USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1923 > Part 10
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EDUCATIONAL
So far this report has been concerned with the discussion of the administrative measures taken in the organization of the schools to provide suitable educational means for the needs of the city. It is now in order to discuss the educational uses made of these means.
I shall not go into detail concerning the High School, leaving that for the report of the Headmaster which is sup- plied as a part of this report. Concerning the Junior High Schools it should be stated that the programme of studies pro- vides electives in each year adapted to the varying needs of the pupils and provides in each year a suitable body of study -required subjects-to be taken by all. Marked progress has been made this year in the administration of such a course
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of study. There has been a continuous attempt to make more efficient adaptation of the electives to the needs of the pupils and a more efficient use of the functions of instruction in all subjects of the curriculum. To this end there have been fre- quent conferences of the principals and teachers with the Superintendent, and more frequent meetings of teachers with the principals of their own schools. Improvement in instruc- tion is following as a consequence of these measures and as a consequence of the efforts of teachers to acquire additional understanding and skill through professional study.
One approved administrative means, a characteristic of the Junior High School type of school, as of the High School type, has yet to be adopted in our junior high schools, viz., the use of the plan of promotion by subjects. This plan contem- plates adapting the educational requirements of the curricu- lum to the capacity of an individual in such a way that a failure in one subject is not a cause for repsating other sub- jects in which success has been secured. Put in a more famil- iar form, promotion by subjects prevents the repeating of the whole of a school year because of failure in one or more subjects which are a part of that year's instruction. Where promotion by subjects is in effect the pupil advances in the subjects wherein he has succeeded while repeating subjects wherein he has failed. There are administrative difficulties in the application of this plan which have prevented its adop- tion heretofore in the Junior High School, but as other parts of the undertaking have become well settled through experi- ence, there has now come a better opportunity for considering and adopting this plan in the conduct of the local junior high schools.
Elementary Schools
One of the most outstanding educational effects of the reorganization of the school system in Somerville is the im- provement which has been shown in the upper grades of the elementary school. Since the transfer of the seventh and eighth grades to the Junior High School the work of the upper grammar grades, particularly that of the fifth and sixth grades, has taken on a character distinctively in advance of that which the work in these grades had before. This change is evident to the masters and teachers of those schools and is the cause of much satisfaction to them. During the last year there have been in the elementary schools certain evidences of prog- ress which are set forth in statements supplied by some of the supervising principals.
Concerning the lower grades, it may fairly be said that
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exceptionally good work is being done under somewhat ad- verse conditions. The most adverse of these is the prevalence of overlarge classes. This is particularly true of some of the first grades where the work has been made burdensome by classes that are too large or by the presence of children who are handicapped by a limited knowledge of English due to the fact that a foreign language is the prevailing speech in their home. In some places it will be possible to reduce the size of the classes in the primary grades when additional room for that purpose is made available by the opening of the new building on Marshall Street.
Reports of Principals
As an illustration of the interest and vigor of the work of the schools I have asked several principals to make short statements concerning certain educational undertakings selected from the school program as worthy examples of the whole tenor of the school work. These statements follow :
Western Junior High School
"I submit herewith a report of the Western Junior High school for the year ending December 21, 1923.
"Early in the year the congestion in the school was re- lieved by the addition of six fine class rooms, an assembly hall large enough to accommodate the entire school of 1150 pupils, a lunch room adequate for the needs of the school and well equipped, a large basement room adapted and used for large music classes, for the orchestra, and as a class room, two locker rooms, each furnished with 350 steel lockers, and shower baths for both boys and girls.
"The assembly hall made possible the weekly assembly of all pupils and is used to develop civic qualities, to meet health needs, and to train pupils for the worthy use of lej- sure.
"By the purchase of a net which protects the four sides and the top of the space between the balcony and the stage, the auditorium provides a fine gymnasium for the school, and is used daily for basket ball, fist ball, volley ball, and setting- up exercises for the ninth year girls and boys.
"The assembly hall is used also for presenting programs of educational value, including lectures, dramatics by pupils, class demonstrations, stereopticon pictures and music by pro- fessionals, individual pupils; school orchestra and glee club.
"The new lunch room has made possible the providing of a suitable luncheon for all pupils who may wish to buy
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theirs at school and a place for those who bring their lunches from home to eat them in a leisurely manner.
"Two women are employed to provide the lunch and so satisfactory is their work that a majority of the pupils pre- fer to get their lunch at the school. The larger part of the work in serving is done by the pupils and a large number obtain valuable training through this activity. The lunch room is easily self-supporting. It is hoped that tables and stools will soon be furnished so that all the amenities may more readily be observed.
"Student participation in the government of the school has been extended during the year, and has been found to be a great help in the teaching of citizenship and leadership.
