receipt of the public money, that the views of the committee can be otherwise than crude and imperfect. change in the mode of ascertaining the qualifications of teachers. 2nd, That of visiting schools; and on this point, we will suggest, PARENTAL OR PUBLIC INTEREST.-Schools, teachers, and school that schools in this county are a dead letter, unless they have the visiters do not from some cause occupy that foreground, in public aid of public sympathy. It is of vital importance that parental atestimation which are possessed by very many vastly inferior and sub. tendance be secured, and that it be voluntary and springing from a ord.nate objects. Te business of having any thing to do with cordial attachment to the schools. It would seem that a parent schools, is felt to be irksome, and an effort is very apparent in school having children in school, night be enough interested to give some meetings, to shun it, or if that cannot be done, to shift it off as quick- of his personal attention to their instruction; but such is not the ly as possible. Reports to the Board of Commissioners we venture fact. We state it as a suggestion by a worthy supporter of our to affirm would never be made, unless the receipt of the public mo- common schools, in one of the districts, that if a committee were ney was by law dependent upon them. chosen from the district to visit the schools within the first two This aversion to schools, this distaste for the whole subject in the weeks of the commencement of the term, followed by the visitation public mind, is evident from the fact that very few attend the an- of the examining committee at the close of the term, the effect would nual school meeting,-from the fact that very few attend a district be salutary. It would seem, that it might have that effect, as it school meeting, unless a tax is to be impose, and from the fact would rouse parents to some more activity in the improvement of that parents are very reluctant to leave their ordinary business to at- common schools. tend a public school examination. This aversion to schools is not TEACHERS-What our schools want, are permanent, experienced, an aversion to the subject of education; its great and unrivalled im-qualified teachers, not occasional supplies. We never shall have portance may be duly admitted, its excellence highly extolled, and such until a seminary is established for their education. occasionally strong exertions may be put forth in its favor, and at STUDIES. The studies taught in our schools are reading, writing, the same time these same individuals may never attend a district spelling, arithmetic, grammar, geography. The primary studies, school examination, though their own children may be scholars in by which we understand all of the foregoing except grammar and the school. The teacher is never inquired of respecting their pro-geography, are not neglected. We are particular in enforcing the gress. The committee visit the school alone, make their report, and necessity of reading, spelling and writing, well. English grammar the whole matter is forgotten. This apathy on the subject of schools, is the most neglected, and to that we have directed our particular at.. is felt to exist, and the object of your inquiries is to find out and ap- tention, and we believe with success. ply properly the cure. To aid the Board in this important matter is a duty which will be cheerfully performed, however imperfectly. From observation in visiting the schools the past winter, the undersigned express their deep conviction of the indispensable importance of parental attend-uniformity in the reading books. But parents, whilst some are not ance upon the district school examinations. Out of fourteen schools in our circuit only one was thus attended, and it was manifestly the best school of them all. This neglect of attendance on the part of parents, cannot fail to impress scholars, teachers and visiters, and even the parents themselves with indifference to the cause of common schools. Without such attendance all other means cannot be completely successful. It infuses a silent and intangible influence over scholar and teacher, which act mutually upon each other, and operates as one of the most powerful and beneficial stimulants to the youthful mind. The annual school and district meetings are thinly attended, and mostly by the more advanced in life. We have not time to ascertain the amount of tax in support, of schools in addition to the avails of the public funds; but we have reason to think the tax is small, and that in hiring a teacher his compensation we fear, is too often measured by the portion of that school district's dividend. Books.-The committee of last year recommended a list of books for the schools, which is getting into gradual use. In some of the schools we have succeeded in introducing the entire list; whilst in others but partially. We are constantly urging the necessity of a aware of its importance, ascribing the change more to a desire of change than to any real necessity, and others from want of means, are slow in adopting new things. The old way is good enough for them. If the attendance of these parents could be secured at school: examinations, the change might be more easily effected. They would then see the evil, and hear the reasons for curing it. That a multiplicity of books in our schools is an evil, 18 a position too plain to be denied. A frequent change of books is also an evil and an expense which the districts will not bear. The only remedy which can usefully be adopted is to persuade parents and teachers of the importance of a change, which can be done most effectually at pub. lic examinatious, and to give a right direction in the purchase of books to those stores which usually sell school books. SCHOOL APPARATUS. —Under this head we will mention that black boards are not much used. The slate we think, affords young chil dren innocent and useful employment. ALTERATION OF THE SCHOOL LAW.-Two things are wanting in our system. 