USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Quincy > Inaugural address of the mayor, with the annual report of the officers of the city of Quincy for the year 1934 > Part 25
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As the years come and go, Mr. Foy's name will be known as the member of the School Committee who insisted that something should be done to inculcate into the hearts and minds of the coming generation a greater respect for law and constituted authority.
Musical Activities-Under the direction of Miss Howes, Super- visor of Music, vocal and instrumental work have been continued as in previous years. Glee clubs in Central, South and Quincy Point Junior High Schools have given operettas, and the Quincy High School Glee Club presented the Gilbert and Sullivan opera, "The Gondoliers."
Enrollment in the instrumental classes for string, brass wind, wood wind and percussion instruments has increased slightly over last year. Orchestras are available for pupils of all elementary and junior high schools, and both senior highs have two orchestras and a band. These latter organizations were given a high rating at the Massachusetts State Festival held in Melrose in May.
After a series of teachers' meetings for discussion, the music appreciation course introduced last year in the elementary and junior high schools has been revised and now has been incorporated as a part of the regular school music period.
To promote greater interest in music appreciation and to moti- vate instrumental study, concerts have been given to music assem- blies of all junior and senior high schools and to some elementary schools by bands and orchestras composed of professional musi- cians organized under the direction of the Emergency Relief Ad- ministration.
During the year the music department has furnished music, either orchestra, band, glee club or small instrumental ensembles for more than twenty-five affairs in the city outside of school en- tertainments. These contacts are greatly to be desired since they not only show a definite confidence on the part of the community and give the music department an opportunity to be of practical service to the city, but also pave the way for an ultimate outcome of music work in the schools, an evidence of which is shown by the organization of an alumni orchestra and choral society this year.
Teacher Training-There are three classes or groups of teachers who come directly under the supervision of Miss Dellicker, Super- visor of Grammar Grades, whose work is that of supervision of methods of instruction. They are (1) Student practice teachers, (2) New entrants-these are for the most part beginning teachers, (3) Experienced teachers.
For some years Quincy has given training to students from the state teachers colleges and universities in the immediate vicinity. These student teachers practice for nine consecutive weeks all the
380
CITY OF QUINCY
days and all the hours the schools are in session. There were twelve of these student teachers last year who came under Miss Dellicker's supervision.
It is needless to say that a great deal of teacher training is essential to break in the new entrants. Miss Dellicker reports 378 visits to new entrants and those looking to tenure, of whom there were in all forty-seven. Quoting from her report to the Super- intendent: "Their needs were met in part by means of personal teaching, by means of devices for motivation, and special checking by discussion of various classroom situations immediately after the occurrences, and by demonstration by experienced teachers."
Art-The recent enrichment of offerings in the field of Art has entailed a great deal of extra work. A sincere expression of ap- preciation is due Miss Adams, the Art Supervisor, who has volun- tarily devoted two summers to the preparation of new courses.
An exhibition of pen and ink drawing and linoleum prints was sent to the State Art Conference held at the Massachusetts School of Art.
The Boston Chamber of Commerce conducted a competition among the high schools of metropolitan Boston for posters for Art week. Both of our senior high schools competed, and Eliza- beth Balcom of the North Quincy High School won a prize of a year's tuition to an art school. Besides this, four posters from Quincy were chosen as among the fifty best and these were exhib- ited at the Boston Art Club.
The Chadwick Clinic-Under the direction of the Division of Tuberculosis of the State Department of Public Health, the serv- ices of the Chadwick Clinic were made available to the school chil- dren of Quincy.
Following is a brief summary of the work as given by the School Physician, Dr. Drew:
Total school population 15,276
Total number children given Tuberculin Test .. 11,132
Total number reactors 1,767
Total number X-rayed 1,906
Total number referred for physical examination. 453
Total number children examined 441
The Follow-up Clinic was conducted as in previous years.
This successful activity of the Chadwick Clinic is a very valuable factor in our school work and is most necessary and important for the health of the school children in the future.
