EDUCATIONAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3766, 13 March 1928, Page 3

EDUCATIONAL.

DIRECTOR AND INSPECTORS CONFER. Wellington, March 8. That Mr. T. B. Strong, M.A., Director of Education, is proving himself fully determined to keep the education system up to date from a practical standpoint is demonstrated by his latest move. (For a week now, 45 primary school inspectors from every education district of the Dominion have been engaged, in a conference at Wellington, in reviewing practically every system appertaining to education and the welfare of children.

For instance, there has been no change, for a great many years, of the text books used in primary schools. These text books are sadly out of date, and their overhaul is long overdue. The question is a big one, blit the conference has the matter in hand, with the object of bringing the books'up into line with modern requirements. One of the biggest jobs of the conference, however, is the revision of the syllabus, and committees have been set up to consider and report shortly after the conference concludes. A revised syllabus will be printed and distributed, so that branches of the Educational Institute throughout the Dominion may have the opportunity of considering the proposed alterations prior to their being put into force next year, when, it is' anticipated, the new text books will also be issued.

The proficiency examination will be fully discussed, particularly as to whether any change is desirable, or whether the new syllabus will automatically make the change in the requirements to meet the new situation.

The methods of school inspection and the grading system, in which teachers are much concerned, are also matters receiving careful consideration so that it will be seen that the conference of inspectors now being held is of paramount, importance to the cause of education. The results of its deliberations will be awaited with the greatest interest by all engaged in primary school work.