ools receive:--

-------------+------------+-------------------
| HIGHER |
| PRIMARY | NORMAL SCHOOLS
ASSISTANTS |------------+---------+---------
| Both Sexes | Men | Women
-------------+------------+---------+---------
Fifth Class | $240.00 | $500.00 | $440.00
Fourth Class | 280.00 | 540.00 | 480.00
Third Class | 320.00 | 580.00 | 520.00
Second Class | 380.00 | 620.00 | 560.00
First Class | 440.00 | 680.00 | 600.00
-------------+------------+---------+---------

In addition to these amounts there is also a small allowance for rent.

After thirty-five years of service, the teacher may retire upon three
fourths of his salary as a pension.

Without doubt France has outstripped all other nations in educational
progress during the last twenty-five years,--the period in which her
school system has been constructed. The three great signs of advance in
French education are _the establishment of free schools_ (1881);
_compulsory education and the secularization of the schools_ (1882); and
_the restriction of teachers to lay persons_ (1886).[178] The strong
features of the French school system may be stated as follows:--

1. _Completeness and harmony of the system_, covering the period from
early childhood till the prescribed education is finished.

2. _Thoroughly trained teachers._

3. _Two kinds of normal schools_ to meet the various educational
requirements of teachers.

4. _Liberal support_ of schools of all kinds.

5. _Admirable administration_ of the schools.

FOOTNOTES:

[176] See Parsons, "French Schools through American Eyes," p. 82.

[177] This is no hardship, as they fully expect to devote their lives to
teaching.

[178] Previous to this the members of religious orders could teach in
the public schools.

NOTE.--In 1902 the government still further restricted the teaching by
religious orders. It is now proposed not only to forbid all teaching by
these orders, but also to sequestrate the property of such congregations
as exist solely for teaching purposes. This will close about 3500
schools of the Christian Brothers which have existed for a long time,
and necessitate the organization by the government of corresponding
school facilities to supply their place. Five years are allowed to
effect the change..

CHAPTER XLIV

THE SCHOOL SYSTEM OF ENGLAND

=Literature=.--_Sharpless_, English Education;