THE GRADING OF TEACHERS

Nelson Evening Mail, 2 August 1916, Page 6

THE GRADING OF TEACHERS

The annual report of the Wellington district Institute, N.Z.E.1., to be presented on Friday evening, states that the year has been a particularly busy one. Regarding the grading of teachers, the report states:—"This much-discussed and loivg-desired reform is at last a reality, for the graded list of teachers was published on 29th June." The scheme -was largely the work of Mr JCaughley, Assistant Director of Education, who had explained that great care had been taken in the construction of the scheme to ensure that, as far as possible, no injustice was done. "Now that the scheme is launched, its work will be watched with great interest and criticism -may be expected. The regulations governing the scheme seem open to criticism for they provide that a teacher may appeal, but since no marks are disclosed, a teacher is appealing, as it were in the dark. On this point we think that strong representation should be made to the Minister of Education." The total roll of the institute is now 447 (including those on active service}. This is an increase of 30 for the year, but (says the report} there are still too many teachers outside the "fold," in spite of the strong appeal sent out by the secretary of the N.Z.E.I. "we would impress upon members the urgent necessity of enrolling all teachers as members of the institute. The following reforms already gained were ment-.oned in the appeal sent out by the N.Z.E.L, and members cannot do better than "use them when urging non-members to join : (1) Institution of the superannuation scheme; {2} security of tenure with right of a-pipeal Against arbitrary dismissal or transfer; (3) freedom of classification; (4) increased staffing of schools; (5} Dominion scale of staffs and> salaries and security of salary during efficient service; <6) more just system of appointments; (7) increased salaries." The treasurer's statement shows that the institute is in a sound financial position, bub it must 'be 'borne in nvnd that the levy payable to the N. Z.E.I, has been considerably increased. It is mentioned that the constitution of the N.Z.E.I. was amended very radically at the last annual meeting. Prov'sion .is now made for the admittanccof 3-11 teachers—.primary, secondary, aridtechnical—as members. The chief changes are—(l) All the District Institutes are to be called branches : (2) the present branches not assuming inaependence to be called sub-branches; (3} the allowing of the -formation of more than one branch in an education district. "The admitting of teachers other than primary school teachers is, we believe, a step in the right direction, for as our educational system' is national all teachers should belong to one association. The formation of numerous independent branches will, it is hopedi, infuse new life into the institute, aud thus render easier of accomplishment various still needed reforms. There are indications that there will be five branches in the Wellington Education District."