"Practically the entire control of the halls during the passing of pupils, the conduct of the lunch period, the as- sembly of large groups, and the club activities is given to the pupils who form the Western Junior Patrol.
"Arrangements have been made whereby ninth year classes may meet together once a week for a systematic use · of the School Library. Better results could be obtained if there were a trained school librarian who could devote a large part of her time to the library. Pupils are encouraged to make use of the library before and after school.
"It has been possible to properly equip and train a large number of pupils who represent the school in base ball, foot ball, tennis, basket ball, and field hockey. This work has been very satisfactorily done by Mr. Sweet, athletic advisor for the boys, by Miss Giles, athletic advisor for the girls, and by Mr. Balfe, practice teacher from Bridgewater Normal school, under the supervision of Mr. Ayer, assistant Physical Director.
"Many compliments have been paid to the boys who have represented the school in base ball and foot ball for their clean playing and for their behavior in general. Boys trained as these are must and should furnish valuable material for Sen- ior high school teams.
"The school clubs have been quite successful. Every pupil is required to join one but is given the largest possible freedom in his choice. I believe these clubs are very valuable in developing interests that will contribute to the worthy use of leisure, and the right school spirit.
"It seems to me that in our junior high school we have a course of study well adapted to the aims of such a school. It is, giving pupils a training which should fit them to carry on, their education in the advanced schools or to enter upon industrial pursuits. It is giving them two years to find out
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what they are fitted for and is giving them an opportunity to make a beginning under ideal conditions, in the studies they are to take in the Senior High school. . That our Senior high school is so large seems to me a proof that the Junior high schools of the city are doing well the work expected of them.
"In closing I wish to express my great appreciation for the many improvements made to the school through the kind- ness of Mayor Webster, the City Government, and the School Committee, not the least of which is the fine playground which is in the process of construction. I wish also to express my appreciation to the parents for their splendid cooperation, to the teachers for their loyalty and support, and to the pupils for their fine spirit and loyalty to the school.
"I would recommend that the school day be lengthened fifteen minutes. By means of this increase and by shortening the four daily recitation periods, a fifth period could be pro- vided which would give five extra periods a week to each sec- tion ; these could be used for physical training, study periods, assemblies, and for extra-curricula activities. To carry out such a program a teacher should be provided to take entire charge of the physical training of the pupils of the school."
"ARTHUR L. DOE, Master."
Southern Junior High School
"The past year has found a marked improvement in the Southern Junior High school, in that the crowded conditions, due to lack of recitation rooms and shops, have been remedied by the opening of the South Wing, thereby giving seven reci- tation rooms, and one first year Woodworking shop. This has done away, in great measure, with the afternoon shop classes in the seventh year work.
"It is a pleasure to report the starting of the Assembly. We have found use for our new Upper Assembly Hall, because it is now possible to assemble a class, in two groups, Lower and Upper, to put into effect the pupil-conducted exercise so desired by our Junior High pupils. Projects developed in various Clubs are worked out before the entire class, giving much pleasure to all, and a chance to develop leadership to many.
"One of the most encouraging developments of the past year is the formation of a Students' Council. The request came from the students. Though this undertaking has been launched but a short time, there is ample reason to expect that this will be a way by which a larger degree of self-direc- tion and self-control will be exercised by the pupils, to the end
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that the school may earn a well-deserved reputation for effi- ciency. Officers of the Students' Council and Class Marshals wear arm bands to designate their official status.
"The extra-curricula activities, under the direction of various teachers, are in their second year, and are coming out of the experimental stage into a well-defined movement which is in favor with the students and of value to them. The School Paper, Orchestra, Glee Club, Dramatics, Debating, Travel, Domestic Arts, Science, Fancy Work, Millinery, Cur- rent Events, Radio, Athletics, Language Clubs, First Aid, Carpentry, and Book Lovers' Club are all doing live work. This year the room officers arranged the club assignments, to the end that all but six boys from a membership of one thousand thirty-four pupils, found their places in thirty-three clubs of their own choice, on the opening day.
"I have observed a renewed determination on the part of the teachers and pupils to make this the best year in the life of the school."
"GEORGE M. WADSWORTH, Master."
Elementary School Projects
"During the year ending June, 1923, we laid special emphasis on English, Geography, and History, taught accord- ing to the outline submitted by me last year.
"To aid in my plans, several of the teachers took special courses along those lines.
"In the last few years we have stressed project work and the socialized recitation.
"Last year we saw good results. along the following lines :
School papers were published monthly in five of the up- per grades.
Book clubs were formed and held weekly meetings in the fifth and sixth grades.
In one sixth grade a 'Civic Business League' was organ- ized which held weekly meetings to discuss plans for a more efficient management of room and building. Following are some of the subjects discussed :
How best to police the yard.
Traffic management.
