TEACHERS’ GRADING

Evening Star, Issue 21724, 19 May 1934, Page 18

TEACHERS’ GRADING

“PRESENT SYSTEM BECOMING OBSOLETE " DISCUSSION BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE The existing grading system relating to school teachers was the main topic of discussion in the general business of the annual meeting of the Otago branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute yesterday. Mr H. Dotting moved the adoption of the following remit: —“In view of the fact that the grading list will soon have outlived its usefulness, a subcommittee be set up to explore the possibilities of finding a better method of classification and appointment of teachers.”

Mr Dotting stated that the grading system had been created as the servant of the teachers, but it was rapidly becoming their master, and an unjust master. It favoured the _ mediocre teacher. That was evident in the case of women teachers, for whom there were so few grades. An outstanding young teacher was impeded in his progress, and his enthusiasm was dissipated;' The system made teachers mechanical and robbed them of a great deal of the benefit of the assistance of the inspectorate. Teachers were afraid to reveal their weaknesses to an inspector. They were losing their ideals and their sense of responsibility towards the children.

Miss Hayward, who seconded the motion, said that it had been remarked that teachers were selling their souls for grading marks. At present teachers were leaving the solution of their problem to someone else. There was no knowing where this good idea might end. Mr J. W. Armstrong said that 25 per cent, of teachers had reached a stage when they could get no further grading marks. The system pulled everyone down to a dead level. The remit was adopted, and the following sub-committee was set up:— Messrs Dotting, J. Ironside, J. M‘K. Miller, J. Lenahan, and Armstrong. GENERAL. The .executive was empowered to call the annual meeting at a time other than the term holidays. It was decided io convey to the Otago Education Doard_ the branch’s •appreciation of the assistance which had been received by it during the year. A vote of thanks was accorded the retiring president and executive for their work during the year.