Educational Review (Volume 28)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 Excerpt: ...selection of text-books, appointment of teachers, and the internal management of the schools is now lodged with the superintendents. The Board of Education concerns itself with the financial and, business affairs of the schools, and merely has the power to I confirm or reject those propositions of the board of superin-' tendents that relate to the conduct of the schools as organized instruments of instruction. These provisions of the charter have far-reaching consequences. The educational interests of the schools are no longer in the hands of men primarily interested in politics, business, law, medicine, or theology. On the contrary, they are intrusted to experienced and well-trained experts who devote their lives to the study of education. The City Superintendent is not only endowed with great authority as a chief-executive, but he also, as ex-ofhcio chairman of the board of superintendents, has unparalleled power to determine and control all legislation that immediately affects the organization and equipment of the schools, the subjects of study, and the methods of instruction. The newly revised charter has definitely removed the selection of teachers from the domain of political, social, and religious influences. No one can teach in the schools of the city who is not appointed from a graded list of candidates selected thru competitive examinations by a permanent board of examiners, and licensed by the City Superintendent. This license is temporary, and may be canceled for cause at the end of the first, second, or third year. After the expiration of three years of meritorious service, the license is made permanent and cannot be revoked without a formal trial, based on written charges of inefficiency or misconduct. is reached by first assistants in five, a...