The plan which has been tried in a number of cities of

Exempting a portion of cach class from examination for special excellence has been quite successful. The superintendent at San José, Cal., thus describes the working of the plan there, where it has been in operation two years:

"A monthly record of the standing of each pupil is kept by the teacher and a copy sent regularly to his parents. Those who reach 90 per cent. in their studies during the year and an average of 95 per cent. in deportment were promoted as honorary pupils. Those ranking next to the honorary pupils were promoted on the recommendation of the teacher. The honorary pupils and those who were recommended number one-half of each class, and were not required to take the final examinations.

"This plan of promoting has worked well in our schools during the two years it has been in operation. It may be assumed that one-half of the pupils at least will be promoted, and this half will include those who were most regular in their attendance and most attentive to their duties while in school. It is certainly an unnecessary labor and expense to examine pupils whose daily recitation and monthly record entitle them to be ranked among the better half of the class. This method of promotion has been a decided incentive to the pupils, stimulating them to greater studiousness and better deportment; at the same time the annual examinations furnish the balance of the class an opportunity to show their ability to do the work of the next higher grade."

Mr. W. M. Crow, of Galveston, Tex., says: "Excusing one-third of the pupils from final examination on account of excellence in class studying during the term, has proved to be a healthy and far-reaching incentive to good work."

The general scheme of promotion in use at Wilmington, Del., is well spoken of by the superintendent, Mr. D. W. Harlan; it includes the promotion without examination of the half of each class bearing the best recitation marks.

Special or unusual methods.—A number of plans which have not found their way into general use, have been tried by various cities with different degrees of success. New Bedford, Mass., for several years promoted all classes in mass. The plan is still in operation in the lower grades, where it appears to work well, but its effects in the high school were disastrous. Pupils who were unprepared for the high school were admitted; and, conscious of their incapacity, soon became totally indifferent, and consequently a disturbing element in the school, affecting the more industrious scholars.

Brookline, Mass., does not promote in mass, but the method of dealing with incompetents is not far removed from the New Bedford plan. The following appears in the last report of the school committee:

"There were the usual number of children who are incapable of doing the work; and these were allowed to be promoted with the understanding that their averages should not affect the general average of the class. While, of course, a promotion under such circumstances is, in one sense, no promotion, yet when children attain a certain age and stature, there seems to be nothing else to do but to allow them to go on with a higher class and do the best they can, absorbing what benefit they may."

Age is an important consideration in the classification of the Portland, Me., schools. The superintendent says:

"While fitness in studies will, no doubt, long remain the principal basis on which promotions are made, yet in graded schools age is by no means to be overlooked in classification. This recognition of age in promotions was adopted by rule in the Portland schools earlier than in any other system of schools, so far as we have noticed." And again:

"The attainments of children differ very essentially at the same age, but there is a common law governing the growth and maturity of the mind as well as of the body. We should not be deceived by the physical appearance of children, and impose on a robust boy of fourteen years the labor and burdens which a man of twenty-five can easily bear. Mental, like muscular growth, requires time to develop. In graduating the tasks of school children, age must be taken as an approximate guide. The indiscreet assignment to children of studies or of branches of any study beyond their age and maturity, or the promotion of individuals or of classes to such studies, only produces harm.

Frequency of promotion.-The advantages of semi-annual promotions are generally recognized. Questions of expediency have in many instances prevented the change from the annual plan, but in no case where the change has been made has dissatisfaction been expressed with the results. Cities in which changes of grade occur more frequently than twice a year are the exception.

EVENING SCHOOLS.

It can not be said that this important branch of educational work has met with universal success during the past year. The great obstacle everyw here reported has been irregular attendance.

Upon the opening of an evening school the attendance for the first few sessions is almost invariably large, but when the curiosity of some is satisfied, and when others discover that hard work and not play is expected, an immediate decrease is noticed in the size of the classes. Amusements and other matters of equal importance so frequently prevent the attendance of even those who do not entirely drop off, that some have gone so far as to doubt that an evening school can be successfully conducted except in large cities. The following, from Orange, N. J., explains the situation there:

"The evening school as a whole has not met the anticipations of its supporters simply by reason of the small attendance. With the promise made for free instruction, with experienced teachers, with text-books furnished, those who have been willing to avail themselves of the advantages of the school have been very few. * *The experi

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ence of the two winters goes to prove that the return for the money appropriated is not sufficient to warrant a continuation of the school, except possibly in the special study of mechanical drawing, and in the class for colored adults. The few who attended regularly made fair progress."

