BRISK DEBATE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23338, 5 May 1939, Page 12

BRISK DEBATE

SUB-NORMAL CHILDREN SPECIAL CLASS QUESTION COMMITTEE AT TE AROHA [BT TF.LEGIUrn —OWN COnRKSrOXTIKNT] TE AROHA; Thursday Brisk exchanges between tlio headmaster, Mr. F. A. Mason, and the secretarv, Mr. B. Hobson, occurred at a meeting of the Te A roll a School Committee wlion tlio question of establishing a special class for sub-normal children was being discussed. Mr. Mason said the Education Department's special officer had reported that better facilities for the advancement of certain children would bo offered by their inclusion in a special class. As circumstances were, said Mr. Mason, backward children hindered the work of the? teachers and the progress of the normal children. The teacher could not give time to coach such children. Wisdom Doubted Mr. Hobson: I very much doubt the wisdom of placing these children in a special class in a district where they are known. They will be branded as dunces for the rest of their lives. The teachers should give them a little more time. Mr. Mason: They do, and they keep the other children back. Mr. Hobson: The parents would object to such a step. Mr. Mason: They hare no right to interfere. Mr. Hobson: They could appeal to the Education Board. Mr. Bradley: A teacher with, say. 50 other children to teach cannot spend all day with a couple of "duds." Mr. Hobson: But the teacher should spend more timo with tlio backward children. Mr. Mason: I am not going to ask my teachers to do so. Interests of Children Mr. Schell: The question is worth consideration if the children are going to get any benefit from it. Any stigma would soon wear off. Mr. Mason: People who talk about the possibility of stigma are prejudicing the children. Mr. B. H. Horner: While teachers have more than they can handle it would be a good idea to institute special classes. Mr. Hobson: Not if it is going to stigmatise or carry any injustice to the children. Mr. Mason: I don't care a twopenny dump what-you do. but if it affects the interest of the children then I care mightily. , Mr. W. G. Barclay: If the position were explained to parents I have no doubt that the majority would be agreeable. Mr. Mason said the department approved of the idea. He was prepared to meet the parents to explain tht> position. It was decided to take no action at this stage,