Page:The American Cyclopædia (1879) Volume VI.djvu/424

 416 EDUCATION though clergymen may be and are appointed by the state as school superintendents. For politi- cal purposes the state is divided into 11 prov- inces, which are subdivided into 35 regencies (Regierungsbezirkeri), and these again into dis- tricts (Kreiae) and parishes ( Gemeinderi). These divisions are also adopted for educational pur- poses. The supreme authority in all matters relating to education is vested in a minister of public instruction, who is appointed by the crown. Local supervision is vested in the provincial authorities, who have general control of secondary education, including the gymnasia, realschulen, and primary normal schools. Each province has a Consistorium, which is divided into two sections, one for ec- clesiastical purposes, and the other, the Schul- collegium, for educational affairs. The mem- bers of the latter receive their appointment and salary from the crown. As a general rule, the administration of the school fund provided by the state, and the management of the lower and elementary schools, are exercised by the civil government of the province, while the Schuleollegium supervises the higher schools, the general system of instruction and discipline, the selection of text books, the examination and appointment of masters, and the examina- tion of those who leave school for the univer- sities. Immediately below this is the church and school section of the supreme council of the regency, presided over by the school coun- cillor (SchulratK), and charged with the exam- ination and appointment of teachers in the primary schools, with keeping the schools in good condition, and with collecting and disburs- ing school funds. The educational affairs of a district are intrusted to the councillor of the district (Landrath) and the inspector. Finally, each commune or parish must have its school, and each school its committee of supervision (Schulwrstand), consisting of the curate, two magistrates, from two to four notable persons of the parish, and its inspector, usually the parish clergyman. In the larger towns and cities the general management of all the schools is intrusted to a board consisting of the bur- gomaster (mayor), members of the municipal council, pastors, and directors of the higher schools. There is also a committee of manage- ment for each school. A complete plan of inspection exists throughout the system. Each of the heads of council, from the highest to the lowest civil division, is appointed by the government, and has the power of veto over the acts of the council, board, or committee over which he presides. Thus the entire school system is completely under the control of the general government. In case the funds ari- sing from endowment, tuition, &c., are insuffi- cient, the deficit is made up by local taxation. The rate of tuition is low, generally one gro- schen (2 cents) a week in the villages, and from 10 silver groschen to 2 thalers a month in the towns. Children unable to pay this .amount may have the benefit of a deduction, or be admitted entirely free. Each parish or commune must maintain its own school ; if it is unable to do so, the district, the prov- ince, and the state share the expense. At- tendance upon the schools is obligatory du- ing school age, 7 to 14, and is enforced by ad- monitions, reprimands, and fines. A close su- pervision over the examination and appoint- ment of teachers is maintained by the govern- ment, and no teacher is appointed until his moral and educational qualifications have been proved. Private schools may be opened by individuals, but they must be under state su- pervision, and the teachers must be examined and receive permission to teach from the gov- ernment authorities. The schools of Prussia may be divided into five general classes: 1, primary ; 2, burgher ; 3, Reahchule ; 4, gym- nasium ; 5, university. Besides these there are normal schools or teachers' seminaries of three grades, and a great variety of special and profes- sional schools devoted to instruction in the prac- tical arts, and the application of science to in- dustry, the liberal professions, and the fine arts. In country or smaller towns the VolTcsseJiulen combine the American primary and grammar schools ; children enter at six years of age, and remain till their school education is com- pleted. In the burgher schools the course of instruction covers eight years, and embraces the ordinary elementary studies, prominence being given to religious instruction, music, drawing, and gymnastics. During the first three years the sexes are taught together ; afterward in separate schools, except in vil- lages where the population is small. Gener- ally no opportunities are offered in the public schools for the higher education of girls, ex- cept that afforded by the burgher schools ; but in several of the cities schools have been organ- ized for this purpose. Instruction in household work, handiwork, or some branch of trade, is given in the regular course, or in separate de- partments. The burgher schools are of several grades, the highest ranking with the American high school. The realschule has a "realistic " course (Realia), which differs from that of the gymnasium mainly in being less classical, and which provides a broad course of education for those intending to pursue commercial or mechanical occupations, or prepare for any of the special schools without entering the uni- versity, their object being to "prepare by scientific education for those higher vocations of life for which academic studies are not re- quired." Eealschulen are classified into those of the first rank, those of the second rank, and higher burgher schools. The ordinary studies of the realschule are German, French, English, Latin, mathematics, geography and history, natural history, physics and chemis- try, mechanics, drawing, religion, singing, and turning or gymnastics. Students are usually admitted at seven years of age, and complete their studies at 15 or 16. From 32 to 34 reci- tations, of 50 minutes each, are required each