DISTRICT SCHOOL JOURNAL.

ALBANY, APRIL, 1814.

THE JOURNAL.

We open this volume with a double number, intending to issue a similar sheet every alternate number, thus increasing, by one-half, the contents of the Journal. In making these arrange. ments, we have been actuated by the wish to give greater variety and usefulness to our columns, and also to secure a larger space for the reports and communications of the county and town superintendents, that the Journal may be made a more powerful auxiliary to the system, and a more successful advocate of the great cause of education. But our expenses will unavoidably be greatly increased, and we must therefore frankly appeal to each of the town and county officers for a prompt and cordial ef

fort in its behalf.

PLANS FOR GIVING THE GREATEST EF-
FICIENCY TO THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

Extract from Report of County Sup. of Albany.
To reach and remedy these evils, a plan of
supervision was adopted, in some respects pecu-
liar, which I now respectfully submit to the
consideration of the State Superintendent.

If the county superintendent inspects the school with intelligent and untiring zeal; if defects are pointed out and remedies suggested with kindness, delicacy and decision; if the em. ployers are earnestly appealed to, to discharge their important duties both to teacher and pupil; if the children be counselled and encouraged wisely to use those hours whose influence will affect every thought and act of after life, something doubtless has been done which will not be utterly lost with the passing moment. But un. fortunately in those schools which are most de. graded, and where supervision is most necessary, but comparatively little good is effected. The teacher listens courteously, acknowledges candidly, and perhaps, promises fairly, but goes on in the well beaten path of soulless routine, grinding out his regular number of exercises with less actual thought than is required in the humblest mechanical employment.

These, and similar reflections, made my first official visitations unsatisfactory to myself; for if good were accomplished, it was neither what the law contemplated, nor what the people had a right to demand. Remedies were immediately devised and tested, and among the many tried, none is more simple or more likely to prove effectual than

THE SCHOOL REGISTER.

Instead of the ordinary brief entry "inspected this school on day," let a plain and true statement be made on the register of its actual condition, indicating the branches that are well or ill taught, the defects or merits of classification and discipline, and suggesting such remedies as any existing evil may require. Enter the day decided on for an examination, (at which the town superintendent should be present,) at or near the close of the term, that then it may

be ascertained whether the teacher has conformed to the directions given. The record should then be signed by the county and town superintendents and the trustees who may be

present.

It is hardly necessary to state in detail, the advantages of this record-a record oftentimes it stands, a constant and faithful mentor of duty, filling two or more pages of the register. There encouraging and sustaining the good teacher, arousing the indolent, exposing and warning the bad; and assuring all, that the results of their labors will be known and appreciated at that examination, without which no school should ever be allowed to close. This record has another, and hardly inferior anvantage; it is open for the examination of the inhabitants, who may see in what manner the county superintendent discharges his duty, that he too may feel his responsibility.

Of the results of this system in the three towns in which it has been spiritedly carried out by the town superintendents, were I to speak truly, I should be thought to speak extravagantly. In numerous instances the character of a school has been retrieved, and in some, every suggestion has been successfully adopted. And though this result is partly referable to other measures, yet this silent monitor, the register, has contributed to it in no mean degree.

The school register will subserve other important purposes. Besides affording ample space for the teachers' list for five years, the book usually purchased may be most beneficially used as a district leger, in which all that relates to its affairs may be entered. Boundaries of the district, contracts with teachers, library list, teachers' list, record of district meetings, record of inspections, list of text books, and miscellaneous, are the appropriate titles under which entries should be made by the teacher, so as to present a perfect picture of the district. In this manner many difficulties will be prevented, and the duties of trustees and superintendents greatly facilitated. This is not proposed as a

substitute for the books required by law to be kept in the district, but as a means of making their information easily available, and of closing the sources of many difficulties which often disturb and embarrass the schools.

