3

E.—l

INTRODUCTION. Progress. It is gratifying to be able to report that, in spite of the peculiar difficulties caused by the war, not only have the various administrative, educational, and social agencies of the Department been kept up to the regular standard of efficiency, but a substantial amount of progress has been made, which, even in normal times would justly be regarded with satisfaction. Since the records of the various phases of the year's work are distributed throughout the sections and appendices of this report, it will be convenient to give at this stage a brief summary of the more notable changes. These include-— The raising of the standard of requirements for the proficiency certificate in order to ensure that a better standard of knowledge is reached by pupils before they leave the primary school, and that a more thorough preparation is provided for those who are to enter secondary schools. An accompanying provision for the granting of free places in technical schools by the issue of endorsed certificates of competency to those who do not reach the higher standard of proficiency, but who show special aptitude in manual subjects. This will raise the value of the certificate of competency in public estimation. A preliminary amendment of the primary-school syllabus in order to secure more definiteness and thoroughness, especially in the essential subjects. The formulation and establishment of a grading scheme for the classification of teachers, so that a fairer and more definite basis may be secured for the appointment of teachers. The extension of the system of school medical inspection, especially in the direction of establishing corrective classes for children with remediable physical defects. The establishment of a School Nurse system to secure co-operation between the home and the school by following up with proper treatment cases of physical defects reported on by the Medical Inspectors; provision for co-operation between the School Nurses and the Plunket Nurses, for the distribution of leaflets containing advice and directions to parents regarding the diet, clothing, teeth, and the common ailments of children, and for a system of lectures by the Medical Inspectors to parents and training-college students. The concentration of the work of School Inspectors upon schools in a definite area, with the allocation of Inspectors as far as possible to sub-districts in order to secure continuity in the guidance given to teachers. More liberal capitation allowance to free kindergarten schools, and an arrangement for a closer inter-relationship between the training colleges and the students in the kindergarten schools. More definite provision for the teaching of domestic science in secondary schools. This has been endorsed by the University Senate. Provision for the training of soldiers at technical and training colleges. Provision for more systematic temperance instruction. Important reforms in the industrial-school system, including better classification of inmates; a considerable extension of the system of placing-out children in normal homes; an extension of the probation system, and improvement in the rate of wages paid to boys and girls in service; improved business methods of control and administration; and the establishment of a central store for the economical purchase and distribution of supplies to all special institutions. The opening of a special school at Richmond for feeble-minded girls.