How best to practice thrift.
How to promote safety of children in the street. Flag etiquette.
Efficient distribution of milk daily.
Reception of visitors.
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and scores of similar subjects. As I have stepped into their meetings from time to time, I have been amazed at the conduct of the business and the judgment shown as they discussed those topics. This seems to me to be a preparation for valu- able service later on in the children's lives.
"To me, as I meet people at public gatherings of various types, it seems that one of our highest duties is to train chil- dren to have such control of mind and body that they can stand before an audience, think clearly, and speak effectively With this idea in mind, we have given special attention to oral composition from grades three to six inclusive. The re- sults thus obtained have been very gratifying to all of us.
"In project work I must take time to mention only one of the many. This project was worked out by the children to help a classmate who had trouble with her arithmetic. Here is the teacher's report of it:
A committee was chosen to organize a store in one corner of the room. The class brought clean empty packages from home. The committee looked them over, keeping only those most appropriate. They then visited different stores in order to obtain correct prices. The children take turns at being 'Store keeper' and 'shoppers', each 'shopper' making three purchases. They have five dollars in real money for change, but have made most of their own paper money.
All kinds of arithmetic may be made very practical in this way, especially fractions, because parts of pounds, yards, etc., must necessarily be used.
"I consider project work in the hands of a capable teacher one of the most valuable means of motivating regular school work.
"So much for what has been done.
"For several years we have felt that our school system has given the lion's share of the time and effort to the back- ward pupils, and has neglected to provide for the capacities of the more talented. With this idea in mind I gave efficiency tests in several subjects. By the results of these tests plus the teacher's estimate, I divided each fifth and sixth grade into four parts and made up classes as follows :
Div. D-ablest pupils
C-next to ablest
B-« most backward
A-most backward
"It is yet too early to submit definite findings as to the success of our experiment. It seems to be working to the best advantage of all concerned. Right away I plan to test
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pupils again and compare groups. When this is done, I will present a graph showing definitely the results.
"If further investigation shows this work to be a success I shall extend it, so that it will include the fourth and third grades and eventually all grades.
"Just now we are paying special attention to reading in all phases, but are concentrating our efforts on silent reading. Regular monthly tests are being given to discover rate of speed and ability to get the thought from the printed page.
"Last year we followed the program laid out by the Health Crusade in our fourth grades. We are now extending and intensifying this work. The children are weighed and measured monthly, and all means are employed to promote interest in health. The following rhymes made by pupils, unaided by the teachers, will show how well we are succeed- ing.
Run in the fresh air, Play in the sun, You'll be a strong boy, When the day is done.
C is for coffee, and T is for tea, Those unhealthy things don't interest me,
Fresh air, cocoa, and lots of good milk Will make you feel happy and fine as silk.
So I will forever keep on drinking milk, I'll play out of doors and exercise long. I'll go to bed early, and sleep well at night, Then I'll be healthy and have muscles strong.
Of the choicest possessions Of all kinds of wealth
None can compare With a boy's good health.
Don't forget your teeth at night,
If you do, they won't be bright: Don't forget your teeth at dawn, If you do, they might go wrong.
"In September, fourteen Armenian children ranging in age from eight to fifteen years, entered the Cutler school. They had attended school in Belgium, and while they were well prepared in other subjects, they could speak no English. This was a situation that had never before developed. I did
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not feel justified in asking for a teacher for so small a group and did not have a room for such a class. But where there's a will there's a way! We had in the building a very able pupil from the Bridgewater Normal school, who was observ- ing. She organized the class and carried on the work in the lower corridor. Since her return to Normal school, the work is going on under the direction of two observers from the Lesley school. These Armenian children are now able to understand and speak English fairly well."
"HARLAN P. KNIGHT, Master."
Silent Reading
"While continuing the project method, silent reading, and opportunity classes, concerning which we wrote you last year, analyzing the work in terms of educational values, we have during the present year made two new departures in educa- tion in the schools of Ward Two.
"The first and most important of these departures is the grading of pupils of the four sixth grades according to their apparent degree of intelligence. The second is the develop- ment of group work by means of the Thursday morning assembly.
"The grading of pupils of the sixth grade seems to be a project abundant in dynamic values. Psychology has ex- ploded the fallacy still held by the followers of Helvetius, that pupils of an inferior order of intelligence, the dull, learn from association with those of a superior order of intel- ligence, the bright, as if intelligence were contagious, or dependent on environment. Woodrow's book, 'Brightness and Dullness in Children', which you read with a group of us last year, enlightened many on this point; and as it seemed to us that knowledge not carried over into action was merely 'functioning in a vacuum' we graded the pupils of the sixth grades according to intelligence, the judgment of the teacher serving as the criterion. Next year we hope to put our work on a more scientific basis by means of intelligence tests for each individual. The aim in this course of action is three- fold :
1. To give pupils of a high order of intelligence all the opportunity possible to advance along well directed lines in which they are capable. The work of this group is broad and creative. Its cultural value, for example, is enhanced by the reading of a far greater amount of liter- ature than is required for the grade. Thus is opportu-
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nity given for the cultivation of mental imagery, a thing which, as G. Stanley Hall says, is so utterly neglected in most schools at a time when the angel stirs the waters. 2. To give pupils of average intelligence the kind and amount of work best suited to strengthen them in their needs, and to give time and opportunity for methods that will bring about desired results.
