From:             Redyarrow@aol.com
Date sent:        Wed, 12 Nov 1997 17:57:13 -0500 (EST)
To:               education-consumers@tricon.net
Subject:          1880: Illinois Teaching Exam


I found a copy of the Illinois teacher examination for 1880 tucked away in
the library.  Unfortunately, it's one more piece of evidence of a "dumbing
down" of expectations over the past century.  I know that not one student of
mine could pass this exam. Frankly, I couldn't sit down and pass this exam.
 Sample questions from the current Illinois certification exam can not
compare.   Mary




EXAMINATIONS FOR STATE CERTIFICATES - 1880


READING.


{The numbers in curves indicate credits for full answers}
1.	(10). Copy the following: but put in place of each query mark a
representative
of the sound cognate to that of the letter above or below  the query mark.
How does a knowledge of the cognate relations of letters aid in teaching
reading?


p: ?: j: ?: v: ?: z: ?
?: d: ?: k: ?: th: ?: sh.


2.	(10). What is meant by "c soft"? "g soft"? Give the rule for c and g, with
exceptions, When should sion be pronounced shun?


3.  (10)  What is the "word method" of teaching children to read? The phonic
method'? Mention a distinct claim that is set up for each; an objection
urged against each.
 
4.	(10). Name four leading defects of reading as heard in the schools; also
name an
aid in removing each of these defects.


5.	(10). Give the derivation of five of the following words: enormous,
carnivorous,
docile, graduate, legislate, cereal, astrologer, principle.


6, (5).  Compare the degrees of force required on the different uses of that
in the
sentence, "All that look for that result forget that the world moves."


7.	(30). Define dubious, fragile, allege, deliquesce, dissemble, incarnate,
council,
placate, mediocrity, feint, erratic, insidious, counsel, prophecy; give two
meanings of essay, affect, precedent.


8.	(15).  Syllabicate the following words, mark the primary accent, and
indicate
(by macron, or other fit sign) the so}ind of the accented vowel: inquiry,
acclimated,
misconstrue,, exquisite, irrefragable, museum, mischievous, precedence,
communist, peremptory.


ARITHMETIC


1.	When it is one P. M. in Lon. 38o 15' 22" E., what time is it in Lon. 68o
28' 
89"W.? Explain the work.


2.	How many half eagles, each weighing 5 pwt. 9 gr. and made of gold 9/10
pure,
are equivalent to 1,000 English sovereigns each weighing  5 pwt. 3.274 gr.
and made of gold 11/12 pure?  Perform by analysis and  show work.


3.  11/15 divided by 7/23 = what?  11/15  x  7/23 = what?  Give analysis of
each.


4.  Troy weight.  Add 2 lbs. 62/3 oz;  1 3/4 lbs.;   12.68 pwt.;   11 oz. 13
pwt.;  19
1/5 grs.;  3/8 lb.;  15/16 oz.;  5/9  pwt.
 
5.	Date of note April 10, 1844. Prin, $2,460. Rate of mt. 8%.
Endorsements: Aug.20, 1845 - $840.   Dec.26, 1847-$235.20.    May 2,
1848--$1,000. What was due Aug. 20, 1849? Show all the work.


6.	How many kinds of problems are there in commission? Give and perform a

problem illustrating each kind.


7.	What is the difference between the compound interest (compounding
annually)
and the annual interest at 71/2 %  on $428.50 for 4 yrs. 6 mos. 12 days? Show
all work.


8.	By proportion. If 18 pipes, each delivering 6 gal. per minute, fill a
cistern in 2 h.
16 min.., how many pipes, each delivering 20 gal. per minute, will fill a
cistern 71/2
times as large as the first in 3 hr. 24 min.?


9.	Define ratio, complex fraction, G. C. D., average of accounts, decimal

fraction.


10.   The G. C. D. is the product of what? The L. G.M. is the product of
what? What
does the inverted divisor show? Why do you point off numbers in the
extraction of
roots? What is the meaning of  : and of : :  in proportion?


GRAMMAR.



{The number in curves indicates the credit that will be given, if
the question is fully answered.]
1.	(10). Show fully the office of the underlined words in the sentence: The
moment
my business is arranged I must set about making you my clerk.


