H.-2

16

plainly marked by printing, at the foot of each certificate, the principal rules affecting classification, and by arranging teachers' names in the published lists in groups according to ranks, and not in separate classes. As a first step towards a general classification, an invitation Avas issued to all teachers Avhose names appeared in the Boards' lists of certificates, to send in a statement showing in detail the character of the certificates of any kind which they had at any time received from any University or Education Board, or other authority, and tbe nature and duration of their service as teachers. The statements made by them in reply were submitted to the Inspectors of the respective districts, avlio were requested to make comments and assign marks according to their estimate of each teacher's practical skill. The information thus supplied by teachers and Inspectors having been carefully considered, eA'ery teacher .^received advice of the classification which it Avas proposed to aAvard to him, and was requested to return the advice with his full name and address Avritten upon it, to promote accuracy in official records and letters. An opportunity AA ras thus afforded to teachers to direct attention to any qualification or claim which might have been inadequately stated, or have received less consideration than, in their opinion, it Avas entitled to, and in many cases their representations secured for them higher classification than that which was at first proposed. Some teachers have abstained from signifying their acceptance of the position assigned to them, and therefore their names do not appear in the certificate lists. The qualifications for the loAvest class (E) may be briefly described as consisting of proof of a fair knoAvledge of the subjects required by law to be taught in primary schools. The programme of examination does not extend beyond the limits of the Sixth Standard, although no doubt an Inspector in granting a pass to a child for that standard would be less rigorous than an examiner ought to be who has to deal with candidates of mature age. The Act requires the teaching of music, drawing, and elementary science in the schools, and therefore the programme of examination for Class E includes these subjects, which hoAvever do not stand on an equal footing. Music and draAving may be regarded as accomplishments hopelessly beyond the reach of most adults Avho have received no instruction in them in their youth; but any adult, Avhose intelligence and perseverance are such as to make him fit to be a teacher, may easily acquire such rudimentary knoAvledge of the principles of natural and physical science as is demanded by the standards. Music and draAving, therefore, are simply included in the examination programme, so that proficiency in them will help a candidate to pass, while failure in them will be attended by no serious consequence if atoned for by very good work in other subjects. But in elementary science every candidate must pass in order to obtain a full certificate; and those who, at the first examination held under the regulations, were successful in other subjects, but failed in this, have received only a provisional certificate, to be exchanged for a full certificate upon their passing the science examination at a future time. Similarly, teachers to whom certificates are granted in virtue of their former classification receive only a provisional certificate unless, or until, they have proA'ed that they have a fair knowledge of elementary science; but this rule has been relaxed in favour of some of the older teachers, Avhose long service Avarranted the assumption that they either possessed sufficient knowledge of the subject or would set themselves to acquire it. As the teaching of music and drawing becomes more general and efficient, it may be possible to insist more strongly on evidence of competency to give instruction in these subjects. The regulations numbered 6, 7, 8, and 9 are of general application to candidates for all the classes. Subject to these regulations (A\ Thich refer to age, experience, and knowledge of science, school-organization, &c), the special standards for attainments for the higher classes from D upAA7ards to A are fixed by reference to the examinations conducted by the New Zealand University. The matriculation examination of that University has until now been conducted by the affiliated institutions, and consequently the standard has been indefinite. But the University intends to take this examination into its oavh hands, and it Avill probably be found practicable to use the examination as a test for Class D. 4 If in any ( 4) See Correspondence with Chancellor, in Appendix, p. 130.