Physical Education-The P. F. I. tests have been successfully used again this year. All low index pupils have been retested as in the past and new classifications given them. Boys and girls of the ninth grade who were to enter Quincy High School in Sep- tember were given these tests in the spring term and classified into groups according to the individual needs of the pupils. Many inter- esting cases have come to our attention where real help has been given to the pupil. Specific cases of flat feet, leg and back weak- nesses, etc., have been noted, some of these being worked on with marked results in cooperation with the family physician. A new filing card was introduced this year. Starting with a medical ex- amination in the seventh grade, this card will serve as a six-year record and will follow the pupil through junior and senior high school.
Upon recommendation of Mr. Whiting, Supervisor of Physical Education, the School Committee voted to look into the question of better playing facilities for the Quincy High School athletic
381
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
teams. A sub-committee of the School Committee is now at work investigating the matter and preparing a definite recommendation. This is a start in the right direction, as additional playing space is badly needed, not only for the school teams but for the intra- mural and girls' games as well. At present the sophomore boys are compelled to use the Pageant Field and Perkins Playground. In addition, a suitable play field for school teams will provide increased revenue, allowing larger groups to participate in the various games.
In our elementary grades we have introduced the recently issued state manual of Physical Education for grades 1 to 3 and 4 to 6.
Teaching Aids-With the beginning of this school year we have resumed the delivery system of the available teaching aids under the direction of Mr. Krasker. Our experience last year with the calling system proved definitely that it is impractical. Since the resumption of this service the use of teaching aids has returned to its former extended basis.
The equipment of the different buildings is in good order and the centralized office has the necessary supplies available with which to service the needs in this field for the coming school year. Two combination slide and opaque projectors have been added, one to each Senior High School, primarily for the use of the Art depart- ments but available to all teachers. The Parent-Teacher Associa- tion of the Atherton Hough School has donated a splendid motion picture screen for their building. Several of our buildings have had the auditorium equipped with opaque shades.
Our experience shows that the best method of using all the avail- able teaching aids requires that the individual teacher use these in her own classroom as a regular part of the teaching program. There are many objections to the use of any other method. With this thought in mind, a definite program for equipping the rooms with opaque shades should be established. The suggestion is that one classroom in each building should be so equipped each year. In this way we will encourage the most desirable use of the avail- able teaching aids.
The Establishment of a Department of Guidance and Research -A department of Guidance and Research was experimentally established by the School Committee in September, 1934. The work of the department was defined as follows:
"Guidance means providing an opportunity for every pupil to develop to the best possible advantage.
"Research means carrying on a program of study and fact find- ing
"The functions of a department of guidance and research include the adjustment of the school program to meet changing needs; the direction of the counseling system and the study of special cases; the study of educational problems and the devising of reme- dial and preventive measures.
"Such a department is a means of:
(1) maintaining an educational program that is sound and ef- fective;
(2) providing individual attention to every pupil and giving every pupil an equal chance;
(3) insuring efficient school management."
The work in guidance and research has been under way since April, 1932. To date it has been confined largely to the secondary schools. This work has been under the direction of Miss Harrison. Following is a brief discussion of what has been done since Jan- uary, 1934:
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CITY OF QUINCY
Curriculum Revision-The program of studies for grades 9-12 as printed last April represented a further revision of the second- ary offerings. The new features were as follows:
(1) The inclusion in the program of studies of the ninth grade courses.
An intelligent choice of courses for the ninth year cannot be made without an understanding of the ad- vanced work to which they lead.
(2) The elimination of the Manual Arts curriculum in grades 10-12.
With the exception of advanced industrial mathemat- ics, all subjects were retained as electives.
(3) The inclusion of the Trade School offerings as part of the regular school program.
The purpose was to dignify the work and give infor- mation in regard to it; also to urge the completion of the ninth year in the junior high school.
(4) The addition of a civic curriculum.
This curriculum was designed to meet the needs of the large group of pupils who want neither vocational training nor college preparation. It offers a four- year program of general education, the purpose of which is to train boys and girls for intelligent par- ticipation in civic life.
