First annual report of the General Superintendent of Common Schools

In his first annual report, recently appointed first Superintendent C.H. Wiley informs Governor David S. Reid about the status of North Carolina's Common Schools, which began operating in 1840. Wiley's goals included traveling around the state to survey schools and address educational issues, simplifying and standardizing textbook usage, establishing more model and normal schools, improving the quality of teachers and education, and increasing the literacy rate. He describes some of the difficulties associated with administering and financing the schools, provides the first statistics on statewide education, and voices a desire to foster "love of home" among North Carolina children to decrease emigration to the southwest. Appendix includes a circular sent to committees to examine prospective teachers, which emphasizes the need for a higher standard regarding the state's teachers, and suggests various methods of achieving this standard. Also briefly discusses chosen textbooks and importance of classroom blackboards.