The American common school differed from the European school in that it was from the outset an expression of the desire on the part of the American colonies to develop a type of intellectual freedom not prevalent in Europe. There was a further characteristic of the American common school which distinguished itself from its European predecessors. The school was, from the beginning, controlled by local authority. Communities were indeed compelled by early legislation in the colonies to maintain an educational institution of some kind for the young people, but the details of organization were left to the communities. We find that there was the greatest variety in the method of controlling these schools. In New England the town meeting determined the policy of the school. It set the salary of the teacher, and very frequently went so far as to select the teacher, although it committee. This committee often included the pastor (牧师)of the church and one or more of the leading citizens. One of the major difference between American and European schools was ______.