TEST OF EFFICIENCY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 26 February 1925, Page 2

TEST OF EFFICIENCY.

examination system. DEBATE BY UNIVERSITY SENATE. (BY TELEGRAPH- —PRESS ASSOCIATION WELLINGTON, Feb. 20. \t the meeting of the University Senate, Mr Caughley, Director of Education, moved that a sub-committee be appointed to meet various associations or authorities interested in the matriculation examinations in order to arrive, if possible, at an agreement concerning some form of accrediting m lieu of the matriculation examination for pupus oi approved schools. , Mr Caughley said the bodies referred to were the Law Society, the Medical Association, the Accountants’ Society. He was quite satisfied that probably all the associations did not know what was intended in connection with the adoption of the accrediting system. Members of these societies m many cases had apparently the most childlike faith in 'examination, simply because up to the present that had been the onlv svstem which had so far been adopted'. Some people felt they wou d be on unsafe ground if they made the change proposed. The committee would be able to show the societies that the standard of work for matriculation would not be lowered; in fact, he was sure it would be raised. Professor Algie said there was a good bodv of professional opinion against, the accrediting system. He opposed the whole thing. , Sir Robert Stout opposed the pioposni. It was simply another attempt to oive over the control of the university" into the hands of the Education Department. It was no nee beating about the bush; that was what it meant. To carry out what was suggested would mean altering the law. "Mr yy P. Worrell said that with proper safeguards the accrediting system would mean that the candidates recommended would be of a distinctly higher level. , Professor Wnil moved that the matter be referred to the entrance # exanimation committee. . That committee had alreadv suggested that a questionaire be sent to the heads of certain secondary schools, inviting them to state what their procedure would be m the event of the* establishment of the accrediting system. Mr Caughley said it was for the Senate to say what the accrediting system should be. Professor Wall’s amendment was carried by 13 to 11. Mr J. Caughley moved that prescription of general experimental science be substituted for the subjects of physical science and natural science in, the ' matriculation examination, and that l the subject of home science and agri- ' culture be dealt with by accrediting instead of by ordinary examination. Several members opposed the motion, ' urging that the main object should be to secure thoroughness on the part ol students. In answer to Sir Robert Stout, Mr Caugldcy said that the teacher and Government inspector, acting together, would accredit. Sir Robert Stout said that would not be done throughout the * whole of New Zealand. The motion was negatived by 14 votes to 10.