GRADING OF SCHOOLS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22182, 27 August 1937, Page 16

GRADING OF SCHOOLS

CHANGE PROPOSED NEXT YEAR

CERTIFICATE TO REPLACE PROFICIENCY

(PXZSS ASSOCIATION TILEGBAM.) NEW PLYMOUTH, August 26. An important announcement on the Government's intentions in its education programme was made in a telegram from the Minister for Education (the Hon. P. Fraser) read at the Dominion conference of the School Committees' Association. The Minister was to have addressed the conference, but expressed regret at his inability to attend and forwarded certain facts to the conference in lieu of his addr^rs.

Mr Eraser stated tfcu„ school committee incidental expenses would be maintained at the present level. It was proposed to grade schools during 1938 on the average roll for the first four weeks of the third term this year, and not on a percentage basis. Other information included the following:—

An increase in pupils' boarding allowance to 7s 6d a week (at present it is ss>; The consolidation of schools in suitable areas, and where parents were favourable, is being encouraged:

An increase in handwork material will be maintained; Special provision for sewing instruction in small country schools with a male teacher only will be continued; An increase in the grant for school libraries from £I2OO to £SOOO for the current year; School building programmes to be pushed forward as rapidly as possible; Ground improvement schemes to be promoted on a larger scale than last year. .

Help F»r Kindergartens

Relieving school committees of their contribution for the installation of septic tanks; A suitable primary school leaving certificate in lieu of proficiency is being prepared; Provision for agricultural clubs to be increased; Additional provision to be made for kindergartens; ■ A start will be made with the appointment of vocational guidance officers; Consideration is being given to the abolition of home work in primary schools and a considerable curtailment in post-primary schools. Training college students have be»n increased from 428 in 1935, to 1187 in 1936, %nd to 1360 this year. This will expedite a reduction in the size of classes.

Cancellation of the repayment of boarding allowances by 1933 and 1935 training college students has been approved; A committee representing the department, education boards and teachers is considering staffing and salaries for primary schools; A special committee is considering the whole question of text books; Three women supervisors of infant departments will be appointed;

The number of dental nurses now being trained will enable considerable extension of the clinic service next year and in subsequent years. In addition, the Minister stated that reorganisation and unification of education were under consideration, and a plan would be submitted to Parliament during the coming session, he hoped.