A.—3

'"It will be noticed that a curious drop in average age takes place in Class sin Cook Islands. This appears to have resulted from the reclassification into eight classes. " Standards of achievement fixed by reliable tests : One of the greatest difficulties in making out courses of study in different subjects was that no standards of achievements have yet been determined for Polynesian pupils. The result was that there was no means of knowing how much work, or how difficult work, could be accomplished in one year by each class. An important step, therefore, was taken towards the end of 1926, when measures were taken of children's abilities in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in each class, as well as in comprehension of reading, written composition, and spelling. These standards are, of course, tentative, and will be revised from time to time. Nor are they regarded as being absolutely exact; but they are, nevertheless, quite reliable for ordinary purposes, and should prove invaluable in adjusting the curriculum to the capacities of the children. They will also serve to guide teachers in making promotions at the end of the year, or at any time when pupils may reach the prescribed standards, thus helping to get away from the old lock-step system. " Teachers' Certificates, Superannuation, and Salaries.—Teachers' certificates now approved: In order that Native teachers may become qualified, the requirements for the junior and senior teachers' certificates have been completed. These certificates are roughly comparable with the New Zealand teachers' E and D certificates. " Annual examination of teachers commenced : The first annual examination of Native teachers was held throughout the Southern Islands at the end of 1926. As reported elsewhere, the results were very encouraging, and it is hoped that by the end of 1927 teachers will be able to sit for the first part of the Junior Teachers' Certificate. " Superannuation now applies to Native teachers : A very important extension of the superannuation scheme to Native teachers has now been completed, a step which should have great influence in stabdizing the corps of Native teachers. " Health.—School-children now receiving dental attention : The establishment of a dental clinic has brought to the Cook Islands pupils the benefit of modern dental aids. There can be no doubt that the new departure will have a marked influence on the work of the schools. It has been conclusively proved at Bridgeport, U.S.A., that efficient dental clinics considerably reduce the number of children who fail in their school examinations at the end of the school year. It has been very encouraging to observe the number of children who have purchased tooth-brushes as a result of their visits to the dental clinic. At the Avarua School experiments are being made with Native materials with a view to children making their own tooth-brushes. " Mass treatment for hookworm given to school-children : Another very important aid to successful work in the schools is that given by the medical officers. During 1926 mass treatment for hookworm was given to the pupils of a number of schools. The serious reduction of both mental and physical energy by the ravages of the hookworm has been shown in a number of studies. In Queensland it was shown that children heavily infected were retarded to the extent of nineteen months. In other words, the expulsion of the worm would enable children to do the work of from one to two classes above that in which they are placed. " Effect on height and weight to be investigated : Towards the end of 1926 all school-children were carefully measured in sitting and standing heights, and in weight, with a view to constructing a Polynesian age-height-weight scale. The mass treatment for hookworm will invalidate these measurements, which will, however, enable us to secure a clearer insight into the effects of the hookworm on Cook Islands pupils. " The schools can help to reduce sickness : It is to be hoped that by shutting out the cold, wet winds from the school buildings, the formation of good health habits, thorough instruction in the new health course of study, and sound physical instruction the school may help to reduce the prevalence of sickness. During February the Native teachers of Rarotonga were given an intensive course in health education. These teachers, therefore, should be able to assist greatly in the spread of knowledge necessary to counteract the diseases which menace the health of both the child and the adult population. " Sports being organized : Basketball, football, and cricket in Rarotonga, hockey in Mangaia, and tennis in Aitutaki have made considerable headway. During the coming year these and other games are to be further developed as valuable aids to physical and character education. " Supervision and Inspection of Schools.—ln August, 1926, all the schools in the Southern Group, except Aitutaki, were visited by Mr. Valentine, until recently Senior Inspector of Taranaki. Mr.

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I I Class. Cook Islands, 1920. Philippines, 1924. j Difference. Years. Years. Years. 1 |7-40 9-18 1-78 2 9-90 10-80 0-90 3 10-80 12-16 1-36 4 12-03 13-40 1-37 5 11-50 14-50 3-00 6 14-80 15-60 0-80 7 14-40 16-80 2-40 8 14-50 Not given