2.	(15). To what phrase is each of the foflowing words equivalent? There,
hither,
whence.  There are six other words kindred to these; write them. Remark on
the
infrequency of some of these.


      3.   (15). Correct the following, giving reasons:
	a. "Let each esteem others better than themselves."
 	b.  "Two nouns, when they come together and do not signify the same thing,
the former must be in the possessive case."
	c.	"It is not me that he is angry with." 
	d.    "I fear we will have rain.
	e.	''His wrath will consume ye."
4.	(20). Analyze:
"Spake full well in language quaint and olden, One who dwelleth by the
castled Rhine,
When he called the flowers, so blue and golden, Stars, that in earth's
firmament do shine."


5.	(10). What is the special use of mine, thine, etc.? Complete the list, in
both
numbers. Remark on the word whereon and its clause in the sentence: "I know a
bank whereon the wild thyme grows.


6.	(15). Describe and exemplify five uses of what


7.  (15). Remark on ellipses with as and than. Use each of the following
words as an
adverb, then as a connective: yet, then, when, otherwise.  


GEOGRAPHY.


1.	Define an axis, latitude, an isthmus, a promontory, a strait. Give an
example for
each of the last three.


2.	Bound fully Illinois and describe its surface.


3.	Name, in order, the States bounded by the Mississippi River, and name the
chief
cities on its banks.


4, Give the branches of the Illinois river and name the chief towns on its
banks.


5.	Name five famous volcanoes, and tell where each is situated.


6.	Describe the shelves of South America.


7.	What is a continent?  Name the six continents in the order of their size.


8.  What bodies of water would you pass over in making a voyage from Chicago
to
St. Petersburg? Near what great cities would you pass?


9.	What countries produce large quantities of cotton?  Tea? Silk? Sugar?
Wine?


10. What changes did the France-Prussian war make in the map of Enrope?




THEORY AND ART OF TEACHING.



1.	What are the purposes of a public school, and how are these best secured?


2.	Name the advantages of a system of public schools; of parochial or
religious-
denominational schools; of private schools.


3.	What is meant by the organization of a school?


4.	What is the value of examinations at stated times, and what the best
method of
conducting them?


5.	What differences, if any, should be made in conducting recitations and
giving
instruction in primary and in advanced classes.


6.	Give a description of the methods of conducting recitations; as, the
memoriter,
topical, catechetical and others, if you think of any. Which is best, and
your reasons?


7.	What can a teacher do to secure and promote health and physical culture,
as well
as social and moral culture among his scholars?


8.	What are the reasons for the State's requirement of certain
qualifications, literary
and moral, in persons seeking to become teachers? What should be the minimum
of
these qualifications?


9.	How far should the text be followed in recitations, and how can a teacher
ascertain that his pupils have learned the lesson?


10.  State, with reasons in brief, your opinion of the practice of giving
daily grades
for recitations, and of averages summed up. Also give your opinion of
percentages of
absence and tardiness.
UNITED STATES HISTORY.


1.	Give a brief account of the settlement of Plymouth.


2.	When and by whom was each of the THirteen original Colonies settled?  


3.	Give the chief causes of the Revolution.


       4.	Give an account of the battle of Bunker Hill


       5.   Say what yon can about the "Artides of Confederation"?


6.	Give a list of the Presidents previous to 1886; in order, with dates.


7.	Mention the chief battles in the war with Mexico. 


 8    Say what you can about the 18th Amendment to the Constitution.
 
9.   Say what you can about 'Mason and Dixon's" line. 
      
       10.  Say what you can about Andrew Jackson.


ALGEBRA.
1.	Define algebra, equation, series, reciprocal, permutation.
2.	Demonstrate that x2 +   y2  is divisible by x + y when n is odd.
       3.	Factor 7x2-12x + 5. Show work.
       4. 	Simplify  a+x     a-x
                            a-x     a+x  
                            a+x     a-x
                            a-x     a+x
                                                Show work.          
       5.	If A does a piece of work in 10 days, which A and B together can do
in 7 days, how long would it take B to do it alone? 
       6.	Extract the cube root of  x6 - 9 + 39x4-99x3 + 156x2 - 144x + 64.
Show work.
7 .	In the equation,  x + a= \[a2 + x\[b2 + x,  x = what?
8.Write the forms of the two roots in each of the following equations.  (a)
x2  + 
px = q;   (b). x2 - px = q; (c). x2+ px = -q; (d).  x2 - px = -q.
9.	Expand, by the binomial formula,  (1+x2)7.
10.   Derive the formula for the sum of the terms of an arithmetical
progression, the
first term, the last term and the number of terms being given.


