GRADING OF TEACHERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 115, 16 May 1936, Page 11

GRADING OF TEACHERS

CHANGES DISCUSSED

The possibility of substituting something better than the present system of /grading primary • school teachers wa?' "discussed ■by the annual meeting of the New Zealand Educational Institute; today, the Chief Inspector of Schools;; (Dr. J. W. Mcllraith), taking •part'; in'the: discussions. .' :. 'Three Recommendations were' presented by the executive.- The first was that the present system of grading with modifications should be approved provided the-maximum roll number of schools "was 400, so that a reasonable prospect of promotion would be provided; the second that proyisrr^ should, be made for appeal , against grading; and the. third Shit the system ( of appointing and promoting" teachers under the unified system should provide for a classified roll or register containing the names of all teachers, appointments on a national scale by district education boards,, appointment according to grading, the advertising of vacancies, the right .to appeal against hardship if transferred, the right to appeal against non-appoint- , ment, appointments to take effect at the beginning.of a term, and two years between transfers except in exceptional circumstances. Dr. Mcllraith-said he did not think, they could limit schools to 400 children. ■ ■ : . ■■■■-.- ■ ;- .'■■■• Mr. F. L. Combs said some members of the executive considered the maximum school roll should be even smaller. '" Dr. Mcllraith • said it would cost a great deal of money and consequently the institute should frame the remit on lines that could be adopted^ Mr. F. A. Garry (Auckland) said the system was wrong altogether. He wanted to see the time come when the salary-would be, for the teacher and not for the/ position. Mr. ,O. A. r Banner (Wellington) moved as an amendment "That separate groups corresponding to salary groups should supersede the present system," but this was rejected. ■After a lengthy, discussion it was agreed that the recommendations , should be referred to' all branches for an expression' of opinion.