(5) The addition to the commercial curriculum of a divi- sion of salesmanship.
This provides a two-year program especially suitable for boys.
(6) The reorganization of the Home Economics curricu- lum.
The purpose was to allow specialization in grades 11- 12 in dietetics, costume design or art.
(7) Further enrichment of the offerings by the addition of the following new courses: practical chemistry, practical physics, applied science (Home Economics curriculum), physiography; general business (Civic curriculum, grade 10), advanced salesmanship (in- cluding marketing and advertising). retail selling, office machine operation, economics (Commercial cur- riculum) ; shop mathematics (Industrial curriculum, grade 9), practical mathematics (Civic curriculum) ; current problems, economics (Civic curriculum) ; foods-nutrition, dietetics, costume design; applied design (Home Economics curriculum, art division), perspective drawing (Industrial curriculum, grade 9), appreciation of American art (grade 9), art appre- ciation (senior high school advanced course), history of costume, home decoration; music fundamentals.
(8) A revision of the content of the following courses: economic civics, the physiology unit in biology, prob- lems of vocational adjustment.
The new art courses were prepared by Miss Adams. Tentative outlines for a number of the other courses were prepared by com- mittees of teachers. Mr. Bridges, Mr. Price and Mr. Millard served as general chairmen of the committees on Science, Social Science
383
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
and Commercial studies, respectively. The new courses in mathe- matics were prepared under the direction of Miss Dellicker.
Aside from minor modifications and changes, this completes for the present the new program of studies for grades 9-12. This program of studies is receiving the commendation of educators throughout the country.
The work in curriculum revision has been part of the guidance program. The purpose in enriching the secondary offerings has been to provide more adequately for the varying interests and purposes of the different pupils and to offer courses of study that are meaningful and vital and are related to the actual lives of boys and girls today. This is in keeping with the trends.
As was discussed in the last annual report, the new program has not involved increased cost. In fact, the new courses represent a saving, in that pupils succeed in work which is interesting to them and suitable for them. It is failure that is expensive. The same is true in respect to other phases of the guidance work- efficiency has meant economy.
The group guidance courses for grades 7-8 were revised by com- mittees of counselors last spring.
The Study of Pupil Progress-During the past year there has been continued study of different phases of pupil progress.
A follow-up study of grade 10 pupils in the Quincy High School at the end of the half-year revealed the fact that over 95% had been correctly placed. The remaining cases were given special study and adjustments recommended.
A study was also made of the achievement of these pupils ac- cording to the different subjects and the junior high schools from which they entered. Charts were prepared for the information of the principals.
All incoming grade 10 pupils were classified by the junior high school principals and counselors and placed accordingly. Special blanks were prepared by the counselors giving information in regard to each pupil. The junior high school principals devised a similar form for use in obtaining data from the elementary schools relative to the incoming grade 7 pupils. This information has proved valuable to the junior and senior high school counselors in becoming acquainted with the pupils and in checking on their progress.
A recent study of pupil progress in grade 10 shows a further decrease in failure for this grade. The per cent reduction of fail- ure during the past year is 27.6. The total reduction over the two- year period has been 42.4%. A study of grade 11 shows a similar decrease in failure over previous years. This can be attributed to several factors: (1) more adequate offerings from which to choose; (2) more attention to the individual pupil in his choice of work; (3) reduction in the number of points which pupils are al- lowed to carry necessitating a more serious attitude toward school work; (4) more scientific placement of pupils within the school program allowing effective adaptation of instruction to individual differences; (5) more careful checking on pupil progress; (6) provision for the investigation and adjustment of cases presenting difficulties; (7) the psychological effect of having every pupil have a task which is difficult but reasonable. With reduction in failure there has been a corresponding improvement in pupil morale.
384
CITY OF QUINCY
A recent study of school histories reveals the fact that approxi- mately one-third of the pupils entering grade 10 have been enrolled in one or more school systems other than Quincy. This gives some idea of the pupil turnover and the extent of the problem of assim- ilating transfers.