At Salem, Mass., the registration in the evening schools was 279; the average attendance in November was 155; in the following February, but 40. "The committee endeavored to induce a larger attendance at these schools, personally and by public notice in the papers at the middle of the term, but without success."

Even Milwaukee, Wis., a city with a population of 158,000, reports that "evening schools have been organized, but their lack of patronage does not encourage their continuance."

At Lewiston, Me., "notwithstanding the fact that excellent advantages are offered to pupils of evening schools, a small percentage of the boys who register derive any benefit therefrom."

The president of the Dayton, Ohio, board of education says:

To my mind it is a serious question, and one worthy of the calm consideration of the board, whether the night grammar schools ought to be continued beyond the present year. It has been the experience of all the members of the committee having this school in charge that the attendance after the first few weeks dwindles to such a small number as not to warrant the board in the employment of half the teaching force usually appointed for that purpose. Then, too, the work of the few who do attend for the purpose of honest and conscientious study is disturbed by others who, coming to the school under the pretense of pupils, annoy teacher and school alike. Surely the substantial benefit derived from a school carried on under circumstances such as have been described can not be very great, and can not and ought not to warrant the board in the expenditure of any considerable sum of money."

Turning to more encouraging fields, we find that in St. Paul, Minn., "the general success of these schools for the past four years has made them a permanent feature in the educational system of this city." In Boston, "the order in these schools is now almost universally good. It is now possible to introduce considerable classification into the elementary schools, thus utilizing to better advantage the teaching force."

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During the past few years, the night schools of Philadelphia, Pa., have greatly increased in usefulness as the result of wiser and more faithful management, and this has so commended them to the city councils that the appropriation of $10,000 for 1880 has steadily advanced to the sum of $35,000 for 1886.

In the annual examination of the 27 evening schools of New York City, it was found that all but 1 were managed excellently; and of the 237 classes, 190 received excellent instruction, and 45 good; the discipline was excellent in nearly all the classes. The average attendance was 7,251, out of an enrolment of 19,832.

Springfield and New Bedford, Mass., may be cited as instances of smaller cities in which evening schools have been successfully conducted. In the last report of the former is found: "In both of these schools during the last two winters, as well as in the new evening school this season at Oak street, work has been done that would compare favorably with many day schools."

The evening school committee of New Bedford say: "The favorable anticipations in which we indulged a year ago in reviewing the work of the evening schools have crystallized into realities to-day, and we report with pleasure that the generous and enlightened action of the school board, in anticipating aud supplying the wants of these schools, has been met by a full appreciation and use of the aids afforded. We have passed the day of experiment, and, on a broad and firm foundation, are building up our evening school system."

Even in those cities in which the success of these schools is assured irregular attendance is a great evil, which it seems to be impossible to overcome. Careful investigation on the part of the associate superintendents of the Brooklyn, N. Y., schools, led

to the conclusion that the rapid decline which is seen every year may be traced to the following causes:

"First. Indifference on the part of parents.

"Second. Difficulty of notifying parents, who are not indifferent, when their children are absent.

"Third. Admission of persons who seek amusement rather than instruction.

"Fourth. Retention of such persons until the demoralization caused by their conduct has driven many more desirable pupils from school.

"Fifth. Admission of pupils without the imposition of proper conditions as to regularity and continuance of attendance, or without the exaction of trustworthy guarantees that such conditions shall be respected.

"Sixth. Discouragement of pupils consequent upon finding themselves graded lower than they think they should be.

"Seventh. Dissatisfaction of individual pupils on account of the time devoted to studies which they consider of little value."

Of the plans of improvement suggested, the majority have been directed toward the removal of the third cause mentioned above. Upon the supposition that only those who appreciate the advantages offered them will comply with the condition, the Worcester, Mass., committee "have decided to require a deposit of $1 from each pupil, as a guarantee of promptness; it will be refunded at the close of the term to those whose attendance has been satisfactory." This plan has proved to be quite efficacious, and has been copied in other cities.

An admission fee is used to keep out the undesirable element in Newport, R. I., and in some places a written pledge of good behavior and regular attendance has been required of each pupil, with good effect. The objection urged against the "admission fee" plan is that such a school is "not free." If the object of this and similar plans is to keep from the schools all save the earnest and studious, the plan in operation at Oshkosh, Wis., may commend itself. There each pupil pays $1 per month tuition, but with an enrolment of 80, the average attendance is 60. The results are satisfactory," and the percentage of attendance is quite as high as in the average day school.

NOTES FROM CITY SCHOOL REPORTS.

ALABAMA.