ESSAY.-Subject::	"Death and Funeral of Abraham Lincoln."


GEOMETRY.


[The number in curves indicates the credit that will be given, if the
question is fully answered.]
1.	(10). Define plane, perpendicular, perimeter, inscribed angle, sector of a
circle.
2.	 (25). Complete the following and prove:
      "if from a point without a straight line, a perpendicular be let fall
on that                
line, and oblique lines be drawn to different points in the same line;-
1.	The perpendicular will be - - -


2.	Any two oblique lines that meet the given line at equal - - --


8.	Of any two oblique lines, that which - - -"


8.	(20).  "Through three given points not in the same straight line, one
circumference of a circle can be made to pass, and but one. Prove.


4.	(20).  "If a straight line be drawn in a triangle parallel to one of the
sides, it will
divide the other two sides proportionally." Prove.


5.	(20). Write all you can in fifteen minutes of the meaning and derivation
of the
formula pi R2.


6.	(5). Define each of "the three round bodies." Give the rule for finding
the volume
of each.


PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY.


1.	What is a zone? How many degrees wide is the temperate zone? The torrid
zone?
On what condition would the temperate zone be 100 wide?


2.	Give briefly, but clearly, as many reasons as you can for believing that
the earth is
flattened at the poles.


3.	Explain the tides as fully as you can.


4.	Why are the days longer in the summer than in the winter ?  Explain
clearly.


5.	Describe the Appalachian mountain system.


6.	Describe briefly the Highlands of Asia.


7.	What can you say about volcanoes?


8.	Describe fully the monsoons.


9.	Describe the rains in the tropics.


      10.	Tell all you can about the Gulf Stream.


SCHOOL LAW


1.	State fully the condition that must be complied with before one can make a
valid
contract to teach a public school operated under the general school law.


2.	What facts must the schedule show? State the law regulating the keeping,
the
delivery and the filing of schedules.


3.	Upon what conditions may pupils of lawful school age, residing in one
district,
have free tuition in another district?


4.	When do teachers' orders begin to draw interest, and for what time can
interest
on them be collected?


5.	What authority of law, if any, is there for teaching algebra in the public
schools?


6.	For what purposes and to what extent are school directors authorized by
law to
levy taxes?


7.	For what purposes and upon what conditions may directors borrow money?


S.	What school officers by law hold the title to school houses 'and school
sites?


9.	Give the most important of the duties of the county superintendent of
schools ;
three of the township treasurer.


10.  Name the various sources of the revenue provided by law for the support
of the
public schools of the State.
BOTANY.
1.	Define an embryo, and state the functions of each of its parts.
2.	What is a stolon? A sucker? An herb? Illustrate.
3.	Name the parts of an exogenous stem, from centre to circumference.
4, State four ways of telling an endogenous plant.
5.	Distinguish between the natural and artificial systems in the
classification of
plants.
6.	When does a plantlet become a plant, and an ovule a seed?
7.	Through what parts of an exogenous stem does the sap move in its upward
course? In its downward conrse? What is the character of the sap in each
case?
8.	Explain the following terms: "Calyx inferior," "central placentae,"
''stigma
sessile," ''stamens epipetalous."
9.	Give botanical names for five orders of plants, and name two species for
each
order.
10.    State the leading characteristics of labiatae and compositae.
11.   Why is it impossible to invent a "perpetual motion" machine? What is
the depth
to which a suction pump will work? Why?
12.    Explain the construction and use of the barometer.


CHEMISTRY


1.	Define molecule, element, acid.
2.	Show the symbolic uniting of any five compounds, and give the molecular
weight
of each.
3.	In what way would you liberate hydrogen? Show the chemical equation and
the
reaction.
4.	How produce the musical flame? Explain.
5.	What is soda water? Explain its preparation.
6.	Of what is the air composed? How show its analysis? How much of each gas

in
100 parts?
7.	Explain the formation of iron rust, carbonic acid, chalk.
8.	What compounds are most unstable? Give three illustrations.
9.	Show the symtolic writing for water. State the relative amount of each gas
by
weight. and by volume.  Say what you can of the value of water to work in
chemistry.
10.   In the burning of a candle state what processes belong to philosophy
and what
to chemistry. What products are formed?


