Excerpt from Studies in Rural Supervision: Miscellaneous Pamphlets
It is no longer true that the majority of the parents are interested in the public schools, and eager and ambitious for their advancement. Statistics show clearly that children are not regular in their voluntary attendance, and are not absorbed in their student work. And the testimony of all persons who are familiar with the facts is practically unanimous upon the point that we have many teachers who are conspicuously unfit, intellectually, scholastically and professionally for the service they attempt to perform. Since all these things are true, and are known to be true by those who have given this matter careful attention, it is for the interest of everybody that the truth be told.
The schools of Maine are of such quality that the people can afford to know all the facts concerning them. The old red schoolhouse of the Pine Tree State has furnished opportunities for the training of so large a number of men and women who have occupied distinguished positions in this and other states as to amply vindicate its influence, power and usefulness. The number of persons who are natives of this State and who have served with distinction as cabinet officers, members of congress, governors of other states, etc., is so large that no one should be sensitive about any criticisms which may be made upon our public schools. When we add to this notable list the multitude who have gone forth from their Maine homes to make for themselves honorable places in the professional, industrial, scientific and literary world, we are certainly justified in feeling proud of the institution which has prepared these people for their work and contributed so largely to their success. It is known to but few how large a concourse of persons have gone from this State and stand to-day in the front ranks of the progressive men and women of the different communities in which they have found their fields of labor. The large majority of these people received the best, and in many instances the most of their training in the common schools. The old academy, seminary and the colleges of Maine have done a work unparalleled in fitting those who came under their instruction for positions of distinguished usefulness. They have done this work so well that it is natural for many to regret that, with only a few conspicuous exceptions, the academy and seminary have passed out of existence; but they rejoice that the colleges remain, developed by years and strengthened by larger endowments and better equipments.
People who are conscious of their weakness are peculiarly sensitive to an exposure of their frailties. People who are conscious of their strength welcome any revelation which helps them to a better knowledge of themselves and better means of development. Believing that the people of Maine are capable of establishing, maintaining and intelligently using the best schools of the age, an effort has been made to place before them, verbally and graphically the condition of the schools of the State. These studies have not been undertaken for the purpose of proving any theories, gratifying any personal ambitions, or placing the State before the country in an unenviable light.
About the Publisher
Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com Это и многое другое вы найдете в книге Studies in Rural Supervision