1st, A class of educated professional teachers. 2nd, The old habit of parental attendance revived Complicated legis lation or a frequent change of legislation on this subject is perni cious. THOS. T. WHITTLESEY, A. PARKER. WETHERSFIELD. It is difficult to guess what considerations govern in the selection of teachers. They are extremely various. Favoritism, cheapness, the convenience of the district committee, have probably the most leading influence in the choice. There are some considerations which ought to govern, but are seldom taken into the account; manners, elevation of character, are not enough regarded. All that is thought requisite is to teach the elementary studies; hence our schools have no character as a whole, while the individual parts may and often do exhibit satisfactory improvement in the details of what is taught. The length of the terms seem to be determined by custom; in some schools longer, others shorter. The average we believe is about five months in a season. Whether that term of time is too long or short, we are not prepared to say; but of this we are confident, that by more industry and vigor, both in scholar and teacher, much more might be accomplished in a much less time. ATTENDANCE AND NON-ATTENDANCE.-We have endeavored to pre-dollars each. The considerations which seem to govern in the sesent to the scholars at all our examinations, the great advantage of a regular attendance. When scholars have been found deficient in their exercises, we have generally upon enquiry learned that they have been irregular in their attendance. In the out districts, occasional absences are unavoidable from sickness and inclement weather. But we believe those districts are better attended than the schools in our village. It is therefore desirable in this point of view, that parents should attend the examinations, that they may see and feel the necessity of regular attendance. We know of no other remedy. A register of absences is of no use except the parents are present. We have heard no objection or complaint to the register. There is one kept in every school. EXAMINATION OF TEACHERS, &c.-Under the head of examination of teachers and supervision of schools, we would remark, and, 1st, as to the mode of examining teachers. We do not think it ex. pedient to enlarge the machinery of our school system; but to keep its operations simple, and attended with as little trouble to the dis tricts as can be. We apprehend the districts will not submit to a foreign power in the choice of their teachers. They now feel almost independent of the visiting committee, and cannot be forced, yet may be influenced through a popular teacher of their own selection, even to change their reading books. We would not recommend any PARENTAL OR PUBLIC INTEREST.-The attendance of legal voters at the annual meetings of the society varies from one fifth to one eighth or tenth. A full meeting embraces about one fifth, and a small meeting one tenth. In all the districts a tax is laid annually. In the large or populous a small amount, and in the small districts a larger amount is raised, making an average of about seventy-five lection of teachers, appear to be in most cases, the experience and reputation of the candidates; which, in connexion with present skill and success, and amount of public money received, seem also to determine the length of the schools. Parental visitation is very limited throughout the society. In some districts not a single parent or guardian have been in to visit the school during the winter session. There are however, some indica. cations of an increasing interest in our common schools. We have had a public meeting of considerable interest on the subject of common schools, or more particular one of a higher grade. We expect to have another meeting soon. Recent legislation, while it has been a cause of complaint on the part of district committees, and many others, has also been attended with a beneficial effect. Carefulness and punctuality have been engendered in our school officers, and there is much less of a dis. position to get round the law, than was manifest a year ago. There are between the ages of 4 and 16 years, 571 children in our society. The average attendance per year, is about 300 daily. The average for the winter terms of schooling, is from 350 to 400 in the common schools. We have two private schools which average from 40 to 50 per year. The number in no school is about 15. The time of visiting schools is objectionable. Our large schoola commence early and continue late; so that by visiting the first two WATERBURY. PUBLIC INTEREST.-In this society there is much less of public in terest in our common schools than their importance demands. The number of those who attend school meetings, and indeed of those who profess to know any thing of the state of the school in their own district, is very small. But though this interest is less than it was some years since; it is probably greater than at the period immediately preceding the establishment of the board of commis sioners. The amount raised by tax, is but little more than enough to pay for fuel, and board of teachers. Pecuniary considerations for the most part govern in the selection of teachers, and in determining the length of the schools. There are, however, exceptions; and in some of the districts great pains are taken to provide good teachers. The amount of parental visitation has increased within two or three years; and there has been a manifest change for the better in regard to parental interest. Recent legislation and the measures pursued, recommended by the board, have tended to elevate our schools in some measure. DISTRICTS. Our districts are so divided that there is some inequality in the means of supporting schools in some of the dis. tricts; but by a recent vote of this town, the whole interest arising from the deposit fund, is to be divided equally among the several districts, which tends in a good degree to do away this inequality. SCOнOOL.HOUSES.