COUNTRY SCHOOLS

Otago Witness, Issue 3399, 7 May 1919, Page 5

COUNTRY SCHOOLS

A VALUABLE INNOVATION. Country schools (writes the Wellington correspondent of the Lyttolton Times) an always at a disadvantage compared witti town schools in the educational method* which can be adopted, but the Hon. J. A. Hanan outlined a system to be shortly brought into force which will to a great extent bring to these isolated schools soma ! of the advantages which they now lack. I It will be an attempt to level up the edu- ; cational standard of small schools by giving I them the occasional services of first-class I teachers of wide experience. The teachem I will welcome the help which is to be given 1 to them under the new system. '' Most of the very Email schools aro in 1 outlying districts, which can be visited only ! at long intervals by the inspectors," ex- ! plained the Minister. " The inspector, as a 1 rule, can spend only a short time to give l the necessary guidance and help to. the I country teacher, yet the work of these schools is. of vital importance, as they j represent the only educational mediumavailable for the children. . Town children ; have many advantages which the children I of these country schools do not enjoy, and I as it is essential "that the education in the j small schools should be made as efficient as possible, it is proposed to appoint organising teachens to take control of groups oi five country school* situated in / the same district. The duty of the organising teacher will bo to draw up schemes of work, arrange the organisation of the school, set out the best methods of teaching, and to demonstrate to the teachers 'how all these might be carried into effect. ; The officer will not be an inspector merely, i but will actually remain in the school for' j a week if necessary, to show the teacher j how to carry out the work. The respon- ! sibility of the school teacher for the exeou- , tion of his work will not be interfered with, but at the same time the organising teacher will have a general responsibility of eeeingf that progress is made, and that efficient and- suitable teaching methods are adopted. " The intention is to secure for these fiositions," continued the. Hon. J. A. lanan, " teachers with wide and successful experience in country school work. They must have organising ability and the temperament and qualifications necessary for guiding and stimulating the work of others.They will supplement the work of the inspectors, who, after satisfying themselves that the plans set in operation by the organising teacher in his group of school* are satisfactory, will be able to rest_ assured that during their absence there will be a skilled and practical teacher helping to carry out approved methods. The Education Department Expects that at least SO organising teachers will be required. The appointments will be made by the Education Boards under whose control they are, subject to the Minister's approval, which applies only to die organising teachers. "I am satisfied, after visits to country, districts, that* there is need for some assistance in the direction I have indicated. I am very anxious that the standard of education in- the country schools shall not suffer through their isolated position, and this system ■ will really give them the benefits of a training college in miniature, where . the teachers will be trained in the midst of their work, and will have the guidance and help of an expert all the time. The organising teacher will also be able to briny his teachers together for lectures if necessary, and we shall ask the organising teacher to direct the studies of uncertificated teachers."