EDUCATION REFORM

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1930, Page 7

EDUCATION REFORM

COMMITTEE’S REPORT,

\F UR.THER RECOMII END A TIONS

WELL IG TON, August 13

The second and concluding part of tee upon the reorganisation of education in . the Dominion, referred to as the Atmoro Report, was presented in the House of Representatives this afternoon. Some important recommendations are put forward m respect to post-secondary education ,tlie training of teachers,, higher technical education, the examination system for entrance to the university, lieailh in schools, the setting of homework, the training of backward children and tne deaf, teachers’ superannuation); the interchange of teachers with other countries, religious trainging in .schoolsJ etc.; and,- finally ,011 the means of ei- ! fecting a change-over from the present to the pew system as soon as possible. Th .defects’, of the existing University system in New Zealand are sen tellingly investigated.

In tlite main,* the Committee recommends the consolidation of the existing university colleges, agricultural colleges, research insithtions, and teachers’ training colleges within each Is hi lid to form two self-contained Federal Universities.

Tlie report states that, from the investigations made by the Committee, it appeared that at the present time the facilities offered for religious instruction under the Nelson System arc taken advantage of in approximately only ten per cent of the schools of the Dominion. The Committee is of the opinion that provided the way is open for the Dominion-wide operation of this system, much .greater use could be made of the opportunities offered. It was further of the opinion that the extension of this system would be greatly promoted if the teachers who desired to do so were permitted to assist in connection with it. To this course the Committee can see no objection, provided that such assistance is entirely voluntary, and is given in the teacher’s private capacity, out of school hours,’ as the system provides. Tlie committee expresses satisfaction as to the necessity, value and efficiency of the work done in the schools by the School Medical Service, and the close and loyal co-operation of the teachers and the itinerant physical instructors ; and it recommends that the medical examination of the school children be extended to include all of the primary and secondary schools children in the Dominion; an that the training and duties of the teachers be so arranged as to enable them to give adequate attention to the suitable physical education of the children in toe sical educaion of the children in the cases where the medical examination discloses the need for such education.

It is recommended that the School Dental Service bo further extended to the country districts; and that the adoption of the open-air type of school be encouraged, where new schools and class rooms are required.

The opinion is expressed that homework in tlie primary schools should not lie necessary; that in the primary schools the setting of homework in grammar and arithmetic should be prohibited; and that in all schools post-primary, as well as primary, the imposition of the homework should be reduced to a minimum.

It is also recommended that corporal punishment be reduced to a minimum and that a record lie kept in all cases where it is inflicted.

In respect to teachers’ superannuation, it is recommended that, having regard to the superannuation rights obtaining in the public service, the maximum allowance payable-should he I*3oo, and that the contributions to the fund he fixed upon an .actuarial basis* in view of the committee’s recommendation for the establishment rf a Secondjiry Schools Board of Studies and a Faculty of Technical Eduent-Vm. It is further recommended that the question of the contin-nnce of the Council of Education should be reviewed.