USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Middleton > Town annual report of Middleton, MA. 1950 > Part 6
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Age
Boys
Girls
Total
5-7
45
35
80
7-16
201
165
366
4 to 5
52
3 to 4
65
2 to 3
50
1 to 2
52
127
SCHOOL REPORT
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
To The School Committee
Middleton, Mass.
MADAM AND GENTLEMEN:
It is difficult for me to approach this, my twenty-seventh and final report as Superintendent of Schools for Middleton. There are so many things which could well be written here, but which would probably serve no good purpose at this stage in my incumbency. I shall there- fore avoid any extended report of the progress of the school during the past year. There are more profitable ways of using this expensive space.
There are three major things of note in connection with the school system as in operation at the present time.
THE PROBABLE RETIREMENT OF MISS MANNING
It is my well considered professional opinion that this is the most serious blow to the schools of this town that has occurred in a quarter of a century. Had there been several changes in superintendents in that period none would have effected the efficiency of the school as has, and will, the loss of C. Alice Manning.
This woman was essentially a great teacher. As such she spent the major portion of her career. To be sure she was always principal during our association, but for the great part of that time she was busy in a classroom nearly every period of the day. In her classes there was no lost motion or wasted time. Her every school activity was directed towards the development of each child to the limit of his capacity. She did not practice mass education. She knew every indi- vidual and the strong and weak points of each.
There were many times when Miss Manning might have gained favor with certain individuals had she been willing to act against her own conscientious convictions. She never compromised with facts to attain a temporary popular approval.
Miss Manning began her teaching career in March 1901 in Sterl- ing, Mass. This was immediately following her graduation from a teachers' training course then given in Somerville High School, which
128
SCHOOL REPORT
school at that time was the finest in the country. She also taught for brief periods in North Dana and Andover. She came to Middleton first in 1903, almost half a century ago. In all of this time her endeavor was to keep up with the times and practice such teaching methods as had been proven sound. She took numerous professional courses at various times and institutions. Her long experience enabled her to separate the grain of truth from the chaff of high sounding phrases so often found in such professional courses.
During the past two years Miss Manning's health began to fail. It is the writer's opinion that the true source of her ill health came from causes less in the physical realm than in the spirit. I know that this woman is heartbroken not to be able to continue in the work that she truly loved. Should this town let her labors go unrewarded and un- noted, I shall be ashamed that I ever was in any way connected with it.
THE NEW BUILDING ADDITION
As stated in previous reports this was the number one educational 'need of the Town of Middleton. Such weakness as may have appeared. in the school in the past few years has been due to the overcrowding of our classrooms. It is vain to expect even the best of teachers to cover the requirements of her grade for every pupil in her class when she has no time to give individual attention to those who need a little personal guidance over the rough sports. This is particularly true for the lowest grades. Here little children, often immature, have to be not only socialized but taught a most difficult process at the same time.
We hoped that the two new rooms which might have been made from the auditorium would ease the situation for the current school year. This was not realized and classes are still overflowing or at least too large for efficiency.
In September it is hoped that the new addition will be available for use. If it is, one main project should be to assure each first grader a fair chance to make the most of his innate ability. It would also be a wise move to raise the entering age from five years and eight months to six years in September. If insistence of parents made this too un- popular it might be well to consider a kindergarten to meet their desire to get the youngsters cared for.
One great advantage of this addition will be the improved oppor- tunity for some instruction in Physical Education. Add to this the possibility of giving some instruction in the Manual Arts and a distinct progressive step is gained.
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SCHOOL REPORT
REMEDIAL READING
In September 1950 a new member was added to the teaching corps. This was Mr. Rene Mathieu, instructor in remedial reading and super- visor of reading. I regret to state that, through no fault of Mr. Mathieu, this work has not proceeded according to the writer's hopes. Insistent pressure has forced him to proceed to applying remedies be- fore he had time to diagnose the reading difficulties. It was the original plan to spend the major part of the year in testing to find out the individual needs of those who were experiencing difficulty with the reading process. Very little of his time should have been given to children in the lowest grades where mental immaturity might well be the chief cause of slow learning. Much more good could have been done for the slow or inefficient readers in the middle grades. Success here might have been an important factor in preventing further re- tardation for those who are more sensitive to their disability because of their greater maturity.
