Superintendent Henry P. Emerson, of Buffalo, N. Y., was introduced by the chair, and read a paper on “Influences That Make for Good Citizenship." The discussion was led by William E. Hatch, superintendent of schools, New Bedford, Mass., and H. O. R. Siefert, superintendent of schools, Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. John MacDonald, editor of the Western School Journal, Topeka, Kan.; Mrs. V. C. Meredith, of St. Anthony, Minn.; and Superintendent F. Treudley, of Youngstown, O., also participated in the discussion. After several miscellaneous announcements, the meeting adjourned to 8:15 P. M. EVENING SESSION The evening program consisted of an address delivered by Dr. Frank Gunsaulus, president of Armour Institute, Chicago, Ill., on "Technical Education and its Effects on General Education." SECOND DAY MORNING SESSION.-FEBRUARY 26 President Glenn called the meeting to order at 9 o'clock, as per resolution of the preceding day, which also provided that the consideration of the report of the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws should be taken up at that hour. In response to a request from the members of the department, Superintendent Aaron Gove, of Denver, read the proposed constitution and by-laws. Superintendent C. G. Pearse, of Omaha, moved that the constitution and by-laws be read section by section. Carried. On motion of Superintendent Joseph Carter, of Champaign, Ill., Art. I of the proposed constitution was unanimously adopted. After a somewhat extended discussion of Article II, Superintendent Charles R. Skinner, of New York, moved that the proposed constitution be printed in the program for next year, and that the president be directed to prepare a place in his program for discussion of said proposition. This motion was unanimously carried. The first subject of the session was “The Ideal Normal School." The paper was read by Dr. William H. Payne, professor of the science and art of teaching, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. The discussion was led by Frank L. Jones, state superintendent of public instruction, Indianapolis, Ind., who was followed by R. G. Boone, superintendent of schools, Cincinnati, O. The general discussion was participated in by Superintendent C. F. Carroll, of Worcester, Mass.; Superintendent J. M. Greenwood, of Kansas City, Mo.; and Miss M. Elizabeth Farson, district superintendent of schools, Chicago, Ill. Dr. W. T. Harris, United States Commissioner of Education, Washington, D. C., was then introduced by President Glenn. The department paid Dr. Harris a tribute of respect by rising when his name was called by the president. The subject of his address was The Danger of Using Biological Analogies in Reasoning on Educational Subjects." The paper was discussed by Dr. G. Stanley Hall, of Clark University. The discussion was closed by Dr. Harris. 66 The president then announced the following Committee on Nominations for the ensuing year: Superintendent E. H. Mark, Louisville. Superintendent Irwen Leviston, St. Paul. Superintendent H. O. R. Siefert, Milwaukee. The department then adjourned. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was devoted to round-table meetings, as follows: A. ROUND TABLE OF STATE AND COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS The meeting was called to order at 2 o'clock by the leader, Frank L. Jones, state superintendent of public instruction, Indianapolis, Ind. First topic: "Instruction in the Elements of Agriculture in Rural Communities." The discussion was led by L. D. Harvey, state superintendent of public instruction, Madison, Wis., who was followed by Miss Virginia C. Meredith, of the School of Agriculture, St. Anthony Park, Minn. The general discussion of the topic was participated in by Superintendent Schaeffer, of Pennsylvania; Superintendent Barrett, of Iowa; Superintendent Carrington, of Missouri; Superintendent Olsen, of Minnesota; and Superintendent Roberts, of Peoria, Ill. Second topic: "The Financial Phase of the Consolidation of Rural Schools." The discussion was led by Charles A. Van Matre, county superintendent of schools, Delaware county, Ind. Superintendent Schaeffer, of Pennsylvania; Superintendent Bayliss, of Illinois; Superintendent Bonebrake, of Ohio; Superintendent Fall, of Michigan; Superintendent B. E. York, of Kingsville, O.; Superintendent Collins, of South Dakota; Superintendent Bright, of Cook county, Ill.; and County Superintendent W. G. Hartranft, of Seattle, Wash., participated in the general discussion. A short business meeting followed the discussions, at which the following officers were elected : ject: President- Mrs. Helen L. Grenfell, state superintendent of public instruction of Colorado. The round table then adjourned. B. ROUND TABLE OF CITY SUPERINTENDENTS Leader, James M. Greenwood, superintendent of schools, Kansas City, Mo. Sub"Minor Problems." Topic 1-Synopsis: (a) Selection of teachers. (b) Elimination of teachers who are intellectually incompetent. (c) Elimination of teachers who are not morally prepared. (d) Stimulation of teachers to follow right ideals. I. C. McNeill, president State Normal School, Superior, Wis. Topic 2-Synopsis: (a) The crack of the college professor's whip. (b) The nervous woman writer's tirade on the "crowded curriculum." (c) The conclusions of the notoriety-seeking schoolroom experi(d) The demands of the old-school men that all be eliminated except the "three R's." menter. W. A. Hester, superintendent of schools, Evansville, Ind. Topic 3 Synopsis: (a) How to meet the people. (b) Grade meetings. (c) Pay-rolls and financial statements. (d) Use of the teachers' association. Louis P. Nash, superintendent of schools, Holyoke, Mass. C. ROUND TABLE OF NORMAL SCHOOLS AND TRAINING TEACHERS Conference I, Normal Schools.