USA > Ohio > Annual report of the State Commissioner of Common Schools, to the Governor of the State of Ohio, for the year 1880 > Part 18
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Township boards, in some instances, regardless of the wants of the different districts under their supervision, undertake to shackle local boards by refusing to make the necessary appropriation to enable them to employ suitable teachers, thereby dictating what shall be paid to teachers. We are glad to report that some local boards, realizing the difference between a school-teacher and a school-keeper, have thrown off the shackles and employ none but good teachers, in spite of such igno- rant and illegal legislation.
Our annual institute, held at Lima, during the latter part of August, was well attended, and an acknowledged success. Prof. O. P. Kinsey, of Lebanon, Ohio, and Miss Sanford, of -, Pennsylvania, were the in- structors. Both gave good satisfaction. The teachers decided to have the next institute conducted on the recitation plan. We think there should be a law making the attendance of teachers at our county insti- tutes, compulsory.
Much has been said concerning county supervision, state normals, and various other wants ; but in our opinion. what we most need is bet- ter compensation for teachers. When teachers are amply remunerated for their services, and not until then, will the profession of teaching be elevated to its proper dignity. It will then cease to be made a stepping- stone to other professions.
S. D. CRITES, Clerk of Board of Examiners.
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STATE COMMISSIONER OF COMMON SCHOOLS.
ASHLAND COUNTY.
The condition of the schools in this county, from the information obtained from practical teachers and school officers, seems to be generally good.
The school-houses are kept in good repair, and many of them fur- nished with improved desks.
The facilities for the education of teachers are excellent. Green- town Academy, located at Perrysville, in the southern part of the county; Vermillion Institute, of Haysville, near the center; Savannah Academy, of Savannah, in the north; and Ashland Academy, of Ash- land, are all institutions worthy of patronage. The instructors are men of experience and understand fully the educational work.
The annual institute, held at Loudonville, in August last, was well attended.
E. J. GROSSCUP, Auditor.
ASHTABULA COUNTY.
Our schools ar, doing as well as usual. We have an able Board of School Examiners, and they are doing all in their power to raise the standard of qualification requisite in a teacher.
Our school buildings are in good condition, and in some townships the "little white school-house " is being replaced by substantial brick buildings. W. H. CROWELL, Auditor.
We are able to report a continued growth and improvement in the educational interest of our county. The progress made is attributable to the members of the Board of Examiners, who, perhaps, have a better opportunity for forming a correct judgment in the matter than any one else.
A much larger percentage of applicants obtain certificates now than two years ago, notwithstanding our standard of qualifications is higher now than then. and our requirements more rigid. In many localities an increase of interest on the part of school officers, and the patrons of the schools is manifested, still improvement in this respect, as well as in many others, is very much needed and desired. We hope, and believe, that the time is coming when the patrons and officers of our schools will realize that an active and lively interest on their part, is nearly, if not quite, as essential to a successful school as an interest on the part of the teacher and his pupils. Our High Schools are all in a 15 S. C.
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prosperous condition, and presided over by competent instructors. The last session of our Teachers' Institute was attended by 184 teachers, and was one of the most successful ever held in our county.
E. L. LAMPSON, Clerk of Board of Examiners.
BELMONT COUNTY.
As no man inspects all the schools of the county, no one can make a full and fair report of their condition. For information we confer with the teachers. From these we have gathered a few facts, and might con- dense them all into one short sentence, viz .: We have some most excellent schools, and some most deplorably inefficient ones.
We might further say, that the progress so generally claimed for every school, is, in our judgment, often wholly illusory. The actual ad- vance, instead of being universal, is counterbalanced by numerous reverses. We have noted, for many years, that while in some localities neat, commodious school-buildings are going up, and a literary interest pervades the whole community, in other districts, not far remote, where but a few years ago, the buildings were new and equally attractive, now, weather-worn and window-broken, upon a once-shaded knoll, now all bleak and bare, they stand as disheartening evidence of shameful neglect, and the reversionary stage that has there set in. The most stolid apathy upon the subject of public school improvement seems to have supplanted that eager desire for learning that was so prevalent among the young people of that community, but half a generation ago.
We know that the schools in some sections are improving, as evinced by the higher studies introduced each year; while in other places they are just as surely retrograding, as proven by their annual rejection of the higher branches and the inferior work in what they pretend to do. I have never known a school to throw out the higher studies that did not deteriorate in a single year. I have watched a number of such efforts to favor the poorer scholars by neglecting the better ones. The same result invariably follows, viz. : they all degenerate together. It takes some directors a long time to learn that whoever lowers the standard of the school, destroys all the esprit de corps there is in it. Some of our graded schools afford sad examples of this blind destructive policy.
