TENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART X 599 



From this and other centers it has spread, until it is in operation to 

 a greater or less extent in more than twenty states. 



In Iowa there are about eighty-four schools that have been closed and 

 now transport their pupils. Dui'ing the past year the average cost per 

 pupil transported at public expense was $18.75. 



The State Commissioner of Ohio briefly summarizes the advantages as 

 follows: 



It brings into the school pupils who Avould not otherwise enjoy its 

 advantages. 



It insures a much better average daily attendance of pupils and greatly 

 reduces the number of cases of tardiness and truancy. 



It gives an opportunity for a better classification of the schools and 

 proper grading of pupils. 



It encourages supervision and gives the superintendent a much more 

 favorable chance for thorough inspection of the work of the lower grades. 



It limits the field of work for each teacher and gives an opportunity 

 for a more thorough preparation. 



It gives fewer classes to each teacher and allows longer recitation 

 periods. 



It gives the boys and girls of the rural schools the benefit of such 

 special branches as music, drawing, agriculture and manual training, 

 under a special teacher employed by the board of education. 



It tends to prevent difficulties which often arise on the way to and 

 from school and to protect the health and morals of the children. 



Schools can be administered more economically. Better equipment in 

 the way of apparatus and library for the different grades can be provided 

 for less money. 



The children have the benefit of better buildings and of modern con- 

 veniences in the way of ventilation and sanitary arrangements. 



Better janitor services can be secured. 



It helps to solve the difficult problem for boards of education, where 

 the enumeration in several districts is exceedingly small and new build- 

 ings are needed. 



It secures the employment, retention and personal influence of better 

 teachers. 



It adds the stimulating influences of larger classes, with resulting en- 

 thusiasm and generous rivalry. 



It affords the broader companionship and culture that comes from asso- 

 ciation. 



And, finally, it serves to bring the citizens of the township into closer 

 relationship and to awaken a deeper interest in the public schools. 



These facts should convince the most skeptical. Having secured the 

 larger and better school, we ax'e in a better position to make for the 

 boys and girls a course of study that shall be of real value to them. 



The course of study will naturally be framed with .reference to their 

 environment, and will include such subjects as will fit them for an indus- 

 trial, a commercial or an agricultural career. 