- Leader, Livingston C. Lord, president Eastern Illinois Normal School, Charleston, Ill. Topic 1"What Aspects of Psychology and Child Study Are Suitable Subjects for Instruction in Normal Schools?" The discussion of this topic was led by President Albert Salisbury, State Normal School, Whitewater, Wis.; President Livingston C. Lord, Eastern Illinois Normal School, Charleston, Ill.; President Homer H. Seerley, State Normal School, Cedar Falls, Ia.; Professor Daniel Putnam, State Normal College, Ypsilanti, Mich.; Principal James M. Green, State Normal School, Trenton, N. J.; Professor John A. H. Kent, Northern Illinois Normal School, De Kalb, Ill. Topic 2 "Shall Instruction in Psychology and Child Study Be Oral, or Shall a Text-Book Be Used?" The discussion of this topic was participated in by Professor Grant Karr, superintendent of practice, State Normal School, Oswego, N. Y., and Thomas H. Gentle, director of the training school, State Normal School, Platteville, Wis. Conference II, Training Teachers.- Leader, James E. Russell, dean of Teachers College, Columbia University, New York city. Topic "Criticism What Shall it Be?" The leader, Dean Russell, introduced the discussion of this topic, and was followed by President J. N. Wilkinson, State Normal School, Emporia, Kan.; Professor Guy E. Maxwell, State Normal School, Winona, Minn.; and Miss Sarah J. Walter, State Normal School, Willimantic, Conn. A general discussion followed by Principal Theodore B. Noss, State Normal School, California, Pa.; President Z. X. Snyder, State Normal School, Greeley, Colo.; Professor Edwin C. Page, Northern Illinois Normal School, De Kalb, Ill.; Professor Frank M. McMurry, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York; Professor John H. Glotfelter, State Normal School, Emporia, Kan.; President Livingston C. Lord, Eastern Illinois Normal School, Charleston, Ill.; and Professor N. A. Harvey, Chicago City Normal School. EVENING SESSION The program of the evening consisted of an address on "The Educational System of Porto Rico," by Dr. M. G. Brumbaugh, commissioner of education for Porto Rico. THIRD DAY MORNING SESSION.-THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 The department was called to order by President Glenn at 9:30 o'clock. After making a number of miscellaneous announcements, the president announced the following Committee on Resolutions : President Glenn expressed the regret of the department because of the absence of Colonel Francis W. Parker, occasioned by impaired health, and stated that he thought the department was very fortunate in having present so excellent a substitute for Colonel Parker as Dr. Arnold Tompkins, of the Chicago Normal School, who would address the department on "Altruism as a Law of Education." The report of the Committee on Nomination of officers for the ensuing year was then called for. The report of the committee was made thru its chairman, E. H. Mark, of Louisville, Ky., and the following officers were recommended for election : President-Charles M. Jordan, superintendent of schools, Minneapolis, Minn. The report was unanimously adopted. Dr. H. R. Sanford, of New York, moved that the directors of the National Educa tional Association be most earnestly requested to provide an official stenographer for the next session of this department. After voting down several proposed amendments, the original motion was unanimously carried. The selection for the place of the next meeting of the department was taken up, and nominations were presented from New Orleans and Helena, Mont. The claims of Helena for the next meeting of the department were presented by State Superintendent W. W. Welch. Superintendent Warren Easton, of New Orleans, La., presented an invitation from the educational institutions and other organizations of his city. New Orleans was selected by the unanimous vote of the department. Dr. G. Stanley Hall, president of Clark University, Worcester, Mass., was introduced by the chairman and read a paper on "The High School as the People's College versus Fitting Schools." The discussion was opened by Irwen Leviston, superintendent of schools, St. Paul, Minn. The general discussion was participated in by Commissioner Harris and closed by Dr. Hall. The Committee on Resolutions then offered the following report, which, upon motion, was unanimously adopted: Resolved, That it is a sense of this department that the subjects discussed should bear directly upon supervision in all of its phases; and that it welcomes to its meetings all who are interested in the investigation of its problems. That a committee of nine be appointed to formulate, upon a sound educational basis, contemporary educa tional doctrine; submit statements covering contemporary educational experience; and indicate the tenden cies of contemporary educational methods. That all speakers discussing a paper shall speak without manuscript. That the committee on program should make more ample provision for “round-table conferences." That the thanks of this department are tendered to the president for the rare intelligence manifested in the preparation of the program and the courtly dignity with which he has presided; to the secretary and other officers for numberless helpful and considerate courtesies received at their hands; and to the several speakers for the superior quality of the papers presented. W. W. STETSON, Committee. Superintendent John Richeson, East St. Louis, Ill., moved the adoption of the following resolution, which was seconded by Superintendent Arthur Powell, Steubenville, O.: Resolved, That, in order to secure facts and opinions bearing upon school administration, the president of this department shall annually appoint a committee of three to serve one year, whose duty shall be to receive questions which can be briefly answered, and have them printed in the form of a ballot to be distributed at all section meetings in the afternoon of the second day of the annual meeting, and to report the results during the forenoon session of the third day. Amended, so that the members shall serve for three years, one being appointed each year after the first year. The amendment was accepted by the mover and seconder. The resolution, as amended, was referred to the Board of Directors of the National Educational Association. Miss Mary McCowen, supervising principal, Chicago extended an invitation to the members of the department to exemplifying the work of the Chicago schools for the deaf. announcements, the department adjourned to meet at 2 P. M. AFTERNOON SESSION Day Schools for the Deaf, attend a series of meetings After several miscellaneous The department convened at 2 o'clock, President Glenn in the chair. After a number of announcements, the chair introduced Superintendent Thomas M. Balliet, of Springfield, Mass., who read a paper on "College Graduates in the Elementary Schools." The general discussion of Superintendent Balliet's paper was participated in by the following: Superintendent Eugene Bouton, of Pittsfield, Mass.; Superintendent A. K. Whitcomb, of Lowell, Mass.; Superintendent William J. M. Cox, of Moline, Ill.; Superintendent W. F. Slaton, of Atlanta, Ga.; State Superintendent Delos Fall, of Michigan; Dr. H. R. Sanford, of New York; Principal A. S Downing, of New York; Professor E. O. Sisson, of Bradley Institute, Illinois; Dr. E. E. White, of Columbus, O.; and John MacDonald, of Topeka, Kan. Before declaring the meeting of the Department of Superintendence closed, President Glenn thanked those who were on the program for the careful way in which all addresses were prepared; the secretary and other officers, for their hearty co-operation in making the meeting a success; Superintendents Cooley and Lane, for so kindly looking after the details with reference to the place of meeting, hotel accommodations, etc.; and the members of the department, for their patience and willing co-operation during all of the sessions of the meeting. President Glenn then declared the session of the Department of Superintendence for 1902 closed. Subsequent to the close of the meeting President Glenn appointed as the Committee of Nine provided for in the report of the Committee on Resolutions the following: Hon. Frank A. Hill, secretary of the state board of education, Boston, Mass. Superintendent L. H. Jones, Cleveland, O. Superintendent C. B. Gilbert, Rochester, N. Y. Superintendent C. H. Keyes, Hartford, Conn. Professor George H. Locke, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill. Professor D. L. Kiehle, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn. Superintendent J. H. Van Sickle, Baltimore, Ind. Professor Elmer E. Brown, University of California, Berkeley, Cal. JOHN DIETRICH, Secretary. PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS OBSTACLES TO EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS PAUL H. HANUS, PROFESSOR OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF 66 In the following paper I limit myself to discussing obstacles to progress in three phases of educational activity; and in the time allotted to me I shall be able to treat in some detail only one of these three. The phases referred to are the making of school programs or courses of study," the organization and administration of school systems, and the training of teachers for elementary and secondary schools; and of these I can treat only the first in some detail. First, the obstacles to improvement in school programs or courses of study. The recent history of attempted reforms in school programs is quickly told. About twenty years ago the elementary-school program, with its narrow content and overwhelming emphasis on the school arts reading, writing, arithmetic, and English grammar-was seen to be inadequate and formal. It provided some acquaintance with the school arts themselves, but afforded little real education. It prepared for an elementary education, but did not furnish it. Accordingly, rather more than ten years ago we began to increase the scope of elementary-school programs. We sought to improve them by "enrichment." To the school arts, the formal studies, we added "thought studies" literature, history, nature study, and an improved geography. To the narrow field of the traditional arithmetic we added elementary algebra and geometry; we laid more stress on the drawing, music, and physical training already represented in the schools' occupations; and we introduced manual training, and occasionally a foreign language. But the result was far from satisfactory. We had become convinced that enrichment was necessary, and had acted on our conviction. ment had involved us in new difficulties that proved to be formidable But the enrich |