But we are proud to report several graded schools in the county that will compare very favorably with those of our neighbors. We submit the following as a test of worth : A school that sends out only "finished
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scholars, is a fraud; one that sends out "unfinished", i. e., students who continue to learn", is genuine. Tried by such a standard, some of our schools formerly sent up many students to higher institutions; latterly, their pupils go no farther; and many leave before entering at all. Cause : A retrenchment rage ruled the classics out as impractical. Re- sult: The schools themselves are now impractical, so far as starting their pupils in the way to literary eminence is concerned. The farther they have pushed the "purely practical" reform, the more worthless they have become. Our best schools not only retain the higher branches, but also increase their instruction in the languages, and as a result, send up a correspondingly larger number of graduates each year to higher insti- tutions.
So far as we have been able to observe, the schools that give most attention to Latin surpass the others in their English at examinations. But Belmont county has never been troubled over much with the classic tongues. By some fatality we have never engendered a sentiment in favor of liberal culture sufficiently strong to endow a college. Other counties may be no better off in this respect. But academies and semi- naries have proved but little more fortunate upon our soil; while normal schools have been most mercilessly tabooed beyond the county limits, all have been doomed to total annihilation. I have not for years heard of a respectable attempt at a short summer session. After a fatal conflict with the conservators of ignorance, we have silently waited for reinforce- ments-but not without hope. Some of our young teachers have ven- tured out. They have gone away to school. They have crossed the Rubicon. They have entered Italy. They have introduced into their schools reformatory ideas, fresh from the minds they have met while abroad.
The worthless quality of the instruction in some of our schools is not on account of the inability, but the indisposition of the people to do any better. If they can only economize at the expense of their children's education, they congratulate themselves upon their services for the good of their country. In the district where common English is most sadly neglected, and the last teacher did not succeed in writing his own address properly upon the envelope in which he received his last certificate, the directors are the most jubilant over the success of the teacher. I have upon file the endorsement of a teacher of that ilk, by a director who "his signed himself thus, X God pity the people that can do no better!
mark !"
It is a lamentable truth that a number of our applicants give little evidence of ever having received a single lesson in English composition ;
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not even so much as the modern form for backing a letter. And yet these very ones come up recommended as the best teachers the district ever had. They are the unsophisticated stock that propagate "in and in," and still perpetuate the " good old way."
The examiners do sometimes refuse to license such inexcusable ig- norance. Then come the missives from all the members of the Board of Education, and a number of citizens besides, certifying to that incompe- tent's success, and petitioning for an extension of favor. Through some pseudo-sentimentalism to assist a dependent invalid to an honest (?) way of earning a living, they forget that those 50 children in that school have to suffer the eternal misfortune of mal-teaching, in order to support that worthless incumbent. Charity with a vengeance, to curse a whole rising community with the thralldom of ignorance, merely to keep in employment such a brooding vampire! Better send the superanuated to some other work-shop, and place those bright young hopefuls under the charge of well-trained teachers, who would soon revolutionize the next generation. We are glad to welcome among us teachers of ability from other parts. We congratulate those who return to us better prepared for their work, and hope to see their services amply rewarded.
Hitherto we have scarcely recognized teaching as a profession at all. The reports from this county show that the two-year certificates have been scarce and scattering. Last year there were but 4; the year be- fore, none at all; the year previous to that, one solitary soul sported a two-year grade. Now, we are able to report 4 three-year men, and 18 of the two-year stamp. These have each received some special training.
We have long looked to our county institutes to do something for our untrained teachers, but our hopes have never been realized. A four or five day's session is too short to accomplish much by way of instruction or drill in methods. This year the attendance at Belmont was very good, and the attention to all the lectures quite remarkable; but the manuscripts submitted at the close, were not perceptably improved. Something still better for the rural teacher is needed.
We have had a few successful township associations during the winter seasons, in which home talent did the work. What we have to say of them is, that those who took part in that work present better papers at examination than those who only listen at our county lecture sessions.
At the last institute the executive committee was instructed to con- duct a four or five weeks' institute at St. Clairsville next summer ; to provide for regular instruction in all the common branches, also, in the
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higher, so far as demanded, giving special attention to composition and manuscript work.
The examiners propose to visit its sessions every day and take note of the character, both of the instruction and recitations. The grading is to be preserved as a permanent record.
We have changed our former method of grading certificates.
We now give credit for " profession standing," as well as success in solving some arithmetical problems.
We have commenced to publish in the papers of most general cir- culation in the county a "Teachers' Roll," giving the class of all who obtain a grade of 12 months, or more.
All our ambitious six-months teachers are applying for a higher grade.
J. M. YARNELL, Clerk of Board of Education.
BROWN COUNTY.
The public schools of this county are in a highly prosperous and satisfactory condition. Ripley, Aberdeen, Georgetown, Higginsport and Russellville are graded schools, and are in a fine working condition, and good order.
