INSPECTORS’ CONFERENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 February 1921, Page 5

INSPECTORS’ CONFERENCE.

BACK.WARD CHILDREN. By Telegraph.—ptess Association. Wellington, Feb. 10. The School Inspectors’'- Conference today discussed the subject of backward or retarded pupils in primary schools. The Hon. C. J. Parr said the problem was one giving him no little thought, for every two boys and girls who left the primary schools with proficiency certificates Jne left without. This seemed tq be a weakness in the primary system, and was one reason why the compulsory age had been raised to 15. He did not want to create an impression that he desired to force children on, but he was concerned about the question of any possible waste of time in the life "of the children at the period when its full utilisation -was very important. In New South Wales 43 per cent of the children of all school classes and 66 per cent, in Standard 6 were classified as retarded. A rough estimate of things in New Zealand showed that in primer classes 22 per cent, were shown as backward children, and in the standards the figures were: Standard 1. 49 per cent; Standard 2, 50 per cent; Standard 3, 50 per cent; Standard 4, 54 per cent; Standard 5, 52 per cent; Standard 6, 45 per cent.

It was disturbing to think that nearly half the children were below normal in their ability. Referring to the question of low intelligence, the Minister said he did not think there was a low mental standard amongst beginners. An endeavor -was being made in America to arrive at a scientific basis for testing backwardness, and that was what would have to be done here. He had great sympathy for these backward children, and it was the feeling that all possible was not being done for them that caused him to bring the matter forward now.