A plan for the reorganization of rural school administration in Missouri

Abstract

Text from the Introduction section of this thesis: An increasing nrunber of students of social conditions are coming to regard the country school as one of the most pressing problems of our national life. In building, equipment, curriculum, teaching, and results the country school is far below the standard now reached by the elementary school in the city; and no high school at all is provided for a large majority of pupils in the country. Some of the hindrances to rural school betterment are a clumsy, inefficient organization and a lack of funds. When the resources are rneagre it is difficult to procure adequate buildings and equipment and to employ skilled teachers, supervisors, and administrators. In ability to raise money for schools, the city is, as a rule, far superior to the rural community. But the possession of money alone will not insure a high quality of these material and human agencies. There must be an organization by means of which these may be obtained and directed.