Anniston. Though the condition of the city's finances made it necessary to reduce the teaching force in the fall of 1886, the prospect for greater usefulness has recently been increased by the appropriation of $10,000 for the erection of a handsome four-room edifice.

Birmingham.-In a new city like this it can not be expected that the schools will make as favorable a showing as those of older cities, and it is not surprising to find an unusually low percentage of average attendance. In view of the many difficulties encountered, the working of the system has been remarkably smooth and harmonious. A considerable sum has been spent for additional accommodations.

Decatur.-The school system is in its infancy, having been organized this year. A small tuition fee is necessary, to supplement the amount received from taxes, to prevent the schools from falling behind financially.

Huntsville has a graded school in a new, spacious, and comfortable building. Montgomery has expended considerable money during the past year in furnishing new buildings and furniture for the schools, and now owns one of the finest and best arranged school buildings in the South. The course of study is about the same as last year, except that physiology and supplementary reading receive more attention than before. An important change was made in the administration of the schools during the year, by which the board of education was abolished, and the city council assumed direct control of the affairs of the system.

Talladega.-The system is a new one, having been organized at the beginning of the year just passed. The course of instruction at present covers only 6 years, but its extension is contemplated. Lack of suitable quarters was the greatest difficulty experienced during the year; ample provision has been made, however, for both white and colored children for the ensuing term. One building recently completed cost $15,000. Tuscaloosa.-The number of children in attendance has increased nearly 50 per cent. over last year, and the cost of maintaining the schools was nearly $2,000 more. Vocal music and industrial branches are desired. This city, also, is building a handsome brick school-house which will cost $20,000.

ARKANSAS.

Hot Springs schools, though lacking the supervision of a superintendent, have made fine progress during the last five years. The board of directors and the principals of the schools have been earnest and thorough in the discharge of their duties, and the system is efficient and prosperous. A high school was established at the beginning of the year, opening with 44 scholars. Two of these graduated in May last. A reasonably complete laboratory and improved desks and seats, have been provided for this school, and its results have been highly satisfactory. One of the buildings of the board has been enlarged; the total seating capacity of the schools is now 950. The limit of indebtedness fixed by the constitution of the State is such that the usual expedient, the sale of bonds, cannot be resorted to for the erection of new school-houses.

CALIFORNIA.

San José-The financial condition of the school system is excellent; though the city tax rate for schools is less than half the rate of 1884, the amount on hand at the end of the year was considerably larger. In regard to the kindergarten in operation during the year much difference of opinion exists; it is plain, however, that it is not appreciated as its merits deserve, and no demand exists for the extension of its facilities. An important step has been taken in the establishment of a library in each ward school. San Francisco.-While the appropriations for the last year were more liberal than for several years past, the funds at the disposal of the school department were far from adequate to meet its pressing wants. Not only has the city fallen in arrears in the payment of its teachers, but it has failed to supply such buildings and school appliances as are necessary for the proper instruction of the children. The system of inspection inaugurated a few years ago has been an instrument of great good in the schools. Provision has been made for a limited amount of kindergarten work in the lower grades. The readers and arithmetics of the State series have already been adopted. These books will be sold to pupils at the actual cost of publishing; earnest endeavors will be made to make the experiment successful. Yearly written examinations have recently been dispensed with, and all promotions are now made by the principals and class teachers, subject to appeal to the superintendent by parents dissatisfied with the non-promotion of their children.

COLORADO.

Aspen.-The course of study and regulations of the schools were revised at the beginaing of the year. The new course provides twelve years' study, three of which are to be devoted to the high school.

CONNECTICUT,

Bridgeport.-To provide for the increased number of children in West End, a building capable of accommodating 200 scholars has been rented. The increased number of teachers has made it possible to give more attention to individual pupils, and kept many from falling out of the classes. Evening schools for young men only were open during the winter.

Bristol.-A high school, established at the last meeting of the town, began its operations at the opening of the spring term, with 77 scholars. Its teachers are capable and its prospects flattering. By a recent vote of the school committee there may be, in addition to the regular branches laid down in the course of study, exercises in declamation, reading, and composition, at the discretion of each teacher. In the methods of teaching reading and geography special improvement is noticeable.

Enfield. The school-houses are in good condition, since considerable attention was paid to their improvement during the year. The three high schools lack efficiency, and should be consolidated. It is proposed to begin the teaching of music and to improve the character of the instruction in penmanship, during the next year.

Greenwich reports show that the last has not been a year of satisfactory progress; indeed, many of the schools have fallen below their usual standard. For 17 years the public schools have not been as poorly attended as during 1886-87. This fact was mainly due to the opening of two private schools, one controlled by Catholics, the other by Germans, which took large numbers of children of these classes from the public schools.

