THE SCHOOL AGE

Evening Star, Issue 18070, 11 September 1922, Page 8

THE SCHOOL AGE

RETARDATION PROBLEMS,

[From Our Parliamentary Ekfortsr.] WELLINGTON, September 9. The Education Department has for year: commented in its annual reports upon tho classification of pupils of primary schools, .showing that under prevailing conditions it is impossible to place all children in tlie standards which their mentality warrants. A survey of classes last year shows that only 56 per cent, of pupils were iu their proper standards, having regard to their mentality; while 15 per cent, were classified above their normal place, and 51 per cent, below. It is hoped by improved classification and the new system of junior or intermediate high schools to remedy this defect of retardation. “The fact is not tu be overlooked, of course,” says the Director of Education, “that modern investigation shows that children should be classified less according to age than according to educational ability, which varies at different ages more than is generally supposed. There is, therefore, always tho danger to no avoided of farcing a backward child to attempt work beyond his ability; but it is probable that the tendency in our schools errs in the opposite direction, not only backward children being retarded owing to lack of special attention, but (what is now regarded as much more serious) children with more than average ability being denied the right of progressing at the faster rate suitable to their capabilities.”