TEACHERS' DRILL.

the map or maps on which the pupils are to be examined, being designated, and a "questioner," who should not be one of the competing teachers, appointed, drafts of a certain number of pupils should be made from each school by its master, as the representatives of his school in that study, and on whom he depends for sustaining its repu tation. These "drafts" should then be arranged in the side aisles, school opposite to school, ac

the town and county superintendents, the schools of the town being fairly divided, and a small space being left between the "drafts." The exercise is begun by asking the lowest pupil in the lowest school on the right, and then the pupil opposite, passing in this manner from side to side, and when, on the decision of the judges, a miss has occurred, the pupil missing should sit down or leave the "draft," and the question be put to the pupil opposite. At the instant the time agreed upon for the duration of the exer

Finding it impracticable to establish an insti. tute for the improvement of teachers, a substitute was sought in holding "teachers' drills," in each town of the county, at which the best me-cording to their relative rank as determined by thods of discipline and instruction were examined and recommended. These were held in October, in the hope that an impulse might be given to the winter schools, and that employers would be induced to attend, to ascertain the capacity of the candidates for certificates, and to judge of the measures proposed. By the zealous co-operation of the town superintendents, large classes were assembled in the several towns, and after a day of earnest attention to the details of teaching, the evening was devoted to discussions of the general relations of the school to society, and of the cise has expired, the number of pupils standing relative duties of parents and teachers. One-being those who have not missed-should be hundred and thirty-six different teachers shared counted, and the relative rank of the schools rein these exercises, and the churches in which ported by the judges. they were held were, in some of the towns, well

filled by employers, not only in the evening, but during the day. In this manner the interest of the people was aroused and a spirit of generous emulation awakened, which prepared the way for those teachers' associations and school cele

brations, which are already powerfully co-ope. rating to effect the general improvement of the

schools.

These drills might, with great benefit, be held semi-annually, before the summer and winter terms, at which time certificates should be granted and arrangements made for the examination of the schools.

Notice was given that the teachers would be examined next autumn on American History, and Human Physiology, with reference to the laws of health.

SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS. These should be made the festival and the examination of the schools, alike attractive and improving to pupils and teachers.

This bare outline of a most useful and inter

esting exercise is given in the hope that it may suggest other and better methods for arousing ence as tested in this county, exceeded the most the slumbering interest of the people. Its influsanguine anticipations; not only children, but parents gathering to this generous contest of the schools, the clergy and other leading citizens

lending their powerful and zealous aid, and the teachers reaping no barren harvest. The town of Coeymans owes much to the enlightened zeal of its town superintendent, J. McCarty, Esq., under whose directions the celebration of last autumn was held, the influence of which is still felt in every school room under his supervision. If a drill is held at the beginning, and a celebration at the close of the summer and winter terms, more will be done for the schools than by any other measures we have tested.

TEXT BOOKS.

An effort has been made, in conjunction with the town superintendents, to secure uniform, At the teachers' drills, notice may be given and suitable and cheap books. Lists have been arrangements made for a general celebration of printed and posted up in the several school the reformation of the schools, at or near the rooms, and the teachers have been directed, that close of the ensuing term. On the day selected, whenever new books are needed, those of the the schools should be assembled in each of the list should be bought. The subject has been several towns, at some convenient church, three brought before the people of the different towns, judges chosen, and the time each exercise shall and an unanimous wish expressed at every continue, determined. After singing by the meeting that the books should be introduced and schools, some study, perhaps geography, with kept in the schools. The board of supervisors

adopted the following resolution on this sub-pose of reporting to the board of supervisors ject.

public examination of the classes in their several
studies, rendered that a day of absorbing inte-
rest. I have been present with the people of the
district on many such occasions, and cordially
adopt the glowing terms in which they have been
described by one of the town superintendents:
"The practice of periodical examinations
marks a new era in the annals of our common
schools. These public performances form tho-
rough and systematic preparation, and produce
brilliant and successful exhibition. The pre-
sence of the natural and moral guardians of the
young, elicits their latent powers, kindles the
lamp of hope, and inspires a laudable ambition.
Its influence on the teachers is equally salutary.
Their dormant energies are developed, their de
sire of distinction promotes fidelity and efi ciency,
their path of duty seems divested of its thorns,
and spread with flowery verdure. Assured of
the sympathy, the confidence, and co-operation of
their employers, their shining course widens and
brightens as they advance in the career of im-
provement. They feel that they no longer are
doomed to labor with unrequited toil in a thank-
less vocation, but delight to lead the willing feet
of youth in the path of science, through the
portals of virtue to the temple of truth. This
is their high commission, their lofty pur-
pose,' to unseal the depositories of mental
wealth, and to unlock the casket of knowledge,
and reveal the gems of thought and pearls of
truth that there lie sparkling in splendor and
loveliness.'

