Summer School at Berrien Springs, Mich.
By W. D. Curtis
At the midwinter meeting of the Lake Union Conference Committee it was decided to hold a summer school for the primary teachers of this union, at Berrien Springs, Mich., beginning June 28, 1905, and continuing four weeks. The various conference committees were asked to pay the traveling expenses of their teachers to and from the school. The Emmanuel Missionary College management furnished rooms and tuition free, board and incidental expenses being all the teachers were required to meet. Several educational superintendents were called in to assist the college faculty in giving instruction. They rendered efficient assistance, which was greatly appreciated by all. The students were permitted to carry four studies, and entered upon their work with enthusiasm. There were about seventy teachers in attendance. It was my privilege to be present, for a time, soon after the school opened, and again at its close. The students were greatly pleased with their summer's work, and ask that hereafter the time be extended. August 1-3 the secretary conducted the general teachers' examination, assisted by the members of the Lake Union Board of Examiners who were present. It was very gratifying to find that the teachers' grades were about twenty per cent better than the year before. The examination was immediately followed by a council, August 3-8. Many of the leading educational people of the Lake Union were present. The keynote of the council was sounded at the first meeting, and may be stated as “consecration, thoroughness, and uniformity.” The course of study, as to length and subjects taught, was carefully considered. It was decided to use the Pacific Coast “Teachers' Manual” as the basis, as far as circumstances will permit, in the primary schools in the Lake Union. The question of text-books received due consideration. The desire for uniformity was manifested upon this subject also; but since there is to be a general educational council held next June, at which many of these perplexing questions will be settled, it was thought best not to make any decided changes in text-books at present. Teachers' examinations and certificates were discussed. The required standard of excellence is to be raised. Those reaching a certain degree of proficiency are to receive Lake Union credentials, and be listed as prospective teachers for intermediate schools and academies. It was also decided to establish a teachers' improvement course, which, with the work at the summer schools, shall constitute a thorough normal course. The importance of manual training in our primary schools also received due consideration. Some time was spent in22studying plans of young people's and Sabbath-school work. At the close of the council the teachers went to their fields of labor much encouraged. The future of the educational work in the Lake Union Conference looks bright. W. D. Curtis.