-As to the construction of the school houses, there has been in many of the districts very great improvements and more are contemplated. If any thing can be done by legislation, it must be by legislating so as to arouse the public mind. The fathers of Connecticut, under. stood the value and importance of public schools, and provided not only for themselves, but for those who should come after them. Their children seem to have considered that they were already amply provided for, and that there needed no exertion of their own. Under this impression, it is to be feared that at least in many places, their schools have been gradually declining; till, instead of having partaken of the improvements of the day, they are really less valua-employed the last summer, and in three of them during the last ble than they were half a century since. When the public mind shall awake to the important truth that common schools cannot flourish without a general public interest in their welfare, we may hope to see them rise so as to answer the end for which our fathers designed them; bringing the means for ob. taining a good education within the reach of every child, and laying broad and deep the foundation for our future moral and political prosperity. SCHOOLHOUSES.-In these the desks and seats would seem to have been designed for any thing rather than to render those sitting upon them comfortable; and nothing about the buildings looks cheerful or inviting. While schoolhouses are built by districts, there will be likely to be opposition on the part of the more wealthy, to the erection of new and convenient schoolhouses. Could they be built by the society or town, it seems as though one obstacle would be removed. Attendance. In seven schools, the aggregate in attendance the past winter was 200, average 174. With four exceptions our schools are kept but about six months. One kept nine, two eight, and one ten months the past year. Much benefit has already been derived from the practice of keep ing a register. The committee have been highly gratified with the accuracy which they have witnessed in the mode of keeping it in many of the schools. TEACHERS.-Seventeeen female teachers were employed in this society during the summer. Seven females and six males during the winter school. The committee are decidedly of opinion that most of our schools would be greatly benefitted by employing a good female teacher both sunimer and winter. In three the same teachers have been retained through the past year. The schools it is believed have never made better progress in study. STUDIES, &c.-One of the greatest evils in our schools generally is the neglect of the spelling book. The committee have been much gratified at witnessing a decided improvement in this respect in some of the schools during the past year, especially in those where the same teacher has been employed both summer and winter. But often in the winter school has the spelling book been almost entirely neglected, except by the smaller scholars. In one school only, have the committee witnessed a black board in use. That school, for improvement in the more advanced studies generally, was scarcely equalled by any, and in arithmetic it was decidedly the best. ATTENDANCE AND NON-ATTENDANCE.-There are 512 of the proper school age; of these three fourths attend 5 months in the year; about two thirds attend 9 months in the year and some longer. TEACHERS.—We have 10 school districts, in these females were winter. Their ages are from 18 to 25 years; most of them have at. tended schools of a higher order than common schools previous to teaching. The majority have had some experience in teaching, and their moral qualifications have been generally good. The compensation for male teachers will average about $18. Female about $6. We are decidedly of opinion that for children under 10 years of age it would be better to employ female teachers through the year, so far as it is practicable. We think that seminaries for training teachers, and associations for their special improvement are desirable. APPARATUS.-Black boards are used in all the schools; and slates are used by the younger scholars in all the schools, for writing, drawing and makicg figures. Globes are in some of the schools. COVENTRY SECOND OR NORTH. Parental or public interest.—Within the limits of this school society, there are about 150 legal voters, and about 100 families connected with the schools. The annual and other meetings of the society are attended usually by about 30, and the meetings of the districts by about 12 in the schools, and money by tax is raised annually for wood, repairs as the average number. Our teachers board in the families interested of houses, &c. We receive yearly $138,47 from the town deposit fund, and $23,79 from a private fund. Some of the districts add to their income from these sources, by taxes, perhaps one fourth; others not any thing. The whole amount we received from funds, either public or private, is quite small. In selecting teachers, the consideration of their ability and success in teaching doubtless has the first place, and the length of the school is often, if not generally, determined by the amount of public money expected. There is no question, that recent legislation, and the measures recommended or prosecuted by the board have thrown much light on the condition of these institutions, increased the interest of parents and the community in these, and in various ways promoted their usefulness. Altendance and non-attendance.-The whole number of children in this society "of the proper school age," is 229. During the last winter 234 have attended school. During the last summer 150. Those have attended for the period of six months, 116, for the period of four months, 174, for two months, 203. We have no children of the proper age, who have not attended in some school, unless prevented by the providence of God. We have heard of no objection to the introduction of a register on the ground of trouble and expense; and the adPRIVATE SCHOOLS.