USA > Ohio > Annual report of the State Commissioner of Common Schools, to the Governor of the State of Ohio, for the year 1880 > Part 19
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W. H. ULREY, Clerk of Board of Examiners.
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STATE COMMISSIONER OF COMMON SCHOOLS.
CLINTON COUNTY.
The condition of the schools of this county is improving. Although some Boards of Directors are not willing to pay wages that will justify the best talent, teachers of experience and efficiency are in better demand.
The Teachers' Institute of last August was more largely attended, and was more interesting and successful than any before it.
Our examiners are raising the standard of qualifications of teachers, but the per cent. of applicants rejected is gradually being reduced.
Our school-houses are for the most part in good condition, and the furniture modern and comfortable.
I am sorry to report, however, that many of the reports of Boards of Education come in late, and are very imperfect, causing great difficulty in making the consolidated report.
A. H. HAINES, Auditor.
The Examiners of Clinton county have little to report more than for former years. There are many evidences of improvements in schools and school-buildings.
In school officers, there is need of very great improvement, if the schools are to be expected to meet in full their true requirements.
Substitute the township system for the sub-district, give us efficient county supervision, and some effective provision of the State for normal instruction, and success will finally be ours.
THOS. J. MOORE,
Clerk of Board of Examiners.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY.
With reference to the schools of this county, we can only say they are generally well conducted, and in good condition.
There is considerable improvement in clerks' reports in the county, and we think the report herewith submitted is in the main, correct and reliable; some fine school-buildings are under contract, or have been completed during the past year, notably, one in Wellsville, costing about $43,000, including grounds, is a model of good taste, and perfect light and ventilation.
The plan, drawn by the Architect, Wm. Fraser, is a departure from the generally accepted plans of school-buildings, and will well repay examination by School Boards contemplating the building of school- houses.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
Of the township districts, they are no doubt up to the average, but in too many cases with a disposition to "Special Districts", which we regard as subversive to the best interests of the common country schools.
Let us give one instance illustrating what we mean :
In a fractional township, consisting of five sub-districts, a few mal- contents apply to the township board for a special district ; failing to obtain, they apply to the Probate Judge; failing again, they hie away to Columbus, and that august body, known as "the General Assembly" of the State of Ohio (most ignorant of what they are most assured), to our amazement, issue the fiat that sets aside an intelligent and competent township board, overrules the judgment of Probate Judge, who is well acquainted with all the circumstances, and substitutes a board of three members for five sub-districts, instead of fifteen local directors. Verily the greatest enemy to fraternization and co-operation of our country schools is that same Legislature in their wisdom assembled.
In the matter of electing local directors, much reform is needed. Men capable of filling the office, do not, as they say, wish to be bothered with it, and shift it off on to men utterly unfit, and even without their knowledge, and as no bond is required and no pay attached, the management and superintendence of the country schools is, to say the least, poorly at- tended to.
We give our union and village schools a superintendent, and we attribute their superiority to the skill and judgment in managing, of the superintendent. Why not a superintendent for the country school ?
Why should parents be compelled to move from country to town,. at an inconvenience and loss, to get their children to better schools ?
Give us superintendence, call it "county" or "optional", or what not, let there be justice and equality.
STACY PETTIT. Auditor.
Educationally speaking, we are progressing slowly, and while there yet remains, in some localities a trace of fossil methods and antiquated customs, our teachers and schools are making considerable progress. In many respects the outlook is rather encouraging. Better buildings and better furniture are slowly working their way into public favor, and from what information we are able to gather upon the subject, our teachers are being a little better paid this winter than they were last.
Many new, beautiful and well-furnished school-houses have been erected in some of our townships within the past few years, which show that the patrons of the schools are alive to their interests.
The school-buildings in a very large majority of the townships, are
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STATE COMMISSIONER OF COMMON SCHOOLS.
in excellent condition, but we regret to say, that in a very few sections the houses are not in a good condition. They are mere shells, having nothing attractive outside, and nothing inside that could be consistently called furniture or apparatus. We are glad to say that these cases are the exceptions, and it is to be hoped that the few houses of this class remaining, will speedily give place to more comfortable and attractive ones.