PHYSIOLOGY.


1.	Describe the hip joint.


2.	Describe the circulation of the blood in the liver.


3.	Explain the phenomena of suffocation.


4.	What are the functions of the lymphatic vessels and glands?


5.	Describe the course of a sound-wave through the ear, mentioning the
structures
affected by it.


6.	Describe the mucous membrane of the stomach.


7.	Explain the digestion and final use of starchy food.


8.	What substances are normally excreted by the skin? By the lungs?


9.	Define "reflex action," "secretion." Give examples of each.


10.   Mention some of the dangers due to organic impurities in drinking
water.


ZOOLOGY.


1.	Describe the different forms of the nervous systems of animals.
2.	Describe briefly the principal modifications of the anterior extremities
of
vertebrates.
3.	Describe the principal forms of locomotor apparatus among mollusks.
4.  Give the general and the minute anatomy of any fish.
5.	Write an ontline of the systematic arrangement. of the classes and orders
of   
       vertebrates.
6.	Write what you can of the classification of any shark and of any star
fish, defining
two of the groups to which each is assigned.
7.	What are the leading differences and resemblances between a crawfish and a
grasshopper?
8.	Briefly describe any protozoan.
9.   Define "homology," 'parthenogenesis,  "natural selection." What
constitutes the
scientific name of an animal?   By whom is it generally given.
10.  Give an outline of the development of any animal.


ASTRONOMY.


1.	What is astronomical latitude? The ecliptic? An equinox? A node? Aximuth?
2.	At London, 51 1/2 o n. lat.,  how many degrees below the northern horizon
is the
sun at midnight on Jane 21st? Explain by a figure.
3.	In how many days does the sun make one revolution on its axis? How is this
determined?
4.	How many years would an expxess train, traveling without cessation at the
rate
of 30 miles an hour, require to pass from the earth to the sun ?  Show work.
5.	Which is the largest planet? Which has the most moons? Which travels most
rapidly ?   Which is the most distant from the earth? Which approaches
nearest to the
earth?
6.	Do we ever see Venus at midnight? Explain  fully
7 What is meant by the "precession of the equinoxes"? Wbat are some of the
most
important effects of this movement?
        8.	What is a "leap year"'? How often does leap year occur 2 State
 exactly.
       9. Describe as fully as you can the constellation Orion.
        10. State as many facts as you can about comets.


NATURAL PHILOSOPHY.


1.	Define natural philosophy, momentum, elasticity, gravitation. Give the
atomic
theory. 
 2.	Give tbe laws of gravity 
         A., wt.  7 1/2  lbs.,  is 8 ft. from C.
         B.  wt.  3 1/2 lbs., is 4 b1/2  ft. from C.
A's attraction for C is what part of B's? Show work.
 3.  Why is it impossible to invent a "perpetual motion" machine?  What is
the depth
to which a suction pump will owrk?  Why?
4.   Explain the construction and use of the barometer.
3.	How great a pressure is produced by a Hunter's screw, the power berng 50
lbs.,
the circumferenee of the circle in which the power moves being 75 inches, the
threads of
the larger screw being 1/2 an inch apart and of the smaller screw 1/3 of an
inch apart, 33
1/3% being deducted for friction? Show work.
6.	Explain the use of salt in freezing ice cream.
7.	Describe the two kinds of steam engines.
8.	Describe the spectroscope.
9.	Give the laws of vibrations of cords.
      10.	Explain an ordinary telegraphic instrument.




STATE CERTIFICATES.