-The academy in this place is really a private vantages which are derived from one accurately kept, aside from auschool; besides which there are private schools taught by females thentic returns to the legislature, and reports to the society, are many for smaller scholars. Many scholars attend the academy to learn and valuable. The keeping of it is an advantage to the teacher; it exerts a salutary influence on parents and children in securing attendthe first rudiments of branches which ought to be taught to perfec-ance; and as a document for reference, it is useful to the district, and tion in a public school. And could the public schools be raised to in future years it will be an interesting history of the school, and of become what they should be, they would cover nearly all the ground individual scholars. now occupied by the academy; and certainly much more to the benefit of the community at large. S. L. CLARK, S. FULLER. SOUTHINGTON. PARENTAL OR PUBLIC INTEREST.-In the meetings of the school society not more than one tenth of the legal voters usually attend. In the district meetings, where party or sectarian feeling operates or other improper feeling exists, the meetings are attended by nearly all the legal voters, but when nothing but the best measures are to be adopted, for the promotion of the interest of education, the meetings are thinly attended. Teuchers.-There were five female teachers employed the last summer, and five male teachers the last winter. All these teachers are of fair moral characters. The females are good scholars, and all of them have enjoyed all the opportunities for an education, which our district schools afford, and some of them have attended schools of a higher order. Four of them were under 19 years of age, had no experience in teaching, but generally succeeded well. For many years our summer schools have not been more prospered. Two of the male teachers have been quite successfully engaged in teaching for many seasons. They are heads of families, and about 30 years of age. The remaining three have had some experience in teaching; the youngest was 18 years of age, and the others over 21. All succeeded very well, and some unusually so. The compensations given last summer were as . follows: a month $6, $6, $5, $5, $4. The compensations for the win- attention of the Board and the legislature, "How this inequality can be remedied." Were the entire property of the state taxed in a specified proportion to the avails of the school fund; and this divided among the districts, with some reference to the number of there would be some relief. Or were the property in each school scholars; still giving an advantage to the less populous districts, society thus taxed and divided, perhaps some objections would be avoided, and the school society would feel a greater interest in the better education of its entire population, and would interpose restraints upon the prevailing tendency to divide and subdivide the districts, to the ruin of the schools. If the same principles could be applied to the distribution of the avails of the school fund, the present unequal advantage derived from its noble provision would in a measure be removed. The allowance of so much to each scholar, though in its first aspect, the most just and equitable principle of division, does yet in its actual application, operate very unequally, in consequence of the accidental location of the individual scholar. It operates often to the greatest disadvantage of those whom the school fund was designed most of all to relieve and bless; the children of the poor, situated in some wild and distant portion of the towns. SCHOOLHOUSES.-In regard to schoolhouses, I have only to report a slight improvement. More attention is paid to the comfort of the scholars; repairs are more frequent and thorough; and the public feeling is slowly waking up to the subject. Gradation of Schools-Our population, and the location of our schoolhouses are such that it is not practical to employ two teachers in the same school, or to unite two districts and formi a school for the older children, leaving the younger children in the present district ATTENDANCE AND NON-ATTENDANCE-I am not able to report accurately schools; but our schools would be essentially benefitted by establishing a central one for the older children of the whole society. Such a school as to the attendance or non-attendance of the children within this school society. My impression is, that from a fourth to a third of the children has, from time to time, been sustained by individuals; but as the pub-in actual attendance, do through frequent absences and want of punctulic money cannot be appropriated for the benefit of such institutions, ality, not only fail themselves of most of the advantages which the school much embarrassment is experienced in supporting them. We are is designed to impart, but embarrass the teacher, and interpose a perconfident, that the schools in this and other places would essentially petual obstacle to the spirit and progress of the other scholars. This be benefitted, and the general cause of education greatly promoted, is one of the sorest evils under which the teachers and scholars are were the Legislature to encourage, and support from the public funds, doomed to labor. The poor, the vicious and the negligent parents who are its great cause, are, I am persuaded, doing more to impede the progress and perfection of our common schools, than can readily be computed. The introduction of the register is useful in its influence to counteract this evil, and also in other respects, and it should by no means be discontinued. central schools. Private Schools. During the past winter we have had one private school composed of 10 scholars, taught by a female at the expense of $10 a month, not including room and fuel. It originated in the belief, that it would be more valuable than the district schools, as the studies were the same, and the influence good. Controversies and Litigation.