Our teachers are, generally speaking, intelligent and well qualified for their work, and will doubtless bear comparison with the teachers of any county in the State.
Our examinations have been searching in their character, and our rules have been rigidly enforced, and we think we can see a marked im- provement in the scholarship of our teachers as the result. Our aim as examiners has constantly been to elevate the standard of qualifications, and thus raise the scholarship of our teachers, and we think our efforts in this direction have been successful.
Our teachers' institute was held at Hanover during the week, com- mencing November 8. The attendance was good, but not what it should have been. The institute was good, and those teachers who attended felt that all value had been received for their necessary outlay of time and money. Many of our country schools were in session at that time, and it is a matter of regret that local directors, as a rule, do not recognize the value and importance of the teachers' institute, and as a consequence many of our teachers are not at liberty to attend. Many of these officers are always ready to employ the cheap teacher, without regard to experi- ence or qualifications, and, of course, the result is in some cases cheap schools. Occasionally the good teacher is pushed aside to make way for the young son or daughter of some dignitary, who sways the opinions in the neighborhood in which he lives. This class of teachers are usually graduates from the last winter's school in their respective sub-districts.
In addition to our annual institute, we have two local associations, each of which meets once in two months. These organizations have been kept up for one year, one holding its sessions in the southern part of the county, and the other in the northern part, thus giving all the teachers the benefit of one or the other. It is a pleasure to say that these meet- ings have been growing in interest and enthusiasm, and all the live teachers who can, attend very regularly. Our county is very fortunate in having as a resident, within its borders, that old veteran Wm. D. Henkle, editor of the Ohio Educational Monthly. Dr. Henkle attends all of our educational meetings, no matter how small the meeting, if only two or three are gathered together in some country school-house, in the
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ANNUAL REPORT.
name of education, he is ever ready to assist, and always has many good things in store for the teachers.
The Monthly is published at Salem, and as an Educational Journal, is second to none in the country, and should be regularly read by every teacher in the State.
During the spring months our examinations sometimes overflow . with an army of young aspirants, and a majority of them we find fairly qualified in scholarship, which goes to show that our schools, generally, are good. We issue five grades of certificates. A first class certificate is granted when the applicant's standing is not less than 95 per cent., and has had five years' or ten terms' experience. A second class certificate, when the standing is not less than 90 per cent., and the applicant has had five terms' experience. A third class certificate is granted when the applicant's standing is not less than 85 per cent., with three terms' experience. A fourth class certificate is granted when the applicant's standing is not less tban 77 per cent., with one term's experience, and a fifth class certificate is granted when the applicant's standing is not less than 70 per cent. A satisfactory examination in the theory and practice of teaching, and a high degree of success in teaching may to some extent modify these rules. No certificate is granted unless the applicant an- swers 70 per cent. of the questions in each branch of study required by law.
In conclusion, we would say that, while as teachers we have some things to contend with, discouraging in their nature, we have much to encourage us, and accept the situation hopefully, trusting that our efforts to instruct the rising generation may have their effects upon the future teachers of our county, securing for them a more hearty appre- ciation of their labors from their patrons, and better pay for their services.
A. R. MARTIN, Clerk of the Board of Examiners.
COSHOCTON COUNTY.
While the schools of the county are not in the prosperous condition we should like to see them, yet sufficient progress is being made to enable us to say there is an improvement.
The greatest evil we have to contend with, is incompetent teachers. Yet the fact is patent to all, that as long as there is a demand for them there will be a supply.
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STATE COMMISSIONER OF COMMON SCHOOLS.
When local directors learn to exercise the same judgment and intel- ligence in procuring school teachers that they would in employing per- sons in other fields of labor, then may we expect the standard of teachers to be raised.
Directors employ the person who offers his services at the lowest price, and afterward complain that the school made no progress in learning.
