It is earnestly recommended that this course of study be supplemented by a course in general reading, including at least one book every year in each of the following subjects: History, travels, science, fiction, and didactics. Where we have recommended elementary work, in didactics, Prof. S. N. Fellows, a member of the committee, and Professor of Didactics in the State University, suggests as a valuable little book for young teachers, “Mistakes in Teaching," by J. L. Hughes, published by Eldredge & Brothers, Phila- ' delphia.

CLASSIFICATION.

Those now holding first grade certificates, and who also hold certificates of attendance at three or more former institutes, may be admitted to the third year's work, although it is desirable that they commence with a lower grade, to complete the course.

Those holding second grade certificates, and who also hold certificates of attendance at three or more former sessions, together with those holding first grade certificates, but who have attended only two former sessions, may be admitted to the second year's work.

All others should commence with the first year's work.

This programme is only suggestive and may be changed to suit each particular institute.

DES MOINES, March 1881.

C. W. VON COELLN, Des Moines,

S. N. FELLOws, Iowa City,
H. H. FREER, Mt. Vernon,

W. J. SHOUP, Dubuque,

J. WERNLI, Le Mars.
MISS E. E. FRINK, Tipton,

Committee.

THE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENCY.

With our present system of district organization and finances, any backward step in regard to the office of the county superintendent would seriously impair and cripple our work, especially in the rural districts.

The action of the Nineteenth General Assembly in raising the minimum per diem to $4, has given new energy and increased enthusiasm. The wisdom of the increase of salary will be seen, I think, in the continual improvement in the character and ability of the men who, in future, shall be elected to preside over the important school interests of the various counties.

TOWNSHIP ASSOCIATIONS.

These meetings constitute the most important and valuable work of county superintendents, in connection with the teachers of their respective counties. With very few exceptions, they are held in every county. They are well attended in the main, and are always with great interest and profit.

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS' CONVENTIONS.

The counties of the State have been grouped into eight sections, with reference to the convenience, by which a central place of meeting can be reached by railroads. During the past two years, sixteen conventions have been held. The attendance has been excellent, in most cases, the entire number of superintendents being present or accounted for as unavoidably detained. The programmes are carefully prepared, and the most vital and important topics connected with the duties of the county superintendent are thoroughly considered. They are a means of unifying the work as to normal institutes, examination of teachers, grading and granting certificates, visitation of schools, and the hearing of appeals. They are not always confined to county superintendents. Many of our able and accomplished city

superintendents and teachers have taken an active part.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.*

It is not possible for the superintendent to visit the educational institutions of the State as thoroughly as could be desired.

Being officially connected with the State University, I have had opportunity to know something of the excellent character and stand

ing of the institution. In common with most of our people, I have a just pride in its present prosperous condition and promise. I have noticed, with great satisfaction, the excellent behavior and manly bearing of students in all departments. The instruction is thorough, as is abundantly attested by the high standing of those who have gone out from the institution.

The faculty is composed of able and distinguished men, thoroughly devoted to their work, and ever watchful of the interests of the University.

The law and medical departments are practically self-supporting, and, with proper encouragement, will soon become a source of revenue to the State.

The appropriation by the Nineteenth General Assembly, for a new medical building, was well and judiciously expended. The rapid growth and development of the University demands a broad and liberal policy on the part of the State. I sincerely trust that as additional buildings are asked for, the means will be promptly voted to build them. Iowa is abundantly able to build up and maintain a university that shall compare favorably with the great University of Michigan. Such an institution necessarily exerts a vast influence for good upon the people. It is gratifying to know, as I do, that the institution is rapidly growing in favor with all classes, and so far as may be now known, there is no disposition to take a backward step.

It has always been, and is at present especially, economically and prudently conducted, and managed. It is very fortunate in its beautiful location, and, as stated above, very highly favored in the worthy men who preside over it.

With such a beginning, what may we not hope for in future. I refer with pleasure to the able and comprehensive report of the board of regents, which accompanies this report.

I have had the pleasure to assist in the examination of the two graduating classes of the

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.

I cannot speak in too high terms of the thoroughness of the work, of which every exercise gave abundant evidence.

Since its first organization this school has done much for the cause of normal instruction throughout the State.

The faculty are earnest and faithful laborers, and each and every

student who leaves the institution enters the work with an enthusiasm and earnestness which seldom fails of success. These teachers are everywhere in demand, and command the best salaries anywhere paid. The institution has been greatly cramped for room, and during the past two years has been unable to accommodate the large numbers that flocked to it. The last general assembly wisely appropriated money to build a much needed additional building, which has been completed in a manner very creditable to the board of trustees. The faculty will now be able to accommodate a much larger number of students, and in every way to raise the grade and standing of the institution.

The Agricultural College at Ames is in a prosperous condition and is doing a most excellent work.

I have visited this institution for the purpose of informing myself with regard to the results of technical instruction.

The thoroughness of the work and the proficiency of classes was specially gratifying.

The sciences are taught in connection with and by the aid of very complete apparatus.

The work of the institution in the departments of agriculture, horticulture and stock-raising was equally interesting.

Were it possible for the people of all classes to visit and become acquainted with this flourishing and vigorous school, it would be most heartily approved and sustained as one of the most valuable and necessary institutions of the State.

IOWA COLLEGE

at Grinnell, one of the oldest and most successful colleges of the State, was almost totally destroyed in the great tornado of June, 1882. Within one year new buildings, more beautiful, more substantial and commodious, with better equipments, have been erected upon the site of the old. Such a speedy resurrection to what will, no doubt, prove a brilliant career of increased usefulness and power, is a matter for which all friends of higher Christian education should be devoutly thankful.

In compliance with the statute, I herewith submit the first report of the

STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS.

The board consists of the Superintendent of Public Instruction,

the President of the State University, the President of the State Normal School, together with Hon. John W. Rowley, of Van Buren county, and Mrs. Ellen M. Rich, of Benton county, the two latter having been appointed by the executive council.

The board was formally convened at Des Moines, on the 13th of October, 1882, at which time the following rules and regulations for the government of applicants agreeed upon and published:

RULES FOR APPLICANTS.

1. Place upon each piece of paper passed to the person conducting the examination your number, as given you at the beginning of the examination— and in no case your name. Every paper must be written in ink.

2. Use only the paper furnished you, and write upon but one side of the same, and that the side with the ruled margin.

3. Read carefully the questions, and in case duplicate questions are presented under the same number, select one, as in no case will credit be given for both.

4. Place in the margin the number of questions answered, leaving the space of one line between your answers. Your answers need not be consecutive in the order of the questions, if you desire to answer first those which seem easiest to you, provided the number of the question answered be placed distinctly in the margin.

5. In all mathematical work let the full process appear, since more attention will be given to correct processes than to correct results, the answer being placed in the margin under the number. Paper will be furnished you for preliminary solutions, but let each solution be copied as soon as completed.

6. At the expiration of the time allotted for the subject, you will pass your paper promptly to the examiner without folding or creasing in any

manner.

7. Ask no questions of examiners or others during the progress of the examination. Do not leave your seat until the close of the hour for examination.

8. Let all things be done decently and in order.

The first examination was held at Cedar Falls, beginning December 25, and closing December 27, 1882. Six applicants were present, and completed the examination, to three of whom certificates were issued, viz.: W. I. Benham, Manson, Iowa; Edgar T. Bedell, Applington, Iowa; Ernest R. Nichols, Charles City, Iowa.

A second examination was held at Des Moines and Burlington, on the 28th day of March, closing March 30, 1883. Eleven applicants were present, to four of whom certificates were granted, viz.: M. J.