-Nothing of the kind has occurred the past year. Some previous years we have been much afflicted from these sources. The most frequent controversies have arisen from the correction of children by teachers, and from a disagreement rela tive to the duty of teachers to exercise a supervison over children beyond the time they were actually in school. One case of litigation, which was continued in court some years, and perhaps at the expense of $200, respected the appropriation of about $10 of the public Alterations of the school law.1st, in relation to central schools; 2ndly, to the authority of teachers. We wish they were clothed with authority to exercise a supervision over their pupils from the time they leave their homes till they return to their homes. G. A. CALHOUN, money. NEW MILFORD. S. L. TALCOTT. PARENTAL OR PUBLIC INTEREST.-There are decided indications of an increase of parental and public interest in the cause of popu. lar education. The increase of this interest is to be ascribed to the measures of the board of commissioners of common schools. At the same time, the annual meeting of the school society is thinly at. tended. The district meetings are much more numerously attended as far as I have had opportunity of observing. In some of the districts a considerable sum is raised for the support of the schools, both in summer and winter, in addition to the avails of public funds. There is in most of the districts a laudable desire and effort to obtain good teachers. DISTRICTS.-There are in this school society 14 districts. In the centre, 2 and 3 schools are taught; and in one other 2. There is in this town a very great inequality in the means of common sohool education, arising out of the diversity of school districts, in respect to territory, population and pecuniary ability. This diversity is greater in this society, than in many, perhaps in most other school societies in the state. A greater inequality still is owing to the diver. sity in the interest felt in this matter by the parents themselves. So striking is this, that in some districts the schools are very superior; while in other, they are inferior, and the only reason that can be given is, that in the one, there is a spirited interest in the common school; while in the other, there is little or none, which deserves the name. But in several districts, the population are not well able to support a superior school, without making sacrifices, which cannot be expected of them, at present, particularly while their neigh bors in the districts adjoining, from their more numerous population, and greater wealth, can sustain an expensive school at no sacrifice. I think it one of the most important questions that can receive the EXAMINATION OF TEACHERS, &c.-The introduction of a county or senatorial board of supervision, to which should be committed the examination of teachers, would be attended with immense advantage, if such boards were judicious in their requisitions, and in their manner of enforcing them. At present the examination of teachers is often entrusted to clergy men, and the rejection of those imperfectly qualified is a trial to their feelings, and hardly suited to the kindly and benignant character of their official duties. Were the teachers to understand that to one or two individuals in a county or senatorial district, the whole duty was committed, and that to them he must submit the exhibition of his qualifications, his preparation would be more thorough, and the majority of our teachers would at once aim at, and secure a higher degree of qualification than they at present possess. TEACHERS.-We have a number of superior teachers among ourselves. In the centre districts, we have proved by abundant experiment, that a female teacher for the smaller scholars for the entire year, is greatly to be preferred. The advantage of continuing the same teachers from year to year, and from season to season, we have seen to be very great. Indeed I doubt whether there is a single school in the state, however good it may be, without this advantage, which would not be far better with it. It is to be supposed in such cases, that the teacher is well qualified for his or her office, and possesses the respect and affections of the scholars. STUDIES.-Reading, writing, geography, grammar and arithmetic, are taught in all our schools, and attended to by all the scholars, (with rare exceptions) who have attained a suitable age. Besides these, history, chemistry, natural philosophy, (surveying rarely) &c. are taught in a few of them. Where taught, they are taught thoroughly, and the success of the scholars in these branches demonstrates the prac ticability of teaching them in all our schools, and afford a pleasant prospect of what may be hoped for in the future. BOOKS.-The number of books is literally multitudinous. As yet little has been done by the visiters to regulate this matter, except to discourage the introduction of any new book, till the way should be prepared for the recommendation of the best of each class. APPARATUS.-The black board is employed to a very limited extent, but with manifest advantage. Arithmetic cannot be thoroughly taught in the common school, except to classes; and in no way so usefully to a class as in this. Were I a teacher of a primary school, I should make great use of it; as also of the slate in teaching writing and drawing to the younger scholars. GRADATION OF SCHOOLS.-The most serious obstacle to the reduction of the number of classes, is the irregular attendance of so large a number of the scholars. Until this obstacle is removed, it is very difficult to preserve the classes entire, when formed. The local situation of most of the districts with us, render the establishment of union schools unusually difficult, while the great extent LECTURES AND OTHER MEANS OF EDUCATION.-Two lyceums, or debating associations are in existence, and maintained with spirit. CONTROVERSIES AND LITIGATION.