They violate the plainest principles of political economy by expect- ing a large return without giving out an equivalent. Let directors em- ploy teachers who are competent to teach good schools and pay them good wages for their services, and the standard of schools will be elevated.
The members of the Board of Examiners are endeavoring to remedy the evil by raising the standard of teachers.
A prevalent opinion exists among teachers that when they attain a degree of proficiency, that will enable them to get a certificate for teach- ing, they are content, and care not to make further advancement - for- getting that in teaching school, as in all things else, thoroughness is to be obtained only by persistent effort.
The Institute, under the guidance of the teachers of the county, is doing much good in bringing the teachers together for consultation and receiving instruction of teachers and friends of education from abroad.
A noticeable and gratifying feature exists throughout the county, viz .: in building large and attractive school-houses, provided with many modern conveniences, so that the hours passed in the school-room, by both teachers and scholars, are rendered pleasant and agreeable.
W. R. GAULT, Clerk of Board of Examiners,
CUYAHOGA COUNTY.
In response to the request contained in your letter, I enclose lists of questions which may be considered as a fair sample of those in use here, for the examination of teachers.
The school boards of the several townships in this county have shown excellent taste and sound judgment in the matter of school architecture, and the primitive houses have given place to beautiful and convenient brick-structures, fitted up with the most approved furniture. The grounds, too, in many cases, display a good degree of artistic taste,
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and when the shade-trees shall have become more matured, little will be needed to make the whole attractive.
The interest of the people seems to have fairly centered upon the public schools, and the teachers of the county have, in the main, re- sponded to the universal call for a more thorough scholastic training for the profession. But while there has been progress in this direction, there has been noticed a growing aversion on the part of the people to all kinds of punishment in school. This feeling is more deeply seated in many, than some are prepared to believe; but those who have spent much time among the districts have been forced to admit the existence of a gigantic power, operating to cripple the teacher, and render the pupil restive under proper and necessary restraint. Now, it is not be- lieved, that any part of the people desire the legitimate results of this state of things. Yet while it is easy to discover the disease, it is more difficult to prescribe the remedy.
But still, it seems that something might be done to get the ear of the people on this important subject. In the great anxiety to have teachers thoroughly prepare:l, it may be said that we have lost sight of the equally important work of forming a healthy public sentiment on the subject of the relation of patrons to teachers. Money has been freely spent for the former work, while little has been done to accomplish the latter. Checks and penalties are absolutely necessary to the maintenance of order and system, and no patron should attempt to withdraw them from the teacher. .
It would not be considered that the Commissioner had transcended his duties, should he press this subject upon the people by publications, and also urge prominent educators to lecture upon the subject whenever and wherever they can best reach the people, and effect the object desired.
It should not be thought that all patrons of the schools take a stand against the use of proper methods of discipline ; but it certainly is true that many very good people exercise but slight control over their children, and they look with disapprobation upon everything that looks like "coercion " in the matter. By this course the teachers become inefficient, and sometimes worse than useless; and a strange anomoly is presented, namely,-the services of the employed are rendered valueless by the direct agency of those who employ them, and pay them.
I have the honor to be,
Very truly yours, O. W. KENDALL,
Sec'y. of the Board of Examiners.
241
STATE COMMISSIONER OF COMMON SCHOOLS.
DARKE COUNTY.
The schools in this county are steadily progressing in interest and efficiency, and are generally well sustained.
Good, substantial brick school-houses are rapidly taking the place of the old frame and log buildings ; several new and commodious structures having been erected within the past year, and all the good buildings are supplied with improved desks.
The Teachers' Institute was well patronized, and well sustained by the fees paid by applicants to the County Examiners. The Institute has during the past year been holding frequent meetings at various points throughout the county, the results of which, I believe, have been benefi- cial to those in attendance.
We have a thoroughly competent Board of School Examiners, who are gradually advancing the standard, and it is not possible for applicants to obtain certificates, unless they possess the necessary qualifications of teachers.
