GRADING OF TEACHERS

Northern Advocate, 20 July 1933, Page 6

GRADING OF TEACHERS

“GRAVE INCONSISTENCY.” (Special to “Northern Advocate.”) AUCKLAND, This Day. When t jthe Auckland Education Board, at its meeting yesterday, had discussed in committee reports on various teachers in their employ, Mr. E. C. Purdie commented that the reports of inspectors were often inconsistent with the grading of the teachers. "I have frequently, in committee, drawn the attention of the board to the fact that the reports on teachers are sometimes inconsistent with their grades,’ ’ said Mr. Purdie. ‘ ‘ There was one case of a teacher who, according to the report, was manifestly not up to the standard, but she was certified on the public list supplied to education boards throughout the Dominion as a qualified teacher and thoroughly capable ,pf conducting the affairs of a grade 111. school. "Grading should be strictly in accord with the work of the teacher,” declared Mr. Purdie. "I have never known the report of an inspector to be wrong, but there are many teachers on the grading list who are wrongly placed.”

Mr. Purdie moved: "That the attention of the Education Department be drawn to the grave inconsistencies between the grading of the teachers as indicated by the official list and the reports on teachers by the inspectors as forwarded to the board.” Grading of teachers was of the highest importance to the public, said Mr. Purdie, and was the most important work senior inspectors had to do. The motion was seconded by Mr. R. Hoe, who agreed with Mr. Purdie. ‘ ‘ The board has the remedy in its own hands,” said Mr. S. B. Sim. "No teacher is appointed unless the senior inspector and the board are in agreement. There is no reason why the board, should not have a list —I do not suggest a black list —of teachers whom they do not think should be advanced. Surely the board can refuse to make an appointment. I fail to see why the board should not use its discretion.” The chairman, Mr. T. U. Wells, introduced Mr. W. G. Blackie, the board’s new senior inspector, who made a confidential statement outlining the attitude of the inspectors. Mr. G. Brownlee contended that the present system of grading was wrong, and suggested that a new system was desirable. In view of what Mr. Blackie had said, Mr. W. J. Campbell suggested that the matter should stand over. The board had every confidence in the reports of its inspectors. The motion was carried.