-A controversy is now in being in one district in this town, respecting the location of a new schoolhouse. It is not often the case, that the older scholars are present at the opening of the winter term, and the visiter does not see all the school, if he complies with the law. It has been suggested to me that the law which makes the property that lies within the limits of a school district, subject to taxation, instead of the entire property of the individuals who reside within its limits; occasions much inconvenience, both in assessing and collecting the small taxes which are occasionally occurring. It is to be hoped that Connecticut will engraft upon her school system as soon as practicable, the rule of distributing the avails of her fund, according to a specified sum to be raised by each school society, by a tax on its property. It is believed that the propriety of raising such an additional sum can be made so apparent, as to commend itself to the good sense and benevolent feeling of the majority of the inhabitants of the state; and that it can also be made apparent, that the entire property of a commonwealth, can at a less expense educate its population, than it can defray the expenses that arise from such neglect. WILTON. N. PORTER. Teachers.-Last summer, eight females, three males; the past winter, eight males, three females. The progress of the pupil is greatly retarded by a constant change of teachers. Capable female teachers, both for summer and winter would be preferable, for the simple reason that it is perfectly within the ability of any district to furnish ample compensation to a capable female, where a first rate male teacher could not be paid. No doubt exists that most beneficial results would accrue, by the establishment of seminaries for the training of teachers. Private Schools-Three private or select schools, with a classic or academic school. The private schools here, do not materially affect the district school; for the reason, that the scholars are from abroad; but when they depend upon scholars from the society, the injury is irreparable, because those parents who send to private schools, as a general thing abandon all interest in the district, and they are the most efficient friends of education. Libraries.-No district libraries, a commencement has been made this winter, which promises success. SUFFIELD. CHARLES Marvin. Parental or public interest.-Not more than from six to twelve usually attend the society meeting. It is held at the close of town meeting in October, and most are tired out with the business of the town meeting and leave immediately after it is closed. We are resolved to have these two meetings divorced, and try to have the annual meeting of the society one of general interest, so that the Visiting Committee's Report can be read, (which has heretofore been omitted,) addresses made, &c. So far as I can learn, no money is raised in town for the support of public schools in addition to the avails of the public funds, except occasionally a trifle in some of the districts to lengthen out the summer schools. Recent legislation, I think, together with the general interest it has excited, has influenced many of the district committees to be more cautious in the selection of teachers, and particularly has the appointment of the sub-committee of the board of visitors led to a more thorough and rigid examination, and deterred some of the poorer sort of teachers from applying for schools. Parental or public interest.-Generally about one fourth of the voters attend the meetings. In most districts a decided inclination is manifested to employ those teachers who offer their services for the least compensation, and the opposition of many to employ a teacher whose wages will much exceed the amount of public money received, often shortens the length of the school term. There is very little parental visitation during the session, although it is very important that it should be otherwise to render the teacher vigilant and faithful, and the pupils punctual and industrious. There is a perceptible increase of interest on the part of parents and the community, arising undoubtedly from recent legislation. Under this The length of schools is generally determined, especially head I would suggest that the only method that would be like-in winter, by the amount of fund in the public treasury. There ly to enlist parents more effectually in the welfare of the has been much effort to effect a thorough parental visitation of schools, would be to provide by law, that the parent should the schools, but very little has been accomplished beyond what be taxed in a certain proportion to the public monies received, is required by law. as is the case in Massachusetts and New York. The introduction of the register is a decided improvement, under the judicious, well-directed efforts of the teacher, it can be made greatly to promote the punctuality of the pupils and more decidedly to enlist the interests of the parents. The provision by law for the appointment of a sub-committee of the board of visiters, has thrown more responsibility upon that committee, and evidently awakened some interest in the parents, at least so far as to enquire whether the committee earn their money. Districts.