A study of the scores on standard tests given in grade 9 revealed a range of ten years in both arithmetic reasoning and reading com- prehension. As a result principals throughout the system have been requested to make an intensive study of the test scores of pupils in their schools and to submit recommendations. This is a phase of the work to which greater attention must be given. Handicaps' must be removed early and disabilities prevented to whatever extent is possible. Such difficulties become aggravated over a period of years, often with serious consequences. Teachers need further training in the interpretation and use of test results.
There must be constant checking on the progress of pupils as groups and as individuals. More adequate provision must be made for those requiring special attention.
Attention to the Development of the Child as a Whole-The guidance program is emphasizing the importance of the develop- ment of the child as a whole. Education is no longer conceived as mere mastery of subject matter. The school must be concerned with the all-round development of the individual child.
The counseling system as organized last year is a means to this end in that it provides individual attention to every pupil through- out the secondary grades. Counselors are becoming more alert in recognizing difficulties. The home visitors serve as liaison officers between the school and the home and the various social agencies. The home visiting service has been reorganized to meet increasing demands. Miss Perry and Mr. Clark are devoting part-time to this work.
With the exception of the work which was carried on experi- mentally at the Quincy High School, the school system has not provided health service for the three upper grades. It is essential that the health program be extended to care for the physical wel- fare of the pupils throughout the twelve-year period.
There is growing recognition of the importance of pupil activi- ties. Activities outside the classroom constitute a vital part of the educational program. They are especially significant from the viewpoint of training for citizenship and leisure-time interests. It must be understood that present-day teaching involves two types of responsibilities-classroom and non-classroom. Standards are being established for both types of teacher loads. The activity program of the school needs further study.
Throughout the system there must be more attention to the child as a whole. The school has the added responsibility of bringing about a recognition of the fact that the total experience of the child in school and out of school constitutes his education and determines his development.
A Program for the Teaching of Law and Order-In accordance with the resolution of the School Committee, the problem of teach- ing law and order in the Quincy public schools has received inten- sive study by the Director of Guidance and Research.
Attention has been called to the fact that law and order or any other attribute of good citizenship cannot be taught as a classroom subject. The entire school program must contribute to such teach-
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REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
ing. The problem involves a consideration of the following: the facts regarding delinquency and the implications for education, school citizenship, attention to the development of the individual child, the school offerings, activities outside the school.
As first steps toward a program for the teaching of law and order, it has been recommended that committees of teachers study and report on certain phases of the above topics. The work for some twenty committees has been carefully planned. The project gives added impetus to much that is already underway. If prop- erly guided, it will be constructive and far reaching.
Such a program is in keeping with the trends. Throughout the country there is growing recognition of the seriousness of the situation in respect to juvenile delinquency and the ineffectiveness of treating the delinquent.
If the school is to contribute to a program of prevention, teach- ers must be trained to detect early symptoms of maladjustment and early delinquent tendencies; the school system must provide adequate facilities to care for these difficulties after they have been detected. The above objectives should be our chief concern during the coming year.
It is gratifying to be able to report so much progress. I want to express appreciation to those who have contributed to it.
The Assistant Superintendent has reported for the State-aided schools and special classes.
Respectfully submitted, JAMES N. MUIR, Superintendent of Schools.
386
CITY OF QUINCY
The Day Trade School
The outstanding feature for the school year 1933-34 has been the 13% growth in school membership to 209, the largest member- ship in the history of the school. At the present writing, Decem- ber 1, 1934, the school membership has grown to 235 and the physical capacity of the building has been reached in most depart- ments. Over 30 boys have been placed on the waiting list because it is impossible to care for them in the department they wish to enter.
The table below shows the enrollment and growth for the past five years:
1929-30
1930-31
1931-32
1932-33
1933-34
Enrol.
Av.
Mem.
Enrol.
Av.
Mem.
Enrol.
Av.
Mem.
Enrol.
Av.
Mem.
Enrol.
Av.