Hartford.-The new buildings erected during the year, and the improvements in the hygienic condition of the old ones, have done much to advance the character of the school accommodations of the city. Irregularity of attendance had grown to be such an evil that, in order to stop it, a rule was made that no absence or tardiness may be excused except upon a physician's certificate that such absence or tardiness was caused by illness. A new course has been opened in the high school, embracing book-keeping, commercial arithmetic, instruction in business forms and commercial law as far as practicable.

This course was adopted in May for a year on trial, and as far as can now be judged, is going to prove a success. Again this year two evening schools have been conducted, one of which was partly supported by private funds; only a moderate degree of success was attained in either. A kindergarten established in one of the districts has been a very successful experiment.

Manchester.-Some of the school-houses have been very much improved in appearance and conveniences. Sufficient attention is not paid to regular attendance by either teachers or parents.

Meriden. The greatest needs of the schools are the abrogation of the district system, and the employment of a regular superintendent. The course of study is too much encumbered with details, and should be abridged in order that essentials may be more thoroughly mastered. The study of music was introduced a year ago, and has been taught by the regular teachers with at least moderate success. The evening school of the past year was an experiment, and though not entirely satisfactory, it has met with greater success than usually falls to the lot of such schools, showing an average attendance of 249 out of a total enrolment of 498.

Midd etown.-Noteworthy improvement in the matter of tardiness is reported. The attendance shows an increase except in the high school, where a falling off is noticed. Buildings are in good order, necessary repairs having been made.

New Britain.-The number enrolled this year was less by 109 than in 1885-86, a difference explained by the increased attendance in the parochial and private schools. The evening school constantly increases in its usefulness.

New Haren.-Increased attention to mechanical industry is the most important of the changes mentioned in the reports from this city. After considerable difficulty in procuring suitable rooms and a competent teacher for the new wood-working school, satisfactory arrangements were at last completed. The shop was properly fitted up and instruction was begun to 10 classes of 24 boys each at the opening of the school year. The boys were selected, by the principals of the various schools, from the two highest grammar grades, with the understanding that if they failed to maintain their records in their regular studies they were to be dropped from the carpentry class. A systematic course of lessons was given, each class receiving instruction covering two hours in every week of the term. Good results are already noticeable, and decided gain of the pupils in manual power is manifest. Two thousand five hundred girls receive weekly lessons in sewing; several of the teachers state that the girls under them have perceptibly improved in deportment and tidiness since beginning the course. Some 3,660 garments have been made. An ungraded school, formerly used as a truant school, has been discontinued, but to avoid the evil results of such action, incorrigibles are sent to other ungraded schools. The evening schools suffer from irregular attendance, an evil attributed largely to the inexperience of the teachers. The training schools have grown in favor with the graduates of the high school, and it may soon be possible to supply the demand for new teachers with home talent. The high school building is filled to its utmost capacity. Something has been done toward improving the curriculum of this school; a course in English, covering two years, has been carefully planned, and the discussion of current events introduced as a part of the regular daily programme. The works of standard authors are being generally introduced as supplementary to the school reading books. A new course of study prepared by the superintendent and a committee of teachers has beeu adopted.

New London.-During the year just passed the health of the children has been excellent and the attendance in the schools larger than ever before; the corps of teachers has been slightly enlarged in consequence. Success in drawing has not been as uniform as in some other studies. The school houses are in better condition than they have been for years past. The erection of new buildings, aggregating $25,000 in cost, has been recommended by the board of education and the common council, and the appropriations therefor will doubtless be made at the next town meeting.

Norwich.-Unusual prevalence of children's diseases prevented the attendance this year from coming up to the standard of 1885-86, and the enlargement of the private schools lessened the enrolment of the city schools by 111. The teachers are interested in their work, and generally employ excellent methods. The houses and premises have been put in good repair.

Portland. The showing made by the census this year does not compare favorably with that of last year. The enumeration is 39 less, and there are 5 more children not in school. The instruction and the character of the schools is good. Two entertainments were given during the year by the school of District No. 1, netting nearly $50, which sum was expended for scientific apparatus and books for the library. The attenda ice in District No. 2 was reduced by the prevalence of scarlet fever during the last term of the year. Of the buildings, 2 are classed good, 4 fair, and 2 poor.

Rockville.-The irregular attendance of the pupils is the greatest obstacle in the way of success. A parochial school has been opened during the year with over 300 pupils,