-Were it not that the expense would be too great Schoolhouses. We have but one good schoolhouse in town, to carry out the method of Senatorial district superintend- one that is tolerable; all the rest are intolerable. With one ents, I am inclined to the belief that they would be of very es- exception, every schoolhouse in the society has the writing sential service to the schools, but the impossibility of obtain- desks attached to the walls, with long benches in front, over ing suitably qualified superintendents for the small compensa- which the scholars, male and female must continue to get out tion which would necessarily be allowed them, would be an and in as decently as they can. In some of our houses, the insurmountable objection. The practice adopted in this soci- scholars are of necessity so closely packed that they must ety, in relation to the qualification of teachers, has been at have very limber knees to enable them to perform the various tended with good results. We appoint two individuals as an evolutions necessary to face the writing desk, window, road, examining and visiting committee. The examination of a &c. In one of our schoolhouses the scholars are literally teacher is rarely if ever performed by one. We fix the stand-crammed together so closely, that it is impossible for them to ard of a teacher high. In some districts higher than in others, and when the applicant does not come up to our standard, we refuse him or her a certificate. We give an applicant a certificate for some schools where we would refuse for others, thus making a distinction between different schools, and thus adding a stimulus to the teacher so to qualify himself, that he can take the management of any of the schools. We then distinctly and clearly set before the teacher his duty in all its variety and extent-what we shall require of him or her as a visiting committee, and if he fails in any important particular, threaten him with ejection. We enjoin upon him thorough weekly reviews, for the neglect of which we receive no apology, and for the faithful adherance to which, he is rewarded by the ability of his school to pass a thorough examination at any time. improve much in writing, or indeed in any branch of study, and it has been found necessary to place some at the teacher's table for want of room at the writing desks. For ventilation, we are dependant on doors, windows, the blunders of joiners, and the tooth of time. I know not that there is a decent out building connected with any schoolhouse in the society-in most cases there is no shape of one; at the centre, the foundation for one was laid several month since! It will probably be completed, extraordinaries excepted, during the present year. There are no play grounds except the open streets, near to which every schoolhouse is located. Attendance and non-attendance. The whole number of children in the society between four and sixteen years of age on the 1st of August last, was 469. As near as we can ascertain, a little over 300 is the average attendance. A little S NORTH PLAINFIELD. Parental or Public Interest.-Of about 150 house holders, not more ciety. bers attend. hort of 450 names are registered, a few of whom are under four and over sixteen years of age, which makes the average at least 150 less than the aggregate. It is judged that at least 50 attend no school, and probably 75. Perhaps a more than 20 or 30 individuals usually attend meetings of the school sopunctual attendance would be secured by dividing the public Meetings in the districts are usually attended in about the same promoney according to the average attendance instead of counting the whole number of children in a district. And could portion, with a few exceptions in which perhaps one third of the memnot such an arrangement be effected? We have heard no About $150 is annually raised by tax or otherwise, in this society, complaints respecting the expense or trouble of keeping a to support the schools, in addition to the avails of public funds. The register, and believe that many parents and scholars are more considerations which generally govern in the selection of teachers, are punctual than they would be were no registers kept. We fitness in all respects for the duties of their station. In some districts think the register is a very essential part of our school sys- however, teachers of ordinary qualifications, at a low rate of wages, would be selected, were it not for the salutary influence of an efficient board of school visitors. Such a board is not in all cases secured. In of public money is generally kept in view, and the former made to determining the length of the winter term for the schools, the amount correspond to the latter. tem. "Recent legislation, and the measures recommended or prosecuted by the Board, have thrown much light on the condition of these institutions, increased the interest of parents, and the community in them, and in many ways promoted their usefulness." Examination of teachers and supervision of schools.We have aimed to discharge our duty faithfully in this respect, and have in every instance complied with all legal requisitions. We think that a county or Senatorial district The amount of parental visitation to the schools in this school soboard of examiners would be a great improvement. Clergy-ciety, is considerably greater within the last 2 or 3 years, than formermen and others in any town are often placed in delicate cir- ly; there is still, however, a lamentable deficiency. Improvement in cumstances, and may be tempted to sacrifice the public inter- this respect, we think depends much upon well directed and unremitest through fear of offending influential friends. ting efforts of school visiters, committees and teachers. Perhaps of Teachers-During the last summer, the seven schools em- these, none can do more, if so much towards securing an object so desirable, than the teachers. ployed each a female teacher. During the winter, one (the centre) employed a male and female teacher, two employed only a female, and four employed only a male teacher. The female teachers were all experienced, faithful and very suc cessful. One of the male teachers (Palmer Gallup of West Springfield) has taught elsewhere more than 20 seasons, and has the last winter kept a first rate school. Two others are experienced teachers, and all have kept before. All our teachers are professedly pious and with one exception have all done ,well. Their age as far as ascertained, is 20, 23, 23, 26, 31, and 38. In the centre both teachers have been in the same room the past winter, and the plan has succeeded admirably. All have been well compensated, their wages have varied from $12 to $30 per month. In two of the schools the teachers have been employed one year, and the results already indicate the utility of employing a good teacher for several suc cessive seasons. Districts.