We have good school buildings, and a great many of them new.
But the high price of school books, and a too frequent change of them, is common. complaint among pupils and parents, and in my opinion, not without cause.
The changes in books are not all improvement; this is a matter that should be carefully considered by all interested, and needs legisla- tion to remedy and control the same.
The last Institute in this county was as entertaining and profitable as any that preceded it; over two hundred teachers were present, in- cluding a number from other counties. The county Board of Examiners have gradually raised the standard of examinations, and are now very strict in giving out certificates, and it is next to impossible for an appli- cant to pass if the necessary qualifications are lacking.
Brown county has a surplus of young teachers, nearly all of them educated in her schools, and quite a number of them find employment by teaching in other counties.
Our schools are gradually improving.
ENOCH E. RONEY, Auditor.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
BUTLER COUNTY.
Having made careful examination as regards the character of the various schools within our county, and comparing their standing with other schools of the State, we are glad to be able to report our schools in excellent condition.
Although we have obstacles in the way to perfect success, yet the advancement made during the past year has been good and commendable.
Marks of progress are seen in every district within the county.
The present encouraging condition of our schools may be attributed mainly to the following causes :
First : Our schools have been supplied with good teachers. Those who have had a true sense of their mission, and who felt keenly the responsibilities of their position. Having had high and exalted views of their work, the result has been, they have been more efficient, obtained better grades of certificates, and been more influential in their work.
Second : The examinations have been rather strict. The board has endeavored to give the schools of the county the very best talent, and has therefore been critical in its examinations, giving certificates to those only it felt confident were qualified to teach. Feeling the responsibility of its position, it has done all in its power to prevent the unqualified from securing positions as teachers of the youth.
Third: The attention given by teachers to the Institute during its meeting in the month of August, is also a mark of improvement, and one which contributes largely to our present standing. The Institute was well attended, and topics of special interest relative to their work as teachers, were vigorously discussed. By this interview and exchange of ideas as regards books and methods of government, much has been gathered to fit our teachers for more efficient work during the coming year, The remuneration which teachers receive for acceptable labor is a source of attraction to teachers from abroad. This, guarded by the strictness of the board in its examinations, has furnished us with some of the very best talent from other counties.
Fourth : Besides this, the condition of our school-buildings has very much to do with our general prosperity. As a general thing, our build- ings are good, and are being kept in excellent condition. The most of these schools being, or having been furnished with the latest approved seating and general school-furniture. There are but few houses but have comfortable furniture, and means of ventilation, such as to contribute to the health of both teachers and scholars.
.
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STATE COMMISSIONER OF COMMON SCHOOLS.
The location of school-houses in our county is such as to render their advantages as equally accessible as possible to all the scholars.
Another thing which adds greatly to our school interest is, that the earnest efforts of teachers are becoming more and more appreciated by patrons of the schools. This affords encouragement to teachers, knowing that parents and guardians co-operate with them in their efforts to in- struct, and from this arises another commendable feature of our schools, viz. : that the relation of teachers to their respective schools is more per- manent than ever before in the history of our schools. There are but very few changes made in the year, some teachers remaining even several years in one school, from which result many decided benefits. And now in the better schools, there is a tendency to engage the services of teach- ers during the year at least.
But with all our advancement, and honest efforts to secure the highest standard of education, we have our discouragements, arising in part from a lack of interest manifested by our local directors, a board that should be deeply interested in the welfare of our schools, methods of teaching, and conduct of teacher and scholars, and yet seldom visit, or even make special inquiry about their school.
Besides this, in some cases they employ teachers before they have procured their certificates, which is not only an injustice to the Board of Examiners and other teachers, who have certificates, and an injury to educational interests in general, but also a direct violation of law. (Ohio School Law, Sec. 4074).
We believe a general county, or township supervision over our local boards, as well as over the immediate interests of the school, would pre- vent much of the indifference manifested, which now militates against the work in general, and would raise many of our country schcols up to a standard that would be well worthy of imitation, and would not only bring down upon them the commendation of the school patrons, but would be one step to farther perfecting the grand object for which our common schools were established. Thus tone and character would be given to our schools, and fit them better to meet the demands that are upon them, both for our national and moral interests,
The teacher now, more than ever before, should feel the responsibility of his or her work, should be a true messenger of general intelligence, and an honest and earnest advocate of all that goes to form a true citizen, thus giving strength to our national security ; for surely the safety of our nation rests in the christianized intelligence of her people.
Yours truly,
S. I. MCCLELLAND, Clerk of Examiner's Board.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
CARROLL COUNTY.
So far as I can learn from the reports made to this office, and from other sources of information that I have been able to obtain, I am able to report the schools and educational interests of this county all in a prosperous condition.