Upon consultation with President Hewitt and President Allyn, who, by law, are
joined
with me in the duty of arranging for the examinations for State certificates,
it was
determined to hold the examination in 1879 for three days, and at seven
different places, on the same days, and to use at each. point the same
questions, and to follow the same general directions. At my an suggestion
 the papers were all given, after the examination, to one committee of three
to read.  Prof. M. L. Seymour, of Normal, Prof. John Hull, of Carbondale, and
Mr. E. C. Smith, of Dixon, were selectcd for this committee, and the
certificates were issued in accordance with the recommendations of the
committee.  In 1880 the examinations were held at ten different places, and
continued through four days; and, in order that the results of the plan
adopted might be the better compared with those for the previous year, the
same committee was employed to grade the papers. Four certificates were
issued in 1879, and sixteen in 1880-the better results of the last year being
due, in - a great measure, to the fact that one hour and a quarter was given
to each
branch, instead of an hour, and to the further fact that six obtained
certificates who had previously passed a part of the examination. It is
believed that all the certificates were impartially awarded by the committee
and fairly earned by those who received them. To give those who may be
interested in the subject an idea of the examinatiomn, the circular issued,
and the questions used in 1880, are inserted below. The circular offered a
certificate  to those who reached an average of 70 on the whole examination,
provided they did  not fall below the minimum fixed in each of the groups
into which the branches selected f or the examination were divided. The
effect of the limitation was, that no certificate was issued on an average
below 78.
As something of interest to many, I add the names of those to whom State
certificates have been issued,  with dates, and the places and dates of
examinations, so far as they can be ascertained from the records of this
office.  (These are listed later in the document) 
CIRCULAR 
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.,  January 10, 1880.
State certificates are granted to teachers of approved character, scholarship
and successful experience, by virtue of authority conferred by section 50 of
the school law. The clause of said section which confers said authority is as
follows:


Law Concerning State Certificates
"The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is hereby authorized to grant
State
certificates to such teachers as may be found worthy to receive them which
shall be of perpetual validity in every county and school district in the
State. But State certificates shall only be granted upon public examination,
of which due notice shall be given, in such branches and upon such terms, and
by such examiners as the State Superintendent and the Principals of the
Normal Universities may prescribe.  Such certificates may be revoked by the
State Superintendent upon proof of immoral or unprofessional  conduct."
After a careful consideration of, what is believed to be the true intent and
spirit of the
kw; and consultation with the Presidents of the State Normal Universities, it
has been decides that applicants for State certificates should be required to
comply with the following:


Terms and Conditions


.1.	To furnish to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, prior to
examination,
satisfactory evidence of good moral character
2.	To furnish to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction satisfactory
evidence
of having taught,  with decided success, not less than three years, at least
one of which shall have been in this State. The year in this State shall have
been at a time not more than five years previous to time of examination.
To pass a very thorough examination in Orthography, Reading, Mental and
Written
Arithmetic,  English Grammar, Modern Geography, History of the United States,
Algebra, the Elements of Plane and Solid (not including Spherical) Geometry,
and the Theory and Art of Education.
4.	To pass a satisfactory examination in Natural Philosophy, Physical
Geography,
Anatomy and Physiology, Botany, Zoology, Astronomy and Chemistry, as these
are
deemed essential to the highest success in some of the improved methods of
primary instruction, and as most of these branches are now required for
county certificates. But the examination in these branches will embrace the
rudimentary principles only.
5.	To pass a satisfactory examination in the School Law of Illinois,
especially in those portions thereof which relate to the legal rights and
duties of teachers.
6.	To write a brief essay upon some familiar topic announced at the time.


Credentials.


In respect to moral character, the only object is to be sure that the
applicant is, in
this respect worthy.  No set form of evidence is required, so that the fact
of good
character appears.  If an applicant is personally known to the State
Superintendent, or the President of either Normal University, as of good
character, it will be sufficient to state the fact-no other testimonial will
be necessary.  If not, written testimonials from one or more responsible
persons acquainted with the applicant, will be required.
In respect to the length of time that an applicant has taught, his own
declaration, giving the time, place and kind of school, will be sufficient.
Touching the question of success in teaching, written testimonials from
employers, or other responsible and competent persons acquainted with the
facts, will be required.  The evidence upon this point is vital, and must be
clear and erplicit.
By "three years" teaching is meant three ordinary school years less than
seven months each.