-Any inequality which may result from the present mode of distributing the public money for the support of common schools, will it is thought generally be found favorable to the poorer classes of community. ars is found in districts, made up, chiefly of the more wealthy and exSo far as our observation has extended, the smallest number of scholtensive land holders. ing of teachers, and of libraries and associations for their special improvement can hardly be too highly estimated. Their influence would unquestionably be very happy. There is too great a proneness in all the schools among the larger scholars to neglect orthograhy and reading, a fundamental evil which we have labored hard to correct. Some of our Keeping these considerations in view, we do not see how the present mode of distributing the public money can be altered so as to give to every child wherever located a more equal opportunity of obtaining a good English education. If the amount of public money distributed to each district, should be made to depend upon the aggregate amount of actual attendance in school; in proportion to the number of scholThe importance of seminaries for the train-ars in each, it would probably have the effect to secure a more full and uniform attendance in many, and perhaps in all districts; still it is thought that this effect may be secured by some better method, and the expediency of this, is questionable, more especially, because in many districts, made up chiefly of the poorer classes of community, part, and in some cases a large part of the time of numerous families, is absolutely needed to secure their support. teachers have by a course of thorough questioning and patient drilling and lecturing, done much to lead their scholars into correct habits of reflection, observation and judgment in relation to the fundamental principles of the English language, and arithmetic. Books.-The best remedy for the evil of multiplicity and expense and frequent change of books is, in our opinion, to employ intelligent, judicious and permanent teachers. It is one of the worst difficulties to remedy in the whole system. School Apparatus.-Black boards are used in all the schools chiefly for performing operations in arithmetic, and drawing outline maps. In the centre school I give the use of a terrestial globe. We regret that there is no other apparatus to our knowledge in any of the schools. In one school the small scholars were allowed to use a slate and pencil for relaxation and amusement which are highly approved. Alteration of the school laws.-On this point I will trouble you with remarks only on one topic, viz. schoolhouses. a If, therefore the amount of public money should be diminished in such districts, would not the practical effect be, to visit these same poor families with a most onerous tax? a School houses. Of the seven school houses in this society five have respectable location; that of the other two is decidedly bad; placed as they are, upon the very margin, if not within, much traveled public highways. As to construction, size, and internal arrangement; of two it may be said, they are very good; of two respectable, and of the remaining three, that they are bad. All are well enough lighted while in most ventilation, temperature, arrangement of seats and desks for comfort and convenience are much neglected and very imperfect. The best houses, are those most recently erected; which fact the committee considers as the most conclusive evidence of the tendency of the public mind to improvement, and one which should encourage the friends of education every where in well directed and unremitting efforts for further advancement. play grounds for both sexes, on the morals, manners and health of the "The consequences of not having appropriate out buildings and scholars," cannot be calculated. In all cases where a direction is given to the morals and manners of the young unfavorable to their improvement, unless a kindly influence is timely interposed to arrest it, the decline is rapid, and like a gentle rivulet, which from some swollen reservoir of waters, stealthily makes onward, swollen into a mighty torrent, until its aspect is fearful to look its way over its wonted boundaries, widens and deepens, and rushes upon, and the philanthropist is called to weep over its ravages with tears of bitterness and regret. The public money ought not to be squandered on districts that are too parsimonious to provide a convenient and comfortable schoolhouse. Every district depending on the public funds for defraying the expense of their schools, should in my opinion be compelled to have a schoolhouse adapted to the wants of the district. I am aware there is a difficulty in The Board feel deeply impressed with the conviction that the moral reaching this case. But could not each society be authorized and intellectual elevation of the young, may be greatly facilitated and to appoint a committee to examine any schoolhouse when- strengthened, by a due regard to all arrangements connected with their ever complaint should be made by the visiters, or the sub-com-education; and passing from the family mansion, it is thought that in mittee, or a certain number of the members of any society, and if that committee should report that the district are delinquent, could not the society be authorized to require the district to do their duty in this respect, or after a fixed time withhold their portion of the public funds? A. C. WASHBURN. no connection, can more be combined, of happy and promising tendency, to that end, than with the school room. A detailed view of what is here desirable, and easily attainable cannot now be entered upon; suffice it to say, that it should comprise every thing required for convenience, health and comfort; and that in all respects it should be rendered attractive and interesting by picturesque, philosophic and moral associations. |