This program is not the ultimate answer to the reading problem. The real need is, as mentioned above, for beginners classes of not more than twenty five pupils. In such classes, properly trained teachers would be able to detect individual reading difficulties and also have time to remedy them. It is impossible to overemphasize the necessity for diagnosis before remedy. This is as true in Education as it is in Medicine.
ENROLLMENT
The overall increase in enrollment this year was not as great as had been feared. We had expected to be obliged to have at least two first grade classes. The new entrants were but 38 in number. While this was too many for one first grade it was not enough for two. There would have been difficulty in seating arrangements had there been the expected influx.
No definite prognostication of the number likely to enter school next fall is possible at this writing. The school census shows thirty- five children between the ages of five and seven not in school as of October 1, 1950. At this same time there were 52 children between five and seven years in residence. If these numbers should group as is possible, we might well have over fifty entrants in September.
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SCHOOL REPORT
PERSONNEL
Comparison of the names now listed in the teaching corps with the same list for my last report shows five changes and one addition. This means a turnover of 26% in a single year. This is not a desirable ex- perience in spite of the fact that some of the newcomers are very capable people. Reasonable continuity in service of a school faculty is desirable when care is taken in electing.
The new members of the staff are, Mr. Rene Mathieu, Remedial Reading; Mr. Francis Albanese, Grade VIII; Mrs. Stella Salva, Grade V; Mrs. Grace Warman, Grades III & IV; Mrs. Marjorie Shaw, Grade II; and Mr. Thomas Lane, Art Supervisor.
Mr. Charles Clinch resigned from his position as Janitor at the close of the last school year. We all regretted to have Mr. Clinch de- part but fully appreciated the soundness of his judgment. Mr. Nathan A. Haywood, Jr. was elected to succeed Mr. Clinch.
FINALE
It is difficult to realize that this is the last school report that I shall write for any community. It is the ninety-ninth such report that I have written in the thirty-three years of my experience as a superintendent of schools.
I desire to take this opportunity to give heartfelt thanks to every teacher and supervisor who has loyally served with me during my years in this town. To the various members of school committees who have given me support throughout the twenty-six years I express a deep appreciation.
To C. Alice Manning I say a final hail, and farewell.
Respectfully submitted,
STEPHEN G. BEAN,
Feb. 5, 1951
Superintendent of Schools
ENROLLMENT STATISTICS-Table No. 1 Age-Grade Distribution-Registration October 1, 1950
Age Grade
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
T
I. -
7
28
3
38
II.
-
12
40
6
58
III. -
12
33
9
1
55
IV.
-
9
32
7
4
1
1
54
V. -
5
18
9
3
3
1
1
40
VI. -
3
23
7
4
3
40
VII. -
7
20
10
3
1
41
VIII
3
15
7
4
21
31
Total
7
40
55
48
46
28
43
35
33
11
9
2
357
SCHOOL REPORT
131
132
SCHOOL REPORT
Table No. 2 Teacher-Grade Distribution October 1, 1950
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
Tot
Miss Devane
38
38
Mrs. Johnston -
30
30
Mrs. Shaw
28
28
Mrs. Carpenter -
37
37
Mrs. Warman
18
18
36
Miss Hinckley
36
36
Mrs. Salva
40
40
Mrs. Dunn
40
40
Mr. Holmes
41
41
Mr. Albanese
31
31
Total
38
58
55
54
40
40
41
31
357
133
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The School Committee hereby submits to the citizens and taxpayers of Middleton its annual report :
The changes that were to be made in the existing building as pro- posed in the contract for the new school addition were effected so that we were able to take advantage of them during this school year. What was formerly the auditorium now affords us a very pleasant and func- tional classroom with ample closet, storage, and cloakroom space. The green chalk board that will be used throughout the new addition be- cause it reduces glare and increases visibility has been used in this new room. The room has been furnished with blonde, movable furniture to allow for easier pupil grouping and greater pupil activity. What will eventually be used for the library and as a meeting room has served very well this year for Mr. Mathieu's remedial reading groups. The. principal's new office is now on the front of the building and is very bright and pleasant. The committee is looking forward to the com- pletion of the addition so that our pupils will be able to take advantage of the auditorium-gymnasium. The social phase of our school life has of necessity been neglected during the