"These scenes were witnessed and enjoyed by parents with peculiar pleasure. As the juvenile classes severally passed in review and displayed the treasures they had gathered in the fields of study, the eye of the father would brighten and the cheek of the mother would glow. The success of the child was the pride of the parent. These occasions were sometimes concluded by vocal music. The practice of singing in common schools is regarded with increasing favor, and it is hoped that it will more extensively prevail.

"The District School Journal is still neglect. ed in some few districts, but in most of those with which I have been conversant, it is eagerly read and highly appreciated.

"Before this tribunal must be presented the cause of educational improvement. The people, by plain reasoning, and kind but earnest entreaty, must be induced to feel that absorbing interest in the welfare and elevation of the school, which its importance demands. There must be line upon line, precept upon precept. The powers of logic and rhetoric, of argument and eloquence, must be tasked in the good cause. Men must be convinced that the happiness of themselves and of their descendantsnay, their very existence as freemen-depends upon an all embracing system of enlightened and virtuous education. They must be satisfied that it is not only better but cheaper to sustain the children of the poor in the public schools, than to pay ten times the tax to support them in jails, penitentiaries, and almshouses, after they have grown grey in iniquity, become encrusted with vice, and loathsome with crime. They must be instructed that good schools are better than bad prisons, that a learned and kind schoolmaster is a more profitable public agent than a constable or a turnkey.

"And when can this be done more successfully than by addresses at a school celebration? On these occasions several hundred youth, with their parents, are usually assembled; an intense interest is awakened. The excitements of a holiday and the sympathy of numbers are brought to assist in the dissemination of truth. The children are proud and happy, because the festival is in honor of them and their school. The parents are proud and happy because their Ichildren are, and every thing is favorable to en"I am pleased to state that a common school stamp the most enduring impressions upon the association has been formed in this county, un-public mind-to strike leading chords which will der favorable auspices, and a series of school vibrate for ages. books recommended, which are being to consi- "I recommend that they be held in two or derable extent introduced into the schools. three neighborhoods in every town, that all may "I cannot conclude without expressing my be reached. They have been held in Orleans grateful sense of obligation to the town super-county now for two years past, and have been intendents, for the cordial and valuable assist-productive of unalloyed good. I consider school ance rendered me in the discharge of my offi- celebrations and Normal schools as the very cial duties, and commending the zeal and ener- arms of educational reform. Without them we gy with which they have performed the impor- can do nothing-with them every desirable adtant trust which has been committed to their vance may be effected. hands."

Mr. Reynolds, superintendent of Orleans, earnestly enforces the same view:

"All measures of reform, to be effectually carried out in this country, must be submitted to the good sense and sympathy of the people. The very fundamental theory of our government shows this to be essential. We have no estab. lished monarchy, entrenched by bayonets and supported by lambering culverines,' to enforce regulations even for the good of the mass,

"Our method of conducting these celebrations has varied according to circumstances. The public exercises have sometimes consisted solely of addresses, music, &c. At other times, the different teachers have been called on to give an exposé of the actual condition of the schools under their charge. This embraces the statistics of attendance, classification, age, studies, text-books, school room furniture, condition of the house and appendages, habits of study among their pupils, and the progress made by them, methods of teaching, communi

cation of moral instruction, interest felt by pa-are here offered, in the hope that further obserrents as shown by their visitations to the school, vations on the same subject may be drawn from and usually concludes by such suggestions of abler writers. improvement as their experience or reflection may authorize. Thus the real situation of these primary seminaries is portrayed in vivid and truthful colors. The citizens of the town are thus made acquainted with the manner in which the school fund is rendered useful or squandered. A spirit of wholesome emulation is also in this way stimulated into activity between the respective teachers and schools. Each school, as a whole, will strive to stand high when compared with others; each teacher will put forth strenuous efforts to acquit himself honorably. No harm will ever arise from this species of

emulation.

