University of Virginia Library

74. Rules of Dorchester Schools
BY THE TOWN OF DORCHESTER (1641)

THE schoolmaster shall faithfully attend his school and do his best to benefit his scholars. In this he is to use his best judgment, and|not remain away from school unless necessary. This would be to the disadvantage of his scholars and would hinder their learning.

From the beginning of the first month until the end of the seventh, he shall begin to teach every day at seven of the clock in the morning. For the other five months he shall begin every day at eight of the clock in the morning and end at four in the afternoon.

Every day in the year the usual time for dismissing at noon shall be at eleven; to begin again at one.

But every second day of the week, he shall call his scholars together between twelve and one of the clock to examine them. This is to find out what they have learned the Sabbath day before. At this time he shall

take notice of any wrong-doing or disorder that any of his scholars have committed on the Sabbath.

Then at some suitable time he shall instruct them how they must do at another time. Or he may punish them if the offence shall require it.

He shall equally and impartially teach such as are placed in his care. No matter whether their parents be poor or rich, he shall not refuse any who have a right and interest in the school.[245]

Such as are placed in his care he shall faithfully teach both in the regular school studies and also in points of good manners. He shall teach them dutiful behavior to all, especially those who are their superiors.

Every sixth day of the week[246] he shall question his scholars in the principles of Christian religion.

All men's efforts, without the blessing of God must be fruitless and unsuccessful. Therefore it is to be a chief part of the schoolmaster's duty to commend his scholars and his work to God in prayer. This he shall do morning and evening, taking care that his scholars do devoutly listen during the prayer.

The rod of correction is a rule of-God necessary sometimes to be used upon children.[247] It may easily be abused by too much severity or too much kindness. The schoolmaster shall have full power to punish all or any of his scholars, no matter who they are.

He shall do as the offence seems to require. All his scholars must be subject to this rule. No parent or other person living in the place shall go about to hinder the master in this.

But if any parent or others shall think there is just cause for complaint against the master for too much severity, they shall have liberty to tell him so in friendly and loving way.