past two years because of the lack of an auditorium. The committee plans that two added classrooms will be used next September. The use of these added classrooms will permit us to cut the size of some of the classes in the lower grades. By so doing, the pupils will be given much more oppor- tunity for individual attention and guidance. The committee is still greatly concerned about the percentage of dropouts in our upper grades. We are anxious to do all in our power to correct this situation. We feel this can be accomplished through a process of smaller classes; more individual attention, study, and guidance; and the continuation of the remedial program that has been instituted this year. Our remedial program has been able to only "scratch the surface" of our reading problems so far. Any remedial program is a long, slow process. The scope of our remedial problems was so great that we have had to con- centrate our efforts on but a few grades. For a better understanding of the scope, aims, and progress of the program, we recommend that you read the report of our reading supervisor in the pages that follow.
In the appointment of new teachers, your committee has again after diligent search and careful selection, chosen from a number of applicants, teachers with superior training, experience, and personal
134
SCHOOL REPORT
qualifications. The committee considers the selection of its teachers a very important part of its school program.
The administrative phase of our school program has been some- what hampered and delayed by the extended illnesses of our principal, Miss Manning. It will be with sincere regret that the committee accepts Miss Manning's resignation to become effective at the end of March of this year. We should like to take this opportunity to pub- licly thank Miss Manning for her many years of faithful and devoted service. The committee is fully aware of the task it faces in selecting a successor to one who gave of her time and service so willingly and faithfully and whose devotion to duty has been so outstanding. We wish to extend to Miss Manning our sincere best wishes.
Mr. Mathieu has been most cooperative in serving for the com- mittee as substitute principal during Miss Manning's illness. We thank Mr. Mathieu for the splendid work he has accomplished with these extra duties added to his already full program. Mrs. Thompson has served us very ably and well as an assistant in the school office.
Since Mr. Bean will retire upon reaching retirement age at the end of May, the committee is faced with filling the positions of both principal and superintendent. It was the hope of the committee that the State Department of Education would allow us to withdraw from the superintendency union and to fill both positions by one highly- qualified individual who would serve as both principal and superin- tendent. However, this proposal has not met with approval by the State Department of Education. The town of Wilmington has been allowed to withdraw from our superintendency union, however, and the towns of Tewksbury and Middleton are to remain. Our union will then be composed of two towns instead of three. Thus, a new superin- tendent will be able to devote more time and attention to each town. Our committee hopes to bid for an increased percentage of the super- intendent's time. We wish to thank Mr. Bean for his many years of service and extend to him our best wishes for success in his future endeavors.
The three-year contract for transportation of our school children was again awarded to the lowest bidder, Mr. Raymond Funchion, whose service during the period of his last contract was quite satis- factory. The committee was able in the new contract to arrange for extended service to our high school pupils. In order to do this, it was necessary to adjust somewhat the time schedule of our grammar school resulting in dismissal at 2:45 p.m. instead of 2:30 p.m.
135
SCHOOL REPORT
This year the committee had a light installed at the end of the walk outside the school and are sure that in so doing we have filled a need long felt by committee and townspeople alike.
The committee is cognizant of the serious need for a broad program of dental care in our school. We are hopeful that a committee composed of selected town officials and parents in conjunction with local and state health authorities can be organized to study the situation and work out a program that will fit our local situation more satisfactorily and will fill the drastic need for dental work that exists in our school today.
Another problem that has plagued the administration and the committee for quite some time is the fact that during a major part of the school year the play area is so muddy that it cannot be used by the children.
