EDUCATION SYSTEM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3861, 13 March 1928, Page 13

EDUCATION SYSTEM.

CONFERENCE OF INSPECTORS. WELLINGTON, March 7. That Air T. B. Strong, Director of Education, is determined to keep the educational system fully up to date from the practical standpoint is indicated by his latest move. For more than a week now 45 primary school inspectors from every education district of the Dominion have been engaged in conference at Wellington reviewing practically every system appertaining to the education and welfare of children. For instance, there has been no change for a great many years of the text books used in the primary schools. These text books are sadly out of date, and their overhaul is long overdue. The question is a big one, but the conference has the matter in hand with the object of bringing the books up into line with modern requirements. One of th© most important tasks of the conference, however, is the revision of the syllabus, and committees have been set up ti consider and report. Shortly after the conference is concluded th e revised syllabus will be printed and distributed, so that branches of the Educational Institute throughout the Dominion may have an opportunity of considering the proposed alterations prior to their being put into force, next year, when, it is anticipated, the next text books will also be issued. The proficiency examination will be fully discussed, particularly on th e point; whether any change is desirable or whether the new syllabus will automatically make a change in the requirements to meet the new situation. The methods of school inspection and the grading system, in which teachers ar© much concerned, are also matters receiving careful consideration, so that it will be seen that the conference of inspectors now being held is one of paramount importance to the cause of education. The results of the deliberations will bo awaited with the greatest interest by all engaged in primary school work.