USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1890 > Part 7
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So far as one could judge, the increase was a permanent and growing one, and in providing for it the committee felt that they ought to look ahead somewhat, and not seek merely to bridge over present difficulties. In thus making plans for the future it was necessary to decide what policy should be pursued in regard to the distribution of schools over the town, whether they should be grouped together, so far as possible, in large buildings in the centres of population, or whether they should be scattered generally over the town, in small detached buildings. Braintree seemed to be well adapted to carrying out the first line of policy, there being three well-defined centres of population, all fairly easy of access to surrounding territory ; and, therefore, the committee were in- clined to favor this policy in case it should be found that it was likely to produce good results in the work of teachers and scholars, and to be in the line of a wise economy for the town.
It is generally agreed among those who have investigated the
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subject, and it would seem plain even to the casual observer, that teachers can handle forty or even fifty pupils, all in the same grade, to better advantage than they can handle half that number, when they are in several different grades. It is possible to concentrate the attention and work out of school hours upon fewer subjects, with consequently less strain and confusion, and in the schoolroom to make the best and most economical use of time, when all the pupils are in one grade and at work on the same subjects. A town, therefore, that consolidates its schools so as to place a teacher in charge of one grade only, offers opportunities for the best quality of work, and consequently can attract better talent in the way of teaching ; talent that shall be especially adapted to the age of the pupil and to the subject taught. Under this system, fewer teachers being required in proportion to the number of pupils, a town can afford to pay higher salaries, and thus insure keeping good teachers with some degree of permanence, to become identi- fied with and take a personal interest in the community.
Furthermore, where a town has one large building, instead of several small ones, it can afford to have such a building on a more elaborate and substantial scale, something that shall be an orna- ment to the place and an education alike to pupils and parents.
In centres of population there is less chance of malicious injury to school buildings, and more competent janitor service can be pro- cured. Much trouble, too, may be saved in the distribution of supplies ; and finally there might be a great economy in supervision, for there would be no necessity for committees and superin- tendent to expend time and strength in travelling longer or shorter distances from school to school.
Such, in brief, are some of the arguments in favor of the policy of the consolidation of schools. There is, of course, something to be said on the other side, mainly confined, however, to the difficulties of pupils from the outlying districts in reaching the large central schools, and to the disadvantages of large numbers of pupils of dif- ferent ages using the same playgrounds. The latter objection seems to be somewhat imaginary, and at any rate might be overcome to some extent by increasing the size of the playgrounds, and by having one teacher each day take special charge of the same during recess time. The first objection is a more serious one, and would
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be entitled to much consideration if it were true of any large num- ber of pupils. In Braintree, with large schools in the three centres of population, and outlying schools in the South and West dis- tricts, few if any pupils would have to go an unreasonable dis- tance. In case of the few that were out of reach, it would be more economical to furnish transportation than to establish schools for them. In fact, the number of schools would have to be very large in order to bring every pupil within easy distance.
The question is not a new one, for the policy of the consolidation of schools has been successfully tried in other towns, notably in Concord, in this State, and is strongly recommended by the State Board of Education. The committee, therefore, after a careful consideration of the whole subject, decided to adopt this policy in Braintree, and to plan the additional accommodations needed, in accordance therewith.
The Union and Pond schoolhouses were centrally located, and, being good buildings so far as they went, it seemed desirable to add to them, if this could be conveniently and economically done, rather than to build entirely new buildings. It seemed desirable, too, by these additions, to make them eight-room buildings at once, for although the present numbers would not perhaps justify placing one teacher in charge of each grade, yet everything pointed to the certainty of this being both possible and necessary within a very short time. By making the whole addition at one and the same time, much might be saved in the way of time and money, and a more harmonious whole, in the way of a building, obtained.
In the case of the East part of the town, neither the location nor the buildings of either of the present schoolhouses seemed favorable to any such enlargement, and it was part of the com- mittee's plan to build an entirely new eight-room building in some central location in that part of the town, when the number of pupils should make it advisable and necessary.
An architect was employed to make plans of the proposed addi- tions to the Pond and Union schoolhouses, with what seemed to the committee very favorable results. Two eight-room buildings, well arranged, and capable of excellent heating and ventilation, were to be obtained at a fairly moderate cost. The plans were submitted to the town in July last, and an appropriation asked to
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carry them out. The whole matter was referred to a special committee to act with the School Committee, and report at a future meeting. This action made it necessary to postpone any building operations for a year, and temporary quarters were pro- cured for the overflow of the Union schools in the Winter Building. No such quarters were obtainable in the Pond district, and in consequence the rooms in the Pond Schoolhouse have been very much overcrowded. seats being placed in every available space in the aisles, and even on the platform, greatly to the detriment of work and health among pupils and teachers. The special com- mittee and the School Committee have unanimously agreed upon the plans substantially as recommended by the School Committee, and it is earnestly hoped that the town may take favorable action thereon, in such season that all may be in readiness to begin work as soon as the schools close next summer.