Some of the reports of the Boards of Education to the Auditor con- tain inaccuracies, which occasion great difficulty in making the consoli- dated report. JOHN C. TURPEN, Auditor.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY.
The public schools in this county are still, as heretofore, in a flourish- ing condition, and will compare favorbly with adjoining counties.
The standard of our schools is steadily improving through the care of our efficient Board of School Examiners, in requiring a higher grade of qualification than is customary in some counties.
Our local directors, also, are more careful than heretofore, and find it to the interest of the schools to employ only the better grade of teachers.
The Lancaster City schools, still under the gentlemanly and efficient management of Prof. S. S. Knabenshue, are also flourishing, and highly satisfactory to the great majority of the patrons.
The school at Pleasantville, known as the Fairfield Union Academy, still under the superintendency of Prof. John Alford, is also, through his untiring effort, giving general satisfaction.
The County Institute, as usual, was well attended by both teachers and able and earnest lecturers and educators, and cannot fail to give encouragement and renewed energy to our teachers, and cause them to
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ANNUAL REPORT.
labor still more earnestly to advance the standard and grade of our country schools.
The school-buidings and school furniture throughout the county are reported in good condition.
EPHRAIM ACKERS, Auditor.
The educational progress of our county is in some respect limited.
The special districts are doing good work. They are under the fol- lowing management : W. E. Hartsough, Carroll; T. A. Pugh and W. H. Lane, Lithopolis; J. J. Wagner and E. F. Holland, Baltimore; David Kumler, Basil; E. N. Good, Bremen; M. K. Sife, Sugar Grove. The schools are all partially graded, and have good teachers; some of our rural districts are also doing well, but it is only where local directors are not constantly changing teachers, and pay good wages.
The Township Boards of this county are cutting down levies each year, and limiting the Local Director to the lowest wages possible to be paid to teachers. This drives nearly all the best teachers out of the work, and brings in a class of young and inexperienced boys and girls.
As long as this is so, our schools must be a failure.
We would suggest that the School Law be so changed, as to make it the duty of teachers, and would-be teachers to attend our County Insti- tute. The law should also state the age of the applicant before he is allowed to receive a certificate.
We would also suggest, not from a selfish motive, but for the improve- ment of the schools, that County Examiners be empowered to visit schools, and examine them, to suggest methods of instruction, and to hold Township Institutes for which their expenses ought to be paid, and a reasonable compensation for each day spent in that kind of work.
Respectfully,
W. H. WOLFE, Clerk.
FAYETTE COUNTY.
A Graded Course for Teachers .- The Board of County Examiners pursue the following :
Six months' certificates are issued to those who possess a fair knowl- edge of the common branches.
Twelve months, to those possessing a good knowledge of the common branches and United States History.
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STATE COMMISSIONER OF COMMON SCHOOLS.
Twenty-four months, to those possessing a fair knowledge of Physics, Physiology, Astronomy and Algebra.
Thirty-six months, to those possessing a fair knowledge of general history and general geometry. This course, after having been discussed in several county conventions, and urged by the leading teachers, was accepted, on trial by the board. The trial has shown good results. Stimulus is furnished the teacher, causing him to work up and accom- plish the course. A large class is now ready for examination in the three years' course. We hope next year to be able to report a good list of such.
The Institute .- The teachers tried the itinerant system with the insti- tute. It was held in Bloomingburg. R. C. Miller, as editor, conducted the "institute daily." James Logan, Esq., editor Jamestown Tribune, moved over small press and type, and conducted the work of the daily at the institute building. Very large audiences attended the day and ·evening sessions. The citizens, by unanimous vote, asked the return of the institute.
Judge Priddy, Judge Gregg, Hon. Mills Gardner, Col. Maynard, Jas. Edwards, Esq., Rev. H. L. Whitehead, and many other citizens partici- pated in the exercises.
The County Convention .- The itinerant system is carried out in the County Convention work. The result is that large masses of the citizens are present, and great good obtains for popular education.
