one employer, one representative of labor, one woman experienced in woman's work, one person experienced in commercial work, one in social work and three educators.

Normal Training. A form of vocational training found in a large number of high schools is normal training. The object of this course of study is to prepare teachers for the rural schools. After satisfactorily completing a course of study prescribed by the state department of public instruction, students are granted a state normal training certificate which entitles them to teach in any school in Iowa. The state pays each such school $750 each year to aid it in carrying on the work.

The Community Center. School plants are being used more and more as social centers for the community. It seems right that the schools which are the property of all the citizens should be used for purposes where all may meet in common. Many schools both in rural and city districts are being used for community gatherings where politics, civic improvement and many other matters of public interest are discussed. They are used also for lectures, entertainments, Boy Scout, Camp Fire Girls and other gatherings. High school plants with gymnasium facilities, with moving picture and stereopticon apparatus increase the opportunities of using the school as a center of improvement for the community.

Buildings and Grounds. There is probably no particular in which there has been a greater change in our schools than in the buildings, equipment and grounds. Modern school buildings are properly lighted, heated and ventilated. The dangers of unsanitary buildings, where disease is easily communicated, where the eyes are injured by wrong lighting, and where the bodies are often deformed by improper seats and desks, cannot be too greatly emphasized.

Large, well-equipped school grounds, which may be used

in the summer months as well as during the regular school year, are being provided. Many modern country schools have playgrounds, covering fifteen or twenty acres. Most playgrounds are much smaller, of course, especially in the cities where space is limited, but in many of these places playground experts are employed to direct the play of children, for it is now realized that many of the most important lessons of life are learned through well-directed games.

County Superintendent. The county superintendent is the chief school officer of the county. He is elected by a board consisting of the presidents of each school township, consolidated independent and city independent school districts, together with a representative of each township, composed in whole or in part of rural independent districts. The election occurs on the first Tuesday in April every third year, and he assumes the duties of his office on the first secular day of September following his election.

The county superintendent, who may be of either sex, must be the holder of a first-grade state certificate, or a life diploma. During his term of office he cannot hold the office of school director, nor be a member of the board of supervisors.

He serves as the organ of communication between the superintendent of public instruction; and the school township and independent district authorities. He sees that these officials and the teachers of his county are supplied with all necessary blanks, and that they receive all circulars or other communications intended for them.

He is required to visit schools and promote the best methods of instruction, to hold examinations for those desiring teachers' certificates, and to perform such other duties as the law requires. His minimum compensation is $1,500 a year, but the board that appoints him may allow

him such additional compensation "as may be just and proper." He is also allowed the expenses necessary for office stationery and postage, and the expenses incurred in attending the meetings called by the superintendent of public instruction.

Normal Institute. The county superintendent is required to hold at least one but not more than two county teachers' institutes at such times as the schools are generally in session. A normal institute is a special training school for teachers, and the county superintendent employs several prominent teachers to carry on the work. No person can be employed to teach in an institute without the consent of the state superintendent of public instruction.

Teachers' Certificates. Although the county superintendent is required to conduct teachers' examinations, he does so under the direction of the educational board of examiners, by whom all licenses to teach are now issued. At stated times, examinations are conducted in each county by the county superintendent, but the manuscripts are examined and certificates granted to applicants found qualified by the state board. A life diploma is valid during the life of the holder. State certificates are issued for five years and also for two years and county certificates for terms varying from six months to three years according to qualifications of the holders. The fee charged for examination for a life diploma is five dollars; that for a two year certificate, two dollars, and for uniform county certificate, one dollar. All grades of certificates are valid in any county in the state when registered with the county superintendent.

The following grades of certificates are now authorized by law in this state: life diplomas, state and special certificates, and first, second, and third grade certificates, all of

which are issued by the educational board of examiners of the state.

Appeals. Any person who is not satisfied with the action of any school board may appeal from the board to the county superintendent. The appeal must be made within thirty days after the decision of the local board, and in a manner prescribed by law. The county superintendent cannot, however, decide cases involving the election of school officers nor the payment of money. Such cases cannot be taken before him on appeal, but must be tried in the courts.

Report. On the last Tuesday in August of each year, the county superintendent is required to render the state superintendent of public instruction a complete abstract and summary of the reports made to him by the secretary and treasurer of each district in the county, together with much other valuable information concerning the schools under his charge. This report shows the total value of school property in the county, the number of schools, teachers employed, pupils enrolled, persons of school age, the amount expended for the support of schools during the year, and many other items of interest.

At the same time, he is required to file with the county auditor a statement of the number of persons of school age in each school district in the county. He reports to the officers of the different state institutions for the unfortunate, the name, age and residence of each person of school age who is blind, deaf and dumb, or feeble minded.

II. STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Origin. The state department of education took the place of the board of education in 1864.

Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The state