Mem.
Auto Mechanics ....
48
29.3
37
30.85
54
42.79
55
47.73
75
53.43
Electrical
38
32.5
37
32.64
37
31.12
34
31.30
41
32.92
Machine
31
25.7
38
24.95
16
12.96
22
16.49
22
15.56
Machine (Co-op-
erative)
4
2.
5
1. 23.76
2
1. 24.28
2
1. 25.79
2
1.
Plumbing
39
29.1
29
Sheet Metal
18
16.3
18
16.67
21
15.38
19
14.32
23
16.78
Woodworking
68
47.1
56
40.99
53
36.57
60
48.03
68
54.62
Total Enrollment ..
246
220
214
230
274
Total Average Membership
182.0
170.86
164.10
184.66
209.00
The steady growth in the Trade School enrollment is the greatest tribute the community has made to the past Director of the school, Mr. Elijah P. Barrows, who retired in June after twenty years' service in the Trade School. All but four of the twenty years Mr. Barrows served as Director. When Mr. Barrows assumed the duties of Director of the school there was a total enrollment of less than 100. He witnessed a growth of almost 200%. Such a growth would not have occurred unles the school, under Mr. Bar- rows' direction, had met the needs of the young men who attended.
The teachers of the school were very busy during the year re- vising their courses of study in detail. It will be two more years before the detailed courses will be ready for every trade taught in the school. Since the school was opened there have been, of course, broad general outlines of the work to be covered, but it has taken a long process of trial and error to determine the mate- rial which should be covered in vocational schools. This is true not only in Quincy but of trade schools all over the country. Ex- cept for a few trades it is impossible to find a good detailed course of study in a public trade school.
Along with other schools the Trade School was obliged to de- crease its costs because of lack of funds, due to the depression. In face of a steadily increasing enrollment the total cost was de- creased to $46,435.29. In the school year 1928-29, with an average membership of 193, the total cost was $52,135.32.
38
43
34.69
31
387
REPORT OF SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
The total cost was further reduced as follows:
Tuition for non-residents
$12,595.00
Cash for products made in the school. 775.96
Aid from the Federal Government. 1,699.46
Aid from the State of Massachusetts.
15,533.61
Miscellaneous receipts 101.87
Total receipts $30,705.90
Net cost to the City of Quincy 15,729.39
The actual cost to Quincy is thus only one-third of the actual amount spent. The net per capita cost for the year was $75.26, which is much less than the per capita cost for secondary school education in Quincy and in the State as a whole.
The reduction in cost cannot continue without loss to the. Trade School student. At the present time the few reference books and textbooks used in the school are in very poor condition, several of the departments need more tools to adequately provide for in- creased enrollment, replacement of some machines and equipment has been delayed beyond the point of economy, and in a few de- partments there are not sufficient supplies for the balance of the school year to do the work required to train the boys to their best advantage.
The Continuation School
The work of the continuation school was continued on a very similar set-up as for 1932-33, but confined wholly to a class for girls. The N.R.A. codes make it almost impossible for the boy under sixteen to get work during the hours the regular school is in session. The number of girls being employed in domestic serv- ice has remained nearly constant for the last two years and as economic conditions improve we may expect an increase in the number of girls employed as mothers' helpers and as full-time household servants.
The total enrollment for the past ten years is shown below:
1924 1925
1925 1926
1926 1927
1927 1928
1928 1929
1929 1930
1930 1931 1931 1932
1932 1933
1933 1934
Boys Girls
127 50
67
ยท
84
95
82
72
45
29
13
...
26
56
62
65
54
47
42
32
24
Total
177
93
140
157
147
126
92
71
45
24
Hours of Service
11860
7996
7148
6132 4056
2208
1524
Since the employment is confined at present to housework and child care, the school program is in turn limited to sewing, cooking, home nursing, and child care, classroom work growing out of the subjects just named, and civics and English. The girls apparently appreciate the school work, for the attendance has shown a decided increase. An attendance of 75 to 80% used to be the average.
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