Mr. Roscoe Stinson, Superintendent of schools at Bloomingburg, is President of the association. Messrs. B. A. Arbogast, A. C. Nisely and T. G. Coil, are the Executive Committee.
Educational Exposition .- The teachers in their official capacity, have named a committee to inaugurate a County Educational Exposition. The plan proposes, as a time, several days-as to place, a central one- as to scope, the exhibition of all kinds of work done in the schools. All work that can be prepared beforehand, will be made ready for exposition. Another department of the work will embrace recitations of the different grades. Literary entertainments will occupy the evenings. Good work is anticipated.
Progressive Teachers .- Many of our teachers have availed themselves of more study at various schools. The Lebanon Normal, Xenia and Wilmington Colleges, Ohio Wesleyan University, have received pat- ronage the past year from the ranks of Fayette teachers.
The new culturing force .- Our county teachers are doing a good work in elementary science. The following attended the Lakeside Science School : E. H. Mark, Mrs. J. C. VonBuhlon, Alma Kephart, Mollie Foster, T. G. Coil, Belle Stuckey, Ella Jones.
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ANNUAL REPORT.
1
A strong demand-On the part of many directors, has been made for good teachers. The desire for good work and good teachers is on the increase. There is gradual improvement in salaries.
Washington C. H. Schools-Have made a success of two experi- ments -- that of seating grammar A pupils in the high school room, and having them taught by high school teachers and superintendent-and that of having itinerant work in grammar, geography, arithmetic and reading for the first half of each day, in the grammar grades.
Our greatest need-In the country schools, is a uniform course, and some means to have it faithfully executed.
A suggestion .- We hope that future reports from the counties will be specific in giving all educational organizations and their officers, details of all educational movements, tried or proposed, and any data or information that will be for good to the country school work. In such event our annual report from the school supervisor becomes at once a valuable hand-book.
Our School Commissioner .- Before closing these notes, we desire to express the hearty approval of all teacher's in Fayette, in regard to the course and labors of the Hon. J. J. Burn», as School Commissioner. His constant labors, his itinerancy among the Ohio teachers, and his enthu- siasm, have greatly endeared him to us. His projective measures rank him among the worthies in school progress.
JOHN P. PATTERSON, Clerk of Board of Examiners.
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
The condition of the schools in this county is good, and will compare very favorably with any county in the State.
The Columbus City schools are in a very flourishing and satisfactory condition, due to their efficient management by the City Board of Edu- cation and Messrs. R. W. Stevenson, Superintendent, and G. A. Frambes, Clerk, assisted by a corps of competent teachers.
The township schools are also in a satisfactory and prosperous con- dition, and I do not know of any thing, at this time, to recommend for any improvement therein, as our County Board of School Examiners, by prompt attention to their duties, and a strict compliance with the law, secure none but competent and reliable teachers.
E. KIESEWETTER, Auditor.
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STATE COMMISSIONER OF COMMON SCHOOLS.
Our knowledge of the condition of the schools in this county must necessarily be derived from meetings with the teachers in the examina- tion room, at our annual institute, and occasional conversations with the teachers, rather than from personal observations of the school work in the different districts.
The county institute has been well attended, and if the teachers' adaptability to their profession is to be measured by their discussions, and the interest manifested while in attendance. I can report a decided im- provement on the part of the the teachers of our county. We have some teachers as good as can be found anywhere ; others are inefficient .-
During the past year, the standard of examinations has been higher; as a result, we have rejected a larger per cent. than formerly, and have encouraged competent labor.
There is a disposition on the part of local directors to employ "cheap labor", irrespective of qualification, but by rigidly maintaining a higher standard of efficiency, we have, to some degree, counteracted this lament- able feature, and created a demand for the better class of teachers.
Outside the city limits of Columbus, there are eight or ten graded schools, and several High Schools, all of which are doing excellent work. The successful workings of these graded schools, warrant the organization of the several sub-districts into graded schools, and a centrally located High School, whose principal shall have the superintendency of the graded schools.
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