HIGH SCHOOL.
The committee still think that the High School ought to have better accommodations, and that a change from the present quarters will be an absolute necessity before long. It has seemed best, how- ever, not to urge this matter further until the other and more pressing needs of the lower grades have been met. When the time comes for providing larger and better equipped accommoda- tions, the committee hope to remodel and improve the High School somewhat, perhaps adding another year to the course.
SOUTHWEST SCHOOL.
The largest number of pupils actually attending this school at any one time last year, was eight, and the prospect was that this number would not be increased in September, but rather diminished. It seemed somewhat expensive to hire a teacher, and pay for the care, heating, and repairs of a building for such a very small number of pupils. The school was not reopened in September, therefore, and some of the pupils were enrolled in the West School, and the remainder in the Pond schools. The action was certainly wise from an economic stand-point, and not detrimental to the children, who, without going an unreasonable distance, could get the benefit of better graded schools.
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TEACHERS.
There have been some few changes and additions to the corps of teachers during the past year. On account of the large number of pupils, assistant teachers were employed in the Pond First and Second Primary schools, in September last. In the Union Second Primary, an additional teacher was procured at the same time, to take the place of Miss Hadley, who had been put in charge of the temporary school in the Winter Building. For various reasons three teachers resigned in the course of the year, and one teacher left on account of the closing of her school. All of these, however, were teachers who had been recently employed, and the committee was fortunate in being able to fill their places with seemingly excellent material. The older and more reliable teachers have remained, and the town may congratulate itself, on the whole, upon having an earnest and intelligent body of men and women to look after the education of its children. This is in a measure due to the more generous treatment accorded of late years, and even during the present year the committee made a slight increase in salary in one or two instances, where long and faithful service, combined with good ability, made it seem not only just, but in the best interests of the town so to do. The matter of fixing salaries so as to procure and keep good teachers, and still be within the bounds of what the town can reasonably afford to pay, is one of no small difficulty, and is one which has cost the committee much time and thought.
Teachers' meetings have been held at regular intervals during the year, and the questions of general educational interest discussed thereat have been of assistance to both Superintendent and teachers in securing uniform and systematic ideas of the best methods of work.
The practice of allowing teachers one or two days in the course of a year, in which to visit other schools, is productive of excellent. results when a conscientious and intelligent use is made of such opportunities.
EXAMINATIONS.
For some years the committee has given a good deal of consider- ation, from time to time, to the question of examinations ; in other
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words, as to the best method of ascertaining fitness for promotion in the various grades, and more especially for entrance to the High School. The old method of one examination in writing at the end of the year for admission to the High School, and oral examina- tions twice a year in the lower grades, often worked serious injustice to some and promoted others who were not properly fitted. The, plan substituted in place of this, of having four written examinations during the year in the four upper grades, and making it necessary to obtain a certain average in all four examinations to insure promotion and entrance to the High School, worked well in some ways, but was cumbersome and consumed too much time, both on the part of pupils and teachers. In Septem- ber the committee adopted still another plan, which it is hoped will give satisfactory results. Two written examinations, one at the end of each term, will be given in the four upper grades. In addition to this, the Superintendent will give short written tests every four or five weeks, without previous notice, the results of which will be recorded, and finally the teachers are required, as often as once a week, to make a record of the daily work of each pupil. The results of all of these will be considered in making promotions. Thus ample opportunity will be given to show what knowledge has been gained, what progress made, what work done, without the expenditure of too much time and strength. A new system of marking has also been adopted, which it is hoped will do away with the dissatisfaction, and often injustice, of having small and even fractional differences sometimes influence results.
TEXT-BOOKS.
The expenditure under this head has somewhat overrun the appropriation during the past year, one reason being that large renewals have been necessary. The expense not being materially larger, and the old books in this case being worth something in exchange, the occasion was taken to introduce a number of new and improved text-books. These have so far proved very satisfac- tory, and have been a help towards carrying out the new course of study begun in September.
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BUILDINGS.
It has always been the aim and policy of the committee to keep the property under their charge in good condition, the idea being that this was the best economy in the end, and, furthermore, that it was easier for the town each year to expend a moderate amount than at irregular intervals to be called on for extraordinary ex- penditures. as would certainly be the case if needed repairs were left to the last possible moment.
