duties they have assumed. They will perceiye that their stations will not be sinecures; and that upon the faithful and conscientious discharge of their obligations will depend the success or failure of what is believed to be the greatest improvement in our system of common school instruction that has been made since its establishment. It can scarcely be necessary to say that they are invited to communicate freely with this department; and that all the aid in its power will be cheerfully rendered to facilitate the performance of duties, to which the hopes and expectations of the friends of education are so anxiously directed, and from which so much is expected. S. YOUNG, Sup't of Common Schools.

CORRECTION.

The annual reports of Trustees of school districts are hereafter required by law to be made and transmit ted to the town superintendents between the first and fifteenth day of January in each year, instead of " on or before the 1st of March," as erroneously stated on page 140 ante. Add to No. 137, sub. 4, that "No school has been taught for more than a month in the district, by other than a qualified teacher." Add same on page 140, after sub. 6, of No. 2.

INDEX

TO THE

STATUTES RELATING TO COMMON SCHOOLS.

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[The Figures refer to the Sections as numbered.] Alterations of school districts, 26 Annual meeting of school districts 71 to 74, 76 to 82. 87, SS, 106, 160, 175 to 177 Annual reports,...1, 11, 27, 35 to 39, 136 to 145, 168, 173 Apparatus, Appeals, 160, 173, 193 Appendages to school houses, 74, 75, 103 Apportionment of school moneys, 5 to 10, 24, 27, 29, 31 to 34, 179, 179(a) Assessment,.

..........

Assessment roll of town,
Authentications,
Black boards,
Blank books,

76

19

117

4

76

15

122 Board of Supervisors, 19, 20, 22, 40, 41, 75, 112 to 114, 171, 172, 174, 174(d) Book case, 175 Bonds,. 153, 156, 157 Certificates of teachers, 28, 55 to 62, 142, 171, 171(a), 172 Certificates of Town Superintendents,. 76, 85 Chamberlain of the city of New-York, Children, 137, 139 to 141 Clerk of Board of Supervisors, 22, 23, 171, 171(a) Colored children, Comptroller, 10, 13, 14, 23, 114, 174, 174(c) 187 Corporations, Costs,. County Clerk, County poor house, County Superintendents, ...... County Treasuser,

168

167

50, 88, 147 18, 165, 172, 173 139 171 to 174, 15 to 17, 21, 34, 111 to 114 160

..........

....

Decisions of Superintendent,
District Clerk, 74, 75, 79, 86, 87, 98 to 102, 166, 177
District Collector, 74, 75, 99 to 101, 103, 109, 131, 132,
District Libraries,..
District Librarian,

Errors in tax lists and rate bills,
Exemptions, -
Fines,

Forms and instructions,
Fuel,

145, 154, 156 to 159 175, to 177, 179 to 197 177, 180 to 183

.....

134

103, 104, 119, 124

.... 182 11, 12, 170, 186 ... 74, 76, 103, 123 to 126

General Deputy Superintendent,
Globes,

Incorporated Companies,·
Indian children,..
Indigent persons,

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Inhabitants of school districts, 66 to 74, 76, 77, 79,
88, 103, 104, 107, 116, 123, 124, 160, 161, 175, 176
Inspectors of schools,.
54 to 64, 171, 171(a)
Joint libraries,
184
Joint districts,..
Justices of the Peace,.
Laws, certain, repealed,
Library moneys,
Maps,
Minors,

New towns, Non residents, Notice,..

.... 101

187(a) 179, 185 76, 197 182

9

107 to 115, 133, 140 66, 79, 92, 97, 102, 103 Officers of school districts, 74, 75, 79 to 81 Organization of school districts,...... 25, 66, 68, 92, 93 Penalties and forfeitures, 24, 37, 39 to 41, 46 to 49, 69, 73, 100, 145, 150 to 152, 158, 159, 163, 166, 180 to 182 Property of school districts,. 88 to 97, 122, 147 Qualifications of voters, 71, 72 Rate Bills,. 103 to 106, 122, 126, 128, 131 to 134 Record Book, 77 Renewals of warrants,.. 133, 134 Repairs to school house, 74, 76 Residents,.. Resignations,. School acts,.

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School districts, ....... 24 to 34, 66 to 70, 92 to 97, 160 School Journal, a periodical, School money, 5 to 10, 14 to 24, 27 to 35, 39 to 45, 103, 122, 135, 148 to 153, 166, 168, 179, 185 105 Separate neighborhoods,· 24, 29, 144, 145 Site for school house, 74, 76, 85, 86, 88, 90 to 94, 103 Special meetings, 71 to 74, 76, 77, 79, 80, 82, 88, 102, State Treasurer,.......... 103, 106, 160, 175, 176 14, 174, 174(c)

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