EDUCATION POLICY.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13641, 27 August 1937, Page 5

EDUCATION POLICY.

CHANGES FORESHADOWED. BY MINISTER OF EDUCATTON. f Electrio Telegraph-—Press Association NEW PLYMOUTH, August 26. An important pronouncement regarding education policy matters—“most important ever made by a. Minister of Education to the Dominion conference of School Committees’ Association,’’ remarked the Dominion oreisdt-'iit, Mr \V. G. Black—u as flpde in a telegram from the Hon. Petei* Fraser read at the conference at New Plymouth last night conveying some intention in the education % programme. * The Minister was to have addressL ed the conference, but expressed regret at his inability to do so, and forwarded certain facts of interest to the conference in lieu of an address. Mr Fraser stated that school committee incidental expenses would be maintained at the present level, and it was proposed to grade schools during 1938 on the average roil for the first four weeks of the third term this year and not on percentage. Other proposals included the following : An increase in pupils’ boarding allowance to 7s 6d. At present it is ss. Tin- consolidation of schools in suitable areas and where parents are favourable was being encouraged. The increase in handwork material is to be maintained. Special provision for sewing instruction in small country schools with a male teacher only will be contin uecl. An increase in the grant for school libraries from £I2OO to £SOOO for the current year. Ihe school-building programme is to be pushed forward as rapidly as possible. Ground improvement schemes are - to ’ e promoted on a larger scale than last year. The department has decided to relieve school committees of a contribution for tho installation of septic tanks A suitable primary school leaving certif ate in lieu of proficiency is being prepared The provision for agricultural clubs is to be- increased. Additional provision is to be made for kindergartens. A commencement will be made with the- appointment of vocational guidance officers. Consideration is being given to the abolition or home-work 7u primary schools and a considerable curtailment in post-primary schools. I rainin_ college students have been increased from 428 in 1935 to 1187 in 1936 uul to 1360 this year. This will expedite a reduction in tiie size of IWFViicellation of the repayment of boarding allowance by 1933‘and 1935 training college students has been approved. A committee representing the de-l-a r t e 111. education boards and tea-hers is considering staffing and > salaries for primary schools. A special committee is considering the whole question of text books. T hree women supervisors of infant departments will be appointed. Ih-* milk-in-schools scheme up to the present included 92,1KK) children, whic h is one-third of the school popution of the Dominion Th.- number or dental nurses now being trained will enable a considerable extension of the clinic service Xic-xt year and in subsequent years. In addition, the Minister stated that the reorganisation and unification -a tli-- education system was un- . der consideration and a plan would be submitted to Parliament during the coming session, he hoped.