TEACHERS' GRADING SYSTEM.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 209, 21 August 1926, Page 4

TEACHERS' GRADING SYSTEM.

CHRISTCHURCH CRITICISM. Christchurch, Aug. 20. The question of appointing teachers under the grading system was again criticised at a meeting of the Canterbury Education Board this morning. The appointment committee reported that the Education Boards Association had asked whether the boards wished to be represented at a meeting of the education committee, when a request by the N.Z. Educational Institute that provision should be made for appeal against non-appointment was being considered. It was resolved that a sub-commit-tee draw up and submit the board’s objections to the proposal. Mr. T. Hughes said appointment by the grading system was not in the best interests of education. It meant that the top candidate on the list must be appointed. Mr. E. H. Andrews said that it would be disastrous to the interests of education if the board were compelled rigidly to stick to the grading scheme. A statement had been made at Sir James Parr’s farewell in Christchurch that education boards knew nothing about teachers. “If some of the representatives of the teachers were to attend the meetings of the appointment committee it would surprise them when they found out how much we do know about them,” said Mr. Andrews. Mr. C. 8. Thompson: How often are the inspectors in the schools? The chairman: Usually one or two days each year. Mr. Thompson: Do you think the

inspectors can tell all that it wanted about a teacher, personality, fitness, etc., in such a short time?

Mr. W. A. Banks: We want it understood that no slur is cast on the inspectors. They are working under an impossible system. It was decided to add the words, “and if desired by the association that all members of the board attend

and give evidence before the Parliamentary committee,” to the appointments committee’s report.