Educational Conditions in Arizona. Bulletin, 1917, No. 44

At a meeting of the Arizona School Official's Association held in April, 1915, a resolution was passed instructing the president of the association to appoint a committee to arrange for an educational survey of the State. Members of the bureau staff visited schools in 12 of the 14 counties, and in 22 of the 24 cities employing city superintendents. Visits of from 20 minutes to an hour were made to about 200 city school teachers, and at least 100 visits of the same length were made to rural school teachers. Several months were spent by members of the survey staff in studying official reports of State and county school officers, records of the State treasurer, State board of control, county treasurers, and other State and local officials. Questionnaires were sent to all teachers in the State for personal data relative to their education, training, experience, salary, etc. Returns were received from approximately 81 per cent. Approximately the same proportion of returns was received from a questionnaire sent to officials concerning the condition of school buildings. Much information was obtained from returns received from a general letter sent to over 500 prominent persons in the state engaged in various occupations. They were asked to express their opinions relative to the strength and weaknesses of the schools. A large number responded, and their opinions were given due consideration in the preparation of this report. This bulletin is divided into four chapters. Chapter I, The State of Arizona and Its Educational System, is divided into three sections, as follows: (1) The State of Arizona; (2) History of education in Arizona; and (3) The educational system. Chapter II, Status of Elementary and Secondary Education, contains the following sections: (1) State administration; (2) County and district administration; (3) Revenue and support; (4) Urban school districts; (5) High Schools; (6) Elementary school attendance, and (7) Instruction. Chapter III, Summary of Recommendations Relating to Public Elementary and Secondary Schools, covers the following topics: (1) Centralization of the State school system; (2) Reorganization of the State board of education; (3) Provision for a nonpolitical State superintendent; (4) Provision for county control of county school funds; (5) Reorganization of the method of apportioning State funds; (6) Requirement of a higher standard of general and professional education for teachers; (7) Means to encourage the erection of suitable school buildings; (8) Rearranged courses of study; (9) Provision for expert supervision of rural schools; and (10) Reorganization of the method of handling State textbooks. Chapter IV, The State Normal School and Department of Education in the State University, contains the following sections: (1) Fundamental premises; (2) Control and organization of the Arizona normal schedule; (3) Course of study--Contents and standards to be attained; (4) Training of teachers in service; (5) Teaching staff and future policy; (6) Maintenance, physical equipment, and present needs of the Arizona normal schools; (7) Department of education in the University of Arizona; and (8) Summery of recommendations for the normal schools and department of education in the University of Arizona. An index is also included. (Contains 86 tables, 15 illustrations, and 18 footnotes.) [Best copy available has been provided.]