3. To give pupils of a lower order of intelligence the time, opportunity, and encouragement necessary for them to do well that part of the regular work of the grade that they are capable of doing.
"Certain results now appear to be established :
1. That the judgment of the teacher which at present serves as our criterion is exceedingly fallible.
2. That certain elements in the situation, certain deficit stimuli, e. g. malnutrition, tubercular glands, defective sight, hearing, etc., often cause a pupil mentally bright to appear dull. In several instances we have caused to be removed certain of these deficit stimuli with the re- sult that regrading became imperative.
3. That the element of time in the situation often heart- ens dull pupils, inspires them with confidence at the sight of their own achievements, small though they be yet their own, and gives them an opportunity to find them- selves. We consider that the ultimate end of education, both specifically and generally, is to give opportunity for a pupil to find himself. Then 'learning' as such begins.
"It is too early as yet to make a definite statement as to the vast amount of good this grading and regrading is accom- plishing, since it is only in the initial stage of its develop- ment. We have yet to think through many problems, not the least of which appears to be the suitable advancement of those pupils who are able to accomplish the work of the sixth grade in one half of a year.
"The development of group work through the Thursday morning assembly is interesting to watch and its results appear to be significant. The pupils hold their own assembly, conduct it entirely by themselves, elect their own presiding officers, choose their own music, and the subjects for reports that seem to them worthy of note during the week.
"The aims are briefly :
1. To teach community or group spirit. Emphasis is placed on cooperation, mutual toleration, and respect for law.
2. To give pupils opportunity for choice.
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3. To give confidence in appearing in public, and ease and facility in stage deportment.
4. To encourage quality in work.
5. To make automatic the use of correct English.
6. To train pupils in orderly civic procedure.
7. To acquaint pupils with the elements of democratic government.
8. To motivate in a broad way the entire work of the school."
"FRANCIS A. RYAN, Supervising Principal"
Teaching of Thrift
"During the past year the pupils have made 82,029 de- posits amounting to $54,533.11, an increase of 40% over the year before when there were 65,880 deposits amounting to $38,934.10. This is the largest year's growth since the estab- lishment of the school banks.
"While it is a pleasure to be able to report such a rapid growth, we should not lose sight of the fact shown by the Report of the American Bankers Association on School Banks that Somerville is no longer the leading city in school bank- ing. There are now many cities that surpass us in the amount deposited and to an even greater degree in the number of depositors.
"This is evidence that the possibilities for growth are by no means exhausted and should encourage us to put forth greater efforts to secure more depositors.
"The rapid increase in school savings banks throughout the country has brought many different systems of collecting and accounting into use. We have examined these systems, as they have been introduced, with a good deal of interest. Until recently we have seen none that we considered superior to our own.
"A system called Educational Thrift Service, Inc. is ex- tensively used and is, we think, very much better than our own system. No bookkeeping by teachers or principals is required. The bank makes all reports, corrects mistakes, and arranges for the replacement of lost deposit cards and bank books. This results in a great saving of school time and removes the only objection of the teachers to the school sav- ings banks.
"Methods of stimulating and encouraging the children to form thrift habits are also furnished by this company. It may readily be seen that these methods are of real value since
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nearly all of the cities that are ahead of us in school banking. are using this system.
"We recommend that this system be adopted for use in the schools of this city.
"We also recommend that a high school teacher and an employee of the bank be added to the committee on banking."
"GEORGE I. BOWDEN, Chairman Committee on Thrift."
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Modern Health Crusade
"Our teaching of hygiene, if it carry over into the physi- cal well-being of children, must result in the formation of good health habits.
"The Modern Health Crusade is the name given to a very definite program for motivating the formation of health hab- its. It is financed and promoted by the National and State Tuberculosis Leagues. The Visiting Nursing Association in our City through the sale of Christmas seals, has made it possible to test the system in all of our fourth grades for a period of fifteen weeks during the past year.
"The Modern Health Crusade uses the insignia and tries for the spirit of the chivalric days of the historic Crusades, the modern knight being one who goes out to achieve health. As it works out in practice, each child keeps a score card upon which he checks daily the performance of certain health 'Chores'. The score card reads :
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