EDUCATION. In 1900, 20.7 per cent. of the population over ten years of ag- were illiterate. This was a reduction from 38.7 in 1880. The per cent. for the native white population was 14.2 and for the colored 41.6. In 1900 there were 573.287 whites and 195.556 colored persons be tween the ages of 6 and 21. The school enrollment, for that year was 485,354 and the average at tendance 270,662 whites and 67,901 colored. Be tween 1875 and 1900 much progress was made, and the State is in advance of most Southern States. There is a State Superintendent of Pub lic Schools nominated biennially by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. For local supervi sion a superintendent for each county is chosen by the County Court biennially; and in each dis trict there are three directors, elected by the people for three years, one going out each year. The law requires State and county superintend ents to be persons of literary and scientific attain ments and of skill and experience in the art of teaching. The county courts may elect boards of education in their respective counties, and these boards have authority to establish one or more high schools in their county. The text
books used are uniform throughout the Slate. In the country districts the primary course cov ers six years, but two additional years may be taken in many districts in the so-called sec ondary school. In 1900 there were 4960 male and 4235 female teachers. The expenditure upon the country schools for the year was $1,751,047, of which $1,403.848 was for salaries of super intendents and teachers. There was an additional $597.006 expended for city schools. Normal school training is provided for by the Peabody College for Teachers (q.v.) at Nashville. A large number of students at this institution are aided by the grants of scholarships. The higher in stitutions of learning include some of national reputation. See TENNESSEE. UNIVERSITY OF: NAslIVILI.E, UNIVERSITY OF; VANDERBILT UNIVER SITY; FISK UNIVERSITY.