Condition Precedent


Satisfactory evidence relative to character, length of time taught, and
success, must
be furnished before a candidate can be admitted to the examination-it is a
condition
precedent, and should be transmitted to the State Superintendent, by each
candidate, along with his application for examination, so that, if defective,
due notice may be given, and that there may be no disappointment nor loss of
time in the inspection of credentials when the day of examination arrives.
Any one whose credentials are unsatisfactory, will be promptly informed of
the fact, and wherein, that the deficiency may be supplied, if practicable,
and if not, he will be declared ineligible, and saved the expense of
attendance..  Attention to these preliminaries is important.  There is no

time to inspect testimonials during the examination, and none can be examined
without them.  Persons who have attended an examination for State
certificates at some previous time and
propose attending this year again, must furnish testimonials of character and
teaching covering the time since they were last examined.
Papers forwarded as testimonials must in all cases be originals. If any
teacher wishes the originals returned, copies thereof, for filing in this
office, must be sent with the originals.  When copies are so sent,' the
originals will be returned, but not otherwise.


Board of Examiners.


None but practical teachers, of high character and distinguished professional
ability, will be appointed upon the State Board. of Examiners.  So far as
possible the holder of State certificates will be chosen for members of that
board.


For each examination one conductor will be appointed, who will have charge of
the class and will make the oral examinations.


There will also be appointed a board of three or more, who will meet at some
central
point and receive from the different conductors the written work of all the
candidates
and pass upon it after careful examination.


Mode of Examination
Both oral and written methods will be employed.  The questions to be answered
under each topic embraced in the examination, will be printed on slips of
paper, and
consecutively numbered. Each applicant will be furnished with one of these
slips, and with pen and paper. A definite time will be allowed to each topic.
Each answer must
bear the number of the corresponding question.  In questions requiring
demonstration or analysis, the entire work should be given, and not merely
the result or answer, so that the several steps of the process may appear,
and the board be the better enabled to judge of the teacher's habits of
thought and reasoning.
In addition to written answers to the printed questions, candidates will also
be examined orally in reading and mental arithmetic.


When an examination, both written and oral, is made in any branch, the
applicant's
standing in that branch will be the result of both examinations; but the
written
examination will have double the weight of the oral in determining the
standing 


Preparation.


It will not make the smallest diference what text books teachers have studied
in any
particular branch or science, so that they have prerequisite knowledge
thereof.


Mode of Award.


The greatest care  will he taken to make the examination and final judgment
strictly
impartial .   To this end,  all candidates will be known during the
examination by numbers,
and not by their real names.
In examining the papers, the board will note the grade of merit of each one
opposite the
number found thereon; and in like manner, after all the papers have been
examined and
the result summed up, said result will be placed after the proper number.
Each set of papers -
will be disposed of in the same way.
After all the papers have been marked definitely and finally, the marks of
the oral
examinations will be combined with the marks of the written work.
Diplomas wm be awarded only to those candidates who are unanimously
recommended for
them by the board of examiners.
In determining the merits of the papers the examiners will be guided by the
following
principles. 
The work of the candidates will be marked on a scale of 100; and 70 is fixed
as the average to be
required for the whole examination.  The branches have been arranged in
groups, and the 
minimum  for those in each group fixed, as indicated below.
If a candidate gains the required average, and does not in any branch fall
below the
minimum  fixed for it, he will receive the certificate.  If a candidate
reaches the required
average for the examination, but falls below the minimum in one or more
branches, he will be
admitted to another examination in those branches, and will be awarded a
certificate when
he has passed in each with a mark as high as the average for the examination.
Other
candidates. who fail will not receive any credit for work done.


(some information is then given about the details of time and place given and
announcement of results)
General Remarks


Punctual atttendance upon all four of the days will be very important.
The rules governing the examination will be stated at the beginning of the
examination, and certain general directions given, which there will not be
time afterwards to repeat. 
Moreover, there will be full work for the class for the whole time, and a
teacher arriving after a portion of the topics have been written upon, cannot
make np for lost time without protracting. the examination, which it will not
be practicable to do.
A State certificate entitles the holder to teach in any county and school
district of the
State, without further examination, and is valid for life, or so long as the
personal and
professional reputation of the holder remains untarnished.  It is, therefore,
not only the highest known to our system of public education, and an honor to
those receiving it, but it has also an important business value to all
professional teachers:  It is the object of the law under which these
examinations are held, specially to recognize and honor those experienced.
and successful teachers who have given character and dignity to the
profession in this State, and to furnish to young teachers a proper incentive
to honorable exertion.
James P. Slade, Superintendent of Public Instruction
 
EDUCATION CONSUMERS CLEARINGHOUSE