The Oglala light. [volume], May 01, 1919, Image 7

About The Oglala light. [volume] ([Pine Ridge, S.D.]) 190?-19??

Image provided by: South Dakota State Historical Society – State Archives

                
School Government And Discipline.
BY FRANK WILSON
HE GOVERNMENT of a school is but a part of a
wider function, then, the training of students for the
duties, responsibilities and obligations of life. The
school is only a means to this great end. "Conduct,"
says Matthew Arnold, "is three-fourths of life." But
conduct has its source in character, and, hence right
conduct in life is to be secured by the formation of right character
in youth. The prime element in character as related to conduct
is the power of self-control and self-direction and hence the guiding
end of school discipline is to train pupils in habits of self-control
a n s e f- i e i o n o e a e e o e s e f- o v e n i n e n a n
women for citizenship. It can be readily seen that the purpose of
the school government does not terminate with the school. It faces
life, seeks to give the pupil the ability to live truly. It is evident
that, to realize such a purpose, school discipline must include effi
cient moral training, the awaking of right feeling, the quickening of
Conscience, the enlightening of the moral judgment, and the training
of the will to act habitually from high and worthy motives.
The most vital element of governing power is a positive moral
character and life.
Through all the methods and measures of the school must run
the vitalizing influence of the teacher's inner life. This is the one
element of power that can touch the heart and conscience of pupils
with an inspiring inner influence that makes outer control un
ttecessary. It is a grave mistake to suppose that moral influence
and character can be abandoned. The one is the consequence of
the other and where genuine character is wanting there will be missed
the irresistible charm and power of indwelling goodness and man
liness. In the training of the young, much more depends on what
the teacher really is than on what he says. His words must bear
the stamp of a true man. Dr. Huntington has truly said, "Not the
most eloquent exhortations to the erring and disobedient, though
they be in the tongues of men, or of angels, can move mightily upon
your scholars' resolutions till the nameless, unconcious, but infallible
presence of a consecrated, earnest heart lifts its holy light into your
eyes, hallows your temper, breathes its pleading benedictions into
your tones, and authenticates your entire bearing with its open seal.
7.