A survey of the educational system of the Philippine islands by the Board of educational survey, created under acts 3162 and 3196 of the Philippine Legislature.

BOARD OF EDUCATIONAL SURVEY REPORT 111

(c) The periodic inventory of all aspects of child accountingstudies of age-grade distribution of pupils, of failures, promotion, elimination, and retardation. A special investigator trained in the modern
technique of school administration should be placed in charge of this
work.
(d) The continuous and scientific revision of the curriculum, based
on studies of social needs and of the interest and aptitudes of children.
(e) The thorough study of the language problem, oral and written,
looking to the development of a sound program of phonic instruction
and to the inauguration of a program of silent-reading methods.
(f) The organization and supervision of health activities and of
physical education in the schools.
(g) The direction and supervision of secondary education.
2. That a definite policy be adopted of appointing to a teaching
position after an announced and early date no person without definite
preparation for teaching. That this required preparation shall be four
years in a normal school of secondary grade, except in provinces where
it is clearly impracticable to require so long a training period. That
the twenty-two existing teacher training institutions be strengthened and
made thoroughly professional and that academic high schools be transformed into normal schools in a number sufficient to carry out the
program of teacher training.
3. That the American personnel be concentrated in the normal
schools. That in selecting American teachers, so far as possible each
be selected for a specific position, and because of his fitness to fill that
position. That a means of selection be devised which shall make this
possible, recognizing that a considerable expenditure in this work will
be an ultimate economy.
4. That the Service Manual and general orders supplementing it be
revised and simplified, giving definite information to the field staff as
to their responsibilities and the latitude allowed them in adaptation of
school work to local needs. That only such reports be required as are
useful for administrative planning and operation, and that these be
annual and summary rather than frequent and detailed, wherever
practicable. That the Bureau of Education use its influence to bring
about the proposed simplification of general government procedure.
5. That a change of policy be inaugurated in the direction of keeping appointees longer in a single position. That transfers be made only
for cause, and that it shall be the reasonable expectation of every person
that he will remain in his position so long as he is successful, except as
definite promotion be offered.
6. That throughout the system the contacts of superiors with subordinates shall emphasize helpful supervision rather than inspection.