Our Board of County School Examiners is sparing no pains to have the educational standard of the county advanced, and by their persever- ing efforts and untiring zeal they have done much towards obtaining these results.
There has been a marked improvement in the teachers within the last few years ; this is owing to the fact that the standard of qualification has been raised by the county school examiners.
Our Teachers' Institutes are well patronized by the teachers and others interested in the cause of Education.
I would say in behalf of the schools in this county, that they are in good condition, and our teachers are a very fair average compared with the teachers of other counties in this part of the State.
The reports of the boards of education of the several townships and special districts of this county are somewhat better than they have been heretofore, yet there is room for improvement in these reports made to the Auditor.
I wish to say to the teachers of our county, and to all teachers, please give this matter of making teachers' reports of the public schools of our counties your careful consideration. Make your reports in a neat, reliable and business-like manner, and by so doing you will merit the approval of County Auditors.
The school-houses of our county are generally good and pretty well furnished with the modern improvements.
A. L. BILLMAN, Auditor.
CLARKE COUNTY.
There is a material increase, in nearly every district of the county, in the amount of tax levied for school purposes, as compared with last year. This indicates a growing appreciation of the value of educational facilities, and a diposition to provide liberally for their maintenance.
The practice, which prevails entensively here, and doubtless in an equal degree elsewhere, of detaining children in school after the regular hour for dismission, or of requiring them to complete their tasks at home, ought to be absolutely forbidden. Six hours a day is as long as
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any child under sixteen should be permitted, still less required, to sub- mit to the mental strain and bodily confinement of school, and no trans- gression of this rule should be allowed, under any pretext whatever. If the pupil can not, or will not make the desired progress within the allotted time, let him fall behind; the matter of "per centage" or " grade " is of trifling importance, compared with the evils which are constantly resulting from this systematic violation of the laws of health. It is an abuse which would long ago have been corrected, if it were not that parents remain unconscious or careless of it until startled by its incurable results.
QUINCY A. PETTS, Auditor.
CLERMONT COUNTY.
The schools of this county are generally in good and healthy con- dition. as good, if not better condition than at any former period of their history.
Many townships have fallen into the popular error of changing clerks and members of the school boards too frequently, and the interests of education are made to suffer thereby.
Our school buildings are good, substantial brick and frame structures, most of which are well furnished and ventilated, some new buildings have been erected during the year, and a number repaired and refurnished with a view to the health, comfort and convenience of the pupils.
Our school examiners spare no time, pains or labor in making their examinations thorough and complete, and they are deserving credit for their efforts to elevate the standard of qualification in teachers.
The last County Institute held at Milford, was well attended. and the course of instruction highly beneficial, and is well sustained by the people of the county.
So far as the statistical portion of this report is concerned, it is as complete as I can make it with the data furnished. Taken all in all, we are of opinion the schools of this county will compare favorably with any county in the State.
M. J. W. HOLTER, Auditor.
Within the year ending August 31, 1880, there were 587 applications for certificates in our county. Of these, 330 applications were made by gentlemen, and 257 applications were made by ladies. 175 applications by gentlemen and 142 applications by ladies were rejected, making a
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total of 317 rejections. 270 certificates were granted. There were with- in the year 343 different applicants before the board, of whom 222 received certificates. There were 70 different applicants under twenty years of age, of whom 28 received certificates.
There is little change to report in the educational affairs of our county since last year. In some townships the schools show signs of improvement, while in others no advancement has been made. Where improvement can be noticed there are less frequent changes of teachers than in other townships. The townships having the best schools also pay better wages than are paid elsewhere, consequently when changes of teachers are made they have an opportunity to make their selections from among the best teachers in the county. When a teacher does good work in a school he should be kept in that school as long as possible. He gives the school aim, purpose, and character; and his work, year after year, gives a unity to the training of the pupils which can not be done if teachers are changed every year.
In schools where frequent changes of teachers are made, the work done is generally of a fragmentary character, and although the pupils may seem to advance, their training will lack that symmetry which is necessary to true education.
The condition of our schools calls loudly for thorough county super- vision. Changes of teachers are so frequent, and such a lack of uniformity in the work done in the schools exists, that there is little hope of im- provement until we have supervision.
Our Teachers' Institutute held at Milford was well attended, and was very successful. The Teachers' Institute is a valuable means for the improvement of teachers, and has done a good work for the schools of Ohio. It has had a telling effect upon the teachers which it reaches, but unfortunately, this is not more than half the teachers in our own county, and we suppose this is true of most other counties. The Teachers' Insti- tute aims to improve the schools by improving the teachers. By the way, if at each session of an Institute, a course of reading or study were to be adopted by the teachers, to be pursued by them during the ensuing year, for their own improvement, might not the influence of the Insti- tute be made more effective than it now is ?
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