The amount appropriated under the head of incidentals for schoolhouses, last March, was somewhat larger than usual, and most of it has been expended to good purpose in the directions then proposed. . It was thought best, however, not to do anything about painting the Union Schoolhouse until a decision was reached in regard to the proposed additional accommodations, as, in case additions to or changes in the present building were made the work of painting would have to be done all over again.
In the Iron Works Schoolhouse it was decided not to put a new floor into the intermediate room this year, but instead to renew the furniture in the grammar room, the old furniture being incon- venient in kind and much dilapidated. The new furniture here, as well as that bought for the temporary school in the Winter Building, is of the best and strongest kind, and would of course be available in any new buildings or additions that might be built.
Nothing has been done in regard to more improved methods of heating and ventilation, nor is any special recommendation now made in this direction, for it has seemed best to the committee to delav even the carrying out of the directions of the Chief of District Police, until the matter of the additional accommodations should be settled, so that some general plan might be proposed.
CONVEYANCE.
At the last annual town-meeting the sum of $200 was appro- priated for the purposes of conveyance. With this money, or such portion of it as was necessary, season tickets have been purchased for all the pupils in the High School coming from the East part of the town, thirteen in number. These children have thus been able to attend school regularly, without travelling great distances over
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rough and exposed roads, a thing often dangerous to their health, and sometimes impossible to accomplish under any circumstances. This is a piece of justice that has long been deferred, and the committee and all concerned feel grateful that the town has at last been willing to carry it out.
IN GENERAL.
The committee feel justified in saying that the schools in Brain- tree are making satisfactory progress. The methods used and the results obtained will compare favorably with those of other towns of the same size throughout the State. The great drawback and chief source of complaint from all the teachers is irregularity in attendance. When this arises from sickness, it is, of course, only a subject for regret; but when it is caused by parents keeping their children at home to do work or run errands, then there is cause for very serious complaint. Not only are such parents breaking the law, they are deliberately sacrificing the future of those committed to their care. They should, instead, make every possible effort to allow their children to take full advantage of the privileges afforded by the town. If they would do this, and mani- fest interest themselves by visiting the schools, they would be amply repaid by the increased progress and improvement of their children.
In closing, the committee would ask the careful attention of all interested to the Superintendent's report, hereto appended.
A. E. AVERY. A. M. BROOKS. E. A. WILD. R. H. MORRISON. H. L. DEARING. L. H. H. JOHNSON.
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINT NDENT OF SCHOOLS.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF BRAINTREE :
Ladies and Gentlemen, - To gauge accurately for a single year the development of so complex an institution as the public schools of a rapidly growing town is a difficult task, because of the nu- merous and variable elements entering into it. In presenting this sixth annual report of the Superintendent of Schools, and the second of the present incumbent, the truth of that statement seems to be well illustrated.
While the progress made by our schools during the past year is highly gratifying, it must not be assumed that the advance has been equal in all directions, or that there have been no failures and no occasions for criticism.
On the other hand, because there is occasion for criticism and change in some directions, it does not follow that our schools are failures, or are in the worst condition possible ; for that would be an unfair appreciation of the good things accomplished.
For whatever good results follow the efforts of the Superin- tendent, large credit is due the Committee because of their cordial favor and support, and to the teachers because of their friendly co-operation.
ATTENDANCE.
The attendance of pupils was much interrupted last spring by the prevalence of influenza and measles. It became necessary to close the Middle Street School for two weeks, and the East School for one week. This winter, whooping-cough and mumps are causing much absence.
Of the absence for other reasone than sickness, by far the larger part, at least three fourths, is due to a very few pupils ; and they are the ones who can least afford to lose the benefits of common education. It would be a blessing to these delinquent pupils, and to their parents, if their regular attendance could be secured.
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INADEQUATE ACCOMMODATIONS.
The owner of a valuable horse takes care that the "noble animal " has warm, commodious, well-ventilated quarters.
Our children, " the hope of the nation," have a fair right to a corresponding care in the buildings erected for their education.
Two hundred and fifty cubic feet of space is considered a proper minimum for each pupil in a schoolroom. Certainly, in a space much smaller than that, the best results are not easily attainable, and the welfare of the pupil is jeopardized.
The cubic feet of space in the rooms of the three large school- houses, and the present amount for each pupil are as follows : --
SCHOOL AND ROOM.
Cubic feet of space.
Space for each pupil.
POND SCHOOL : -
Grammar Room.
11,687
334
Intermediate Room.
11,687
225
First Primary Room .
9,269
154
Secon ! Primary Room
9,269
160
UNION SCHOOL : -
Grammar Room.
10,497
244
Intermediate Room
8,542
237
First Primary Room.
8,415
179
Second Primary Room
8,415
165
IRON WORKS SCHOOL :
Grammar Room. .