We feel that the pupils should not have to be kept in at recess during pleasant weather because of this condition. Neither do we feel that it is satisfactory to have the pupils play on Park Street al- though we have received permission from the Board of Selectmen to
block it off during recess periods and have been following this procedure as a temporary measure. The committee is now investigating the pos- sibility of having the side and back lawn hot-topped to relieve some- what this awkward situation.
We have been notified that commencing January 1, 1951, the high school tuition rate shall be $197.86 per pupil-an increase of $18.01 per pupil.
In order to encourage the professional advancement of our teach- ers, the committee has voted to grant a $50 bonus for an approved course of 3 credits. Another $50 bonus will be granted for a second course of 3 credits. For the third course of 3 credits or a total of 9 credits a permanent increase of $100 shall be granted.
The sick leave benefits for the teachers have been increased.
The committee felt compelled to refuse the request of our teachers for a flat $300 salary increase. A salary increase of $200 had been granted last year. With the prospect of a considerably increased school budget and with several new teachers on our staff, the com- mittee felt it unwise to grant a further increase at this time.
136
SCHOOL REPORT
The committee wishes to thank our teachers and all members of the school staff for the cooperation they have shown. We should like to especially express our gratitude to Mr. Joseph Albanese for the many, many hours of after-school time that he has devoted to our youth in Middleton in promoting an interest and love for athletics. We should also like to thank our staff of cafeteria workers for their continued splendid service and cooperation.
To the citizens and taxpayers of Middleton, the school committee wishes to extend its thanks for your interest and cooperation and again solicits any suggestions or constructive criticisms to the end that our school may better serve the youth of Middleton. The regular meeting of the school committee is held at the Howe-Manning School on the second Wednesday of each month.
Respectfully submitted, MIDDLETON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Eben Jewett, Chairman Rosamond L. Bastable, Secretary Raymond Silvernail Harold Y. Smith Harold F. Purdy
137
SCHOOL REPORT
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
To the Superintendent of Schools and Members of the School Committee,
MADAM AND GENTLEMEN :-
The present enrollment of the Howe-Manning School is as follows:
Grade I 35
II 60
III 56
IV 50
V 40
VI
41
VII 42
VIII 32
Total .. 356
There are ten classroom teachers, an Art Supervisor, Music Supervisor, Reading Supervisor, and a Principal on the school staff. The grade assignments are: Miss Catherine Devane, grade 1; Mrs. Nellie Johnston, grade 2A; Mrs. Marjorie Shaw, grade 2B; Mrs. Fran- ces Carpenter, grade 3; Mrs. Grace Warman, combination grades 3 and 4; Miss Fannie Hinkley, grade 4; Mrs. Stella Salva, grade 5; Mrs. Mae Dunn, grade 6; Mr. Gardner Holmes, grade 7; and Mr. Francis Al- banese, grade 8. The new members to join the faculty this year were Mrs. Salva, Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Warman, Mr. Albanese and Mr. Mathieu. Miss Marie Flathers submitted her resignation in October and was replaced with Mrs. Salva.
The Middleton Teachers Club adopted a project as part of their in-service training program. The unit selected was the revision of the Social Studies curriculum. Three special meetings were held and the teachers discussed the meaning of Social Studies, constructed outlines of units suitable for their grades, examined sample textbooks, and de- cided to place into operation the "group plan" technique of teaching Social Studies. Mr. Mathieu was appointed chairman with Mrs. Johnston, Miss Hinkley, and Mr. Holmes as reporting secretaries.
The teachers were granted a free day to visit schools in other dis- tricts for the purpose of observing the progressive methods of teaching children. Six teachers visited the Noonan School in Winchester and three teachers visited the Logan School in Reading.
138
SCHOOL REPORT
The faculty has worked together at teachers' meetings to organ- ize a suitable Testing Program for the school. The final plan presented to the school committee included: Reading Readiness for grade 1, Intelligence Test for grade 2, no testing in grade 3, Achievement Tests for grades 4 and 5, Intelligence Test for grade 6, Achievement Test for grade 7, and no testