USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1891 > Part 11
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with our system of education. It is important that such measures as have been introduced for the improvement of the schools be thoroughly understood and approved by the community, for " no system of managing any institution will achieve a permanent suc- cess, unless it is based upon and interprets correctly the instincts and convictions of the people, and unless it be made to seem to the people what it is in reality."
A. E. AVERY. ANNA M. BROOKS. L. H. H. JOHNSON. REBECCA H. MORRISON. HENRY L. DEARING. GEO. D. WILLIS. .
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF BRAINTREE :-
In accordance with the prescribed duties of his office, your Super- intendent herewith presents his third annual report, and the seventh in the series of Superintendent's Reports, in which he will endeavor to give " an account of the duties he has performed, together with such facts and suggestions relating to the condition of the schools, and the increase of their efficiency and usefulness, as he may deem advisable."
OFFICIAL WORK.
During the year now closed, over two hundred official visits have been made to the different schoolrooms in town. At these visits, the condition of the rooms, the buildings and the grounds were noted ; the order and studiousness of the pupils observed, the records 'of attendance and scholarship examined, the methods of the teachers and the work of the pupils commended or criticised, the observance of the rules and regulations investigated, and expla- nations, suggestions, and advice rendered.
Four meetings of the teachers have been held, at which matters of immediate importance to the clear understanding and ready ap- plication of rules and methods have been discussed, and courses of action have been determined upon.
Six written tests have been made of all pupils in the six grades above the second, and the papers have been examined, marked, and recorded for each pupil.
Thirty-six question papers have been prepared for the written examinations of the Grammar Schools ; the work of the examiners has been supervised, and the marks of the pupils have been recorded.
The pupils of the first and second grades were given a brief oral test in the month of June.
During the summer, the course of study for all grades below the High School was thoroughly revised for the second time
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during the present incumbency, and such minor changes were made as seemed necessary to adapt it to the needs of the schools for the ensuing year.
The schools have been provided with all necessary books and supplies which have been purchased and distributed with economy and care as to quality and cost.
In addition to the performance of these duties, your superinten- dent has attended eight important educational gatherings ; has examined the qualifications of a large number of applicants for the position of teacher ; has filled out about eight hundred admission, transfer, and promotion cards ; has conducted an official corres- pondence requiring the sending of several hundred letters ; and has kept the accounts of the school department, involving the expendi- ture of about fifteen thousand dollars.
It would hardly be worth while to mention such duties as listen- ing to complaints and disposing of them, answering the inquiries of people who desire official information concerning the schools, looking up substitute teachers at short notice, examining new books and appliances and methods, studying and arranging plans for advancing and perfecting the schools, and many other matters of a similar character, were it not for the fact that, in the aggre- gate, these duties have consumed a great amount of time.
SCHOOL STATISTICS AND ATTENDANCE.
Population of town, census of 1890 4,848 Number of children in town between five and fifteen years
of age, May 1, 1891 . 785 Number of children in town between eight and fourteen years of age, May 1, 1891 . 462
Number of children under five years of age attending school within the year 0
Number of children under eight years of age attending school within the year 268
Number of children between eight and fourteen years of age attending school within the year .. 482 Number of children over fourteen years of age and under fifteen, attending school within the year 63
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Number of children over fifteen years of age attending
school within the year 81
Total number enrolled within the year 894
Average number belonging within the year 697.34
Average daily attendance 643.30 .
Per cent of attendance for the year
92.25
Per cent of attendance for 1890-91 .
91.76
Number of children admitted to the schools as new pu-
pils, during the year . 152
Number of pupils transferred from one school to an-
other, during the year 39
Number of children holding age and schooling certifi-
cates within the year .
22.
The apparently large increase in the number of children between five and fifteen years of age is accounted for in part by omissions in the school census of 1890, which made the number for that year appear less than it really was.
The months of February, March, and December, 1891, and Janu- ary, 1892, have been marked by the prevalence of colds, sore throats and contagious diseases, and the school attendance for those months was greatly reduced thereby. During the other months the attendance at our schools has stood high.
There are a few children, however, who are losing much of the . instruction of the schools.
Notwithstanding the opportunities presented and the compulsory provisions of the laws, they attend school less than half the time, and are growing up in a state of comparative ignorance that is discreditable to them and to the community. Their irregularity is easily excused or altogether disregarded by their parents. In such cases, indigence often baffles the terrors of the law and robs the child of his rights. Sometimes also the frequent removals of a family are allowed to keep the children out of school for long pe- riods. Such children are apt to be a hindrance to the progress of school work and too often exert a pernicious influence upon other pupils. They are proper subjects for the constant guardianship of the truant officer.
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VACCINATION.
Considerable absence in the lowest grade has been caused by detention at home for the purpose of vaccination. It is a pity that that treatment should be neglected until the child is of school age. More than forty children were allowed to enter school in Septem- ber upon condition that they should be vaccinated within a reason- able time ; and some parents have had to be notified two or three times before the proper certificate was produced. It ought to be insisted upon that hereafter a child must be vaccinated before he will be admitted to school.
SPELLING.
In the special report made in October (see Appendix A), the subject of spelling was considered at length, and the papers examined were severely criticised.
The written tests given during the term now closing reveal a like faultiness in the work of the lower grades. A list of words taken from these tests is in preparation for use in the schools. It already contains over three hundred words.
Good spelling depends upon the ability to arrange and maintain things in their proper order. Hence its importance as a discipli- nary study. A misspelled word is no more to be tolerated than disorderly dress, or uncouth manners. If it be a rare accident, it may be forgiven ; but if it be due to ignorance or to habitual in- attention, it merits sharp discipline.
This is a matter in which it is especially needful and easy for parents to co-operate with teachers ; and it is hoped that they will be disposed to do so.
PHYSIOLOGY.
The text-books in Physiology are far from satisfactory. Much of the phraseology is too difficult for the apprehension of the pupils ; and some statements are misleading, if not unreliable, viewed from an educational standpoint.
The attempt at temperance instruction is overdone. It is really . quite surprising that books should be duly " indorsed " as safe guides for youth, when they contain pages of information upon . the processes employed in the manufacture of intoxicating liquors.
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Such information is entirely unnecessary and is in danger of being mischievous.
Worthy text-books in this branch are not abundant ; but as soon as better ones can be obtained, they should be introduced.
MUSIC.
It is greatly to be regretted that nothing has yet been done toward securing systematic training in music by a specialt eacher. Is not the cultivation of the singing voice fully as necessary to common people, fully as practical, fully as elevating, fully as civilizing, fully as helpful in the enjoyment of freedom and the pursuit of happiness, as a knowledge of square root or troy weight, or of the discoveries of Columbus, or of the geography of Spain ?
These latter things we have. Why not music?
PENMANSHIP.
After careful consideration, a wide departure from the customary methods has been decided upon in teaching penmanship.
Any method that hinders the free movement of the hand and the arm is obviously objectionable. Yet the methods recommended by nearly all the copy-books do that very thing. In distinction from these methods, it is proposed to have the pupils assume such positions at their desk as will give each one a free control of the arm, the hand, and the fingers. They are then to practice a series of progressive exercises arranged to develop the perfect control of movements and to lead easily and naturally to the formation of letters and words.
The instruction as to the forms and proportions of letters is continued as heretofore ; but it is held that legibility and facility are of far more consequence than artistic efforts.
These changes are not yet fairly in operation, and so it is too early to speak of results; but the indications are most favorable.
MANUAL TRAINING.
Last spring there was a notable exhibition and conference relat- ing to the subject of Manual Training held in Boston. It was a surprise even to the promoters of the enterprise to see what is already being done in this country in the way of public instruction,
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and how rapidly this branch is being adapted to fill a recognized want in our educational system.
What is known as " sloyd work " appears to be quite practicable in the public schools, and should receive our earnest attention.
COURSE OF STUDY.
It is still the opinion of your Superintendent that the course of study should be arranged to extend through nine years before reaching the High School. It is his belief that classes would grad- uate at only a slight advance in average age, and with a much better development and proficiency.
The New England Association of School Superintendents has elaborated outline courses of study in several branches, which will be helpful by their suggestiveness ; and copies of their work are at the disposal of the Board.
SCHOOL ACCOMMODATIONS.
The relief to the Union and Pond Schools, afforded by the occu- pation of more rooms and the prospect of soon entering the new building, are matters of great encouragement.
If the old buildings are thoroughly renovated, repaired and ven- tilated, and if the influx of population should cease, the North and South villages will be well provided with school accommodations for a number of years.
It will be a glad day when the children of the East village can have equally favorable surroundings. The two present buildings are in unfortunate proximity to the railroad, and the schools are subjected thereby to a great amount of interruption and annoy- ance. These buildings are old and not very attractive in appear- ance, except that the East building is somewhat Greek in style. The Iron Works building appears to have been erected when much light was bad for the eyes ; for the windows are very small. In one of the rooms it has been difficult to read at the teacher's desk on quite a number of days the present term. The windows ought to be enlarged and the ventilation improved at once.
Unless all signs fail, the time must be near when the present locations will be disposed of, and the schools will be consolidated in a new, commodious, centrally located structure with modern
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appointments. Such a change is due to the welfare of the children, the credit of the community, and the promotion of public edu- cation.
EVENING SCHOOL.
For the benefit of some children whose labor is needed towards the support of their homes, and of quite a number of foreigners who, it is believed, would be glad to avail themselves of an oppor- tunity for a better acquaintance with our language and history and institutions, as a preparation for citizenship, it is desirable that an evening school should be established during the winter months. Such a school might be made the special care of a training class of teachers, and so be conducted with comparatively small expense to the town.
HIGH SCHOOL.
Last year we were threatened with an overflow in the High School, and we came near having it. It was estimated that the class entering last September would number fifty ; as a matter of fact, fifty-four were admitted. When the term opened, however, only thirty-seven presented themselves.
The other seventeen, for some reason, failed to appear and the overflow did not come. Next year the increased accommodations will obviate all trouble in that direction.
The new rules by which pupils not thoroughly qualified to go on with all the high school studies, are admitted on probation, and by which diplomas of graduation are to be withheld until a fair stand- ing is attained in each study, are having a most salutary effect upon the interest of the pupils and the quality of their work.
In the new building there will be room for the development of as fine a high school as there is in the State. Only let us have a well-arranged and definite. four-years course of study, with the ' necessary apparatus and supplies and teaching force (an additional assistant would then be a necessity), and we may with some pro- priety expect the high standing we so earnestly desire, and which our teachers are doubtless anxious to produce.
HIGH SCHOOL AND PUBLIC LIBRARY.
A great educational wave is sweeping over the country under the name of University Extension. One of its objects is " to stim-
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ulate the desire for study in the great mass of the people, and to assist those who wish to take up serious lines of reading in every department of literature and science."
In this work great use is made of public libraries ; for these in- stitutions are storehouses of valuable literary and scientific infor- mation.
It is a common experience with librarians, however, that the really profitable reading is neglected for that which is compara- tively light and worthless.
Is not this largely due to the lack of systematic connection be- tween the public library and the public school system ?
It is certainly right in line with the University Extension movement to promote a close relationship between the school and the library. And the proper place to begin this relationship is in the High School.
In carrying out topical and scientific methods of instruction, the ibrary would be of incalculable value, if teachers could take some of their classes to the library building and, under proper restric- tions, be allowed to direct the investigation of authorities in history, in literature and in science.
Braintree is fortunate in having an exceptionally choice library.
There is reason to believe that the trustees would heartily co-op- erate, as far as the public use of the library and the facilities at their command would permit, in any feasible plan for making more attractive and serviceable the stores of knowledge now seldom con- sulted. It is, therefore, suggested that measures be taken for for- mulating and establishing a definite connection between the High School and the Thayer Public Library.
TEACHERS' LIBRARY.
In a number of towns, a small professional library has been started for the use of teachers and those who wish to become teachers. A few pedagogical, philosophical, and reference works form a nucleus, and to these are added from time to time, copies of the best and latest text-books, scientific works, and other specialties. Under the care of the superintendent, such a library becomes one of the most important factors in improving the quality of the instruction given in the schools, and is worth many times the little outlay required to start and support it.
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VISITATION.
Not one fourth of the pupils in our schools have been cheered during the past year by the presence of a parent or other adult relative in the schoolroom, except on some exhibition day.
Of the nine hundred and eighty voters of the town, not ten, besides the members of the School Board have darkened the door of a schoolroom the past year, long enough to have their names registered, unless there was a special occasion.
To a large number of parents, the teachers of our schools are almost entire strangers.
It is not that Braintree is so different from other towns, but somehow those statements do not sound .well. They do not seem to be in consonance with the general interest felt in the welfare of the schools, or with that spirit of fair and intelligent criticism which every loyal citizen welcomes, and which is so conducive to real improvement.
Upon one corner of the Monthly Report Cards is the motto, " Home and school should help each other."
Let us hope that the fathers and mothers will read it and act upon the suggestion.
INDICATIONS OF PROGRESS.
Whatever progress has been made in improving the educational status in this town is due to the earnest endeavor of pupils as well as to the conscientiously faithful work of teachers, and to the wise forethought and careful provision of the Committee.
The sight of a company of youth eagerly laying hold of the ways of instruction is inspiring, and a great cause for congratulating the community where they live. This is the first and most important indication of progress that can be noted.
There is evidence that a marked change for the better has begun in the interest which pupils take in acquiring knowledge and in advancing in scholarship; it is apparent from the greater regu- larity of attendance (most of the irregularities are chargeable to a few), from their earnest and thoughtful bearing in the school-room, and from greater carefulness and orderliness in their work.
Some of the grades are doing work nearly half a term in
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advance of what has previously been done. There are instances of classes not so far advanced ; but their backwardness is plainly due to a failure to accomplish well the work of preceding years, and they are working hard to recover the lost ground.
It follows that the teachers are doing more satisfactory work, and they are to be commended for it.
The other indications of progress, though they are helpful, are secondary. The introduction of new and improved text-books and appliances, and the process of revising and perfecting the course of study are beginning to produce gratifying results.
The radical change in the marking system and in the granting of promotions is doing all that was claimed for it. It would be depressing to go back to the percentage system in marking.
It is not too much to say that if the present strong work of teachers and pupils is sustained, we shall, in the near future, be able to rank. our schools among the most efficient in the Common- wealth.
We are looking with just pride upon the beautiful edifice nearly completed on yonder eminence, - its capacious apartments and elaborate appointments are a fulsome promise of its usefulness. and worth to the advancement and culture of our future citizens.
APPENDICES.
Certain documents follow this report as appendices.
Appendix A consists of the special report of the Superinten- dent, made in October, concerning the annual examination papers of the graduating classes for the year 1891.
Appendix B contains a few of the educational thoughts of the year 1891, taken chiefly from school reports, and as full of profit- able suggestion for us as for others.
Appendix C presents a list of the authorized text-books used in the schools.
Appendix D comprises the tables of statistics and other matters usually connected with the report of the Superintendent.
The uninterrupted courtesy and cordial support of the Board are highly appreciated, and grateful recognition is accorded.
Respectfully submitted,
C. W. FEARING.
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APPENDIX A.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT CONCERNING THE
ANNUAL EXAMINATION PAPERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASSES OF THE YEAR. 1891, PRESENTED OCT. 26, 1891.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the School Committee of Braintree : -
Having re-examined with considerable care the papers written by the pupils of the graduating classes in the High and Grammar schools, at their annual examination for diplomas in June last, I beg leave to submit the following statements as my report upon the value of the pupils' work, and the marking of the teachers thereon, as required by the regulations of the Committee.
There were seventeen pupils in the graduating class of the High School, and sixty-three in the graduating classes of the Grammar Schools. The general appearance of the papers presented was excellent. Aside from a few inevitable exceptions, they displayed neatness and orderliness in arrangement, and fair, legible penman- ship, although written with pencils.
The form of the answers is also to be commended, being quite uniformly in plain, full, grammatical statements.
While they are necessarily similar, there are many little varia- tions in expression which indicate not only individuality but also independence and the exercise of thought. There are some papers in which the answers are so closely uniform with the text-book as to lead to the conviction that the pupil has been memorizing rather than reasoning ; and in a few papers this conviction is confirmed by the manifestation of an inefficient memory that leads to irrational statements, which a little thinking would have avoided.
The pertinence and fulness of the answers are in most cases gratifying ; there are very few instances in which the pupil so mis- apprehended as to answer a question different from the one propounded.
In a very few places, " I do not know " appears with heroic frank- ness, and suggests the strong probability that the writer has long since acquired the tardy information.
Where a choice of questions was allowed, it is noticeable that a
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large majority chose to omit the same question, although some pupils attempted every question.
The punctuation and spelling are to be criticised to some extent.
The grammar school pupils make a good use of capital letters and periods, and a few succeed fairly in using commas ; but quota- tion marks are greatly ignored, as well as the apostrophe and hy- phen, and other common marks. As the use of some marks de- pends upon the structure of sentences, it is not surprising that grammar school pupils should be unable to use them properly on all occasions ; but high school pupils should not hesitate to culti- vate good punctuation. Too many of the papers of the High School show either a surprising ignorance of punctuation or a lazy neglect to employ it.
Following this report is a list of one hundred and ninety-two words that were found misspelled in the papers.
Many of these errors seem to be the result of ignorance ; but by far the greater number are due to carelessness, and some to gross carelessness. What but stupid blundering can account for the de liberate misspelling of a word over and over again, when it is plainly and correctly printed on the question paper in the hands of the pupil? Yet such an error was committed by more than one member of the High School.
It is with regret that I must state that the seventeen pupils of the High School made nearly as many errors in spelling as. the sixty-three pupils of the Grammar Schools. Whether this is due to the refining and elevating influence of a study of the sciences literature, and the classics, or to an inadequate preparation for the pursuit of those branches, I am not prepared in the present case to decide. A further study will doubtless disclose the cause and suggest the remedy, should the disparity continue.
In the High School, three fourths of the errors occur in the French papers ; in the Grammar Schools, one half of the errors are in the Language papers.
But great stress is not to be placed upon the size of this list of words ; for only sixty-three of them occur in more than one paper each ; and a fair number of papers is entirely free from misspelled words.
The list does not include errors in geographical names, of which
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there were a number, nor words from which a single letter was omitted clearly by accident.
But it is the character of the words misspelled, the large propor- tion of very common words, that calls for severe criticism. It is not that incorrect spelling is of itself the greatest evil ; but care- lessness in this is a strong indication of a habit of carelessness in other directions, and it mars the whole scholarship in a suspicious manner.
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