Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 21.djvu/171



OREGON NORMAL SCHOOLS 161

accept satisfactory credits covering twenty weeks above the eighth grade."

A school accepted as standard by the United States Bureau of Education is accepted by the state board of education of Oregon. In the event that such a list is not prepared, a school wishing to be accredited may be passed upon by a committee comprising the presidents of the three higher public educa- tional institutions, the state superintendent, one person selected by the denominational colleges, the superintendent of the largest city in the state, and one person selected by the Cath- olic Educational Association.

The validation of certificates and diplomas issued by the normal was arranged for as well. Graduates are first given a certificate entitling them to teach in any grammar school or one, two, and three year high school in the state. After six months' successful experience a five-year certificate is issued, which at the end of thirty months' successful teaching may be exchanged for a life diploma. The holder of a normal school diploma may act as city superintendent in any city in the state.

The course of study was thoroughly revised and standard- ized. The year is divided into four terms, and the subjects are strictly prescribed. Greater emphasis is being placed on training teachers for rural schools, and three rural schools for practice teaching are operated. These are in the immediate vicinity of the normal.

The plan of providing for acquaintance with rural school methods and conditions resembles that in use in Rhode Island. A regular teacher, part of whose salary is paid by the state and part by the local district is appointed. Student teachers are sent to the school, first to observe, and second to teach While teaching, the students are required to live in the district, and their period of apprenticeship is about four weeks. This train- ing is supplemented by work in the practice school at Mon- mouth or Independence.