EXAMINATIONS FOR PROMOTION Previous to 1888, in keeping with the then universal practice, a practice that prevails yet in almost all the schools in the country, pupils were promoted from grade to grade in the Davenport schools upon the standing made in frequent formal, written examinations. No more progressive step was ever taken by the schools of this city than was taken when the following rule went into effect: "Promotion shall depend wholly upon the pupil's fitness for the work of the next grade, as shown by proficiency in his present grade, and by his habitual diligence in study. The teacher's estimate of each pupil's fitness or unfitness to pass shall, when approved by the Principal and the Superintendent, determine as to his promotion. "There shall be no stated examinations for promotion, nor shall promotions by determined by any sets or series of examinations held during the year." Commenting upon this topic in his annual report in 1889, Mr. Young says: "The announcement of this rule to the pupils was instantly signalized by increased attention to study. Forthwith they understood that their advancement was to depend upon their studiousness and fidelity to duty, rather than upon the per cents which they might obtain by a written examination. The fear entertained by the teachers that the execution of the rule might entail upon them the censure of partiality and unjust judgment, was not realized to the extent anticipated. "The plan has many advantages. It relieve the closing days of the year of much drudgery. It removed all occasion for undue anxiety, and nervous strain and excitement. It places promotion upon a just basis, that of faithful work during the entire year. If carried out in the right spirit, it will promote rational and intelligent instruction, and broad and sound scholarship; for it furnishes no motive to teach for mere examination ends." Debbie Clough Gerischer Iowa Gen Web, Assistant CC, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ IAGENWEB: Special History Project: http://iagenweb.org/history/index.htm Gerischer Family Web Site: http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/