8,781
251
Intermediate Room
6,075
141
First Primary Room.
6,515
260
Second Primary Room
8,781
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Lassitude, inattention, loss of power to study, headache, lung and throat diseases, impaired vision, infirm health, are, in many cases, traceable to the vitiated air of the schoolroom as the efficient cause.
COURSE OF STUDY.
It is becoming more and more evident that we are trying to ac- complish a greater amount of work than can be done well in the time allotted. The teachers are ready to " get the pupils over " the work assigned, but it cannot be done satisfactorily to any one ; and hence they have been advised to insist on thoroughness rather than amount.
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The average age of the class that entered the High School this year was fourteen years and six months, and that average is not likely to be materially changed for many years to come. It is as much work as a pupil of ordinary ability can do well to complete the studies of the grammar and primary schools in nine years. To ask him to complete them in eight years results in just what would naturally follow, - either a work incompleted or a knowledge half acquired. To insist upon mental work that is more difficult or more severe than the immature mind can sustain, is to do an un- qualified injury.
A little saving of time has been made by abolishing the half-time attendance of the first grade after the first of November. A still further saving could be made by allowing beginners to enter in April, in order to become accustomed to attending school and to school ways, if the present accommodations of the schools did not forbid it.
The real need, however, is an additional year to the course of study,-for which also there are no accommodations.
RECORDS OF SCHOLARSHIP.
In place of the four written examinations of last year, there have been substituted two written examinations, a series of occasional written tests by the Superintendent, and a weekly record of stand- ing kept by the teachers. The object of the weekly record is to ascertain in a general way the pupils' studiousness and success in daily work ; the written tests are to try the pupils' apprehension and power of application of the subjects in hand ; and the written examinations are for the purpose of recording the pupils' attain- ment in comprehending and retaining the work of a term. A comparison of these three records is to form the basis for promo- tion at the end of the year.
While it is too early to judge fully the merits of this system the indications thus far are entirely favorable to its retention and faithful trial. A stronger and steadier interest in daily work and a livelier sense of the practical bearing of the various studies are manifest on the part of the pupils ; and there is much less temp- tation to regard the written examination as the great end of study and effort.
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MARKING SYSTEM.
Education is not merchandise ; and there is an incongruity in assigning a money value to it, or in measuring it by an exact per cent.
Fine distinctions as to amount of mental acquisition or develop- ment, such as lead to averaging and determining individual rank, are misleading. Not the close, sharp marking of an expert, but a broad, general system that encourages the faithfulness of all rather than the brilliancy of a few, is desirable in connection with the public schools.
It is even more important to avoid a slavish devotion to the imaginary virtue of the highest standing in a class. The highest standing during school life is no guaranty of equal honor in the struggles and vicissitudes of later years ; and it is a fair criticism of the public school that it fails of a just appreciation of abilities when it undertakes to measure scholarship with the precision of a per cent.
The five-mark system introduced this year, although a radical change from the per cent system, promises well to promote a more just record and to dispel some false notions.
TEXT-BOOKS AND STUDIES.
The new books introduced in September have already justified the extra expense involved above the outlay that would have been required in replacing the old ones.
In the Wentworth Arithmetics, more attention is given to devel- oping carefulness and thinking on the part of the pupils, and less to the formal statement of special rules. The problems, also, are more closely related to those of actual business.
" Coggswell's Lessons in Number?" commends itself for primary use by its simplicity and thoroughness.
" Hyde's Lessons in English " has made a very noticeable change for the better in the language work of the upper primary and inter- mediate grades ; and it is recommended that next year correspond- ing work of the same author be introduced into the grammar grades.
The course in reading suggested in the last report has been put
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in operation, the Monroe Readers being used in all grades for study and drill. A decided gain in the quality of articulation and in the power of expression is apparent. The supplementary readers have been distributed in sets of six in the graded schools, and in sets of three in all other schools. This arrangement does away with the confusion of a wholesale exchange of books every few weeks, provides for a grading of reading-matter in all the rooms, and promotes reading at sight. In the lower primary grades, it seems that six of a kind is too small a number of books, and that a complete set for each pupil is quite desirable.
The great embarrassment of trying to use two text-books in geography has been done away by completing the introduction of Warren's Geographies that was begun several years ago. The result is a much-needed relief. A careful and systematic rearrangement of the subject-matter of the text-book, with some supplementary reading and practical exercises, would still further improve the instruction given in this branch.
The instruction in history would be improved by less confine- ment to the order and phraseology of the book, by a topical method requiring individual study, and by a closer connection with geography and with the institutions and events of to-day.
An attempt is being made to enforce the legal requirements concerning instruction in physiology, and especially with reference to the use of intoxicating drinks and narcotics.
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