"The teachers' reports may be in writing, and preserved in the town clerk's office, as a permanent history of the schools in the town. Such a depository would be invaluable."

COMMUNICATIONS.

Each town superintendent should provide himself with a blank book, in which he should keep a record of all his official acts; and the information obtained in his visits to the schools respecting their condition, management, studies pursued, progress of the scholars and various other points should be carefully noted down. "Henry's Field Book for Town Superintendents" exhibits a good plan for recording, in a tabular form, the information obtained in visiting. On the first view, I was inclined to think this form might be considerably abridged, without detriment; but a "sober second thought," has convinced me that the inquiries of the inspecting offieer should extend to all the points named in the "Field Book." I should be pleased to see this "Field Book," or something like it, in general

use.

It may be asked, what is the advantage of such a record? I reply by asking, what is the advantage of visiting the schools at all? Is it not to inquire into their condition and management? And THE following timely and judicious sugges-if the information is worth inquiring for, is it not tions, should be carefully considered and ener-worth preserving? getically carried out. This is the commencement of a new school year, and such measures should now be taken as will make it a year of universal and inestimable blessings. The means are provided by our admirable school organiza tion, and the united and cordial co-operation of its officers, might secure greater benefits to the state, than if they had power to give untold wealth to every family within its borders.

If each County Superintendent will arrange an early meeting of these town officers, and adopt such a plan of supervision, examination, drills and celebrations as shall wisely combine their joint labors, then, one year of well-planned, uni. ted effort will accomplish more than a decade of partial and independent exertions. Shall it not be done?

Such a record would furnish the town superintendent with a ready means of complying with the recommendation of the Department, to make annually to the county superintendent, "a detailed report of the character and condition of the several schools within his town." By comparing the record of different years, we could judge, with a great degree of accuracy, whether the schools were improving. On going out of office, record to his successor, and thus would be furthe town superintendent should hand over his nished an unbroken and minute history of primary education in the several towns. No doubt the course here recommended would act as a stimulus to teachers; for when we are conscious that our deeds are to be recorded in a particular manner, it is very natural to desire that such record should present us in a favorable light.

The town and county superintendents of each county should hold a regular annual meeting. County conventions should not be a transient af fair; the practice of holding them, at least once Similar measures to those here recommended, of such meeting should remain the same from a year, should always be continued. The time have already been partially tested in the county year to year; the day would then obtain notorie of Albany, and we ask attention to the outlinesty, and would not be easily forgotten. The conof the plan there adopted, as given under our edi.vention should be held within a few weeks after torial head, hoping that it may excite attention to the means of giving the greatest possible efficiency to an excellent school organization.

We need hardly add, that we concur in the opinion expressed of the value of Henry's Field Book, and wish it were in the hands of every town superintendent.

[For the Journal.] TOWN SUPERINTENDENTS.

town meeting. The town superintendents are then in the beginning of their term of office, and they would have time, before its expiration, to do much towards carrying out the plans adopted by the convention. But if the meeting should be held near the close of their term, those officers might not be inclined to adopt very extensive schemes of improvement, on the ground that they might go out of office before much progress could be made in the execution of them.

I need not dwell on the advantages of these conventions. If the superintendents meet annually for consultation and discussion, they will MR. DWIGHT-The substitution of one school have the benefits of each other's observation officer for five, in each town, will not produce all and experience, they will become better skilled the advantages expected from the measure, un-in the performance of their official duties; plans less the town superinten lents perform their du-of improvements embracing a whole county ties with faithfulness and energy. Some hints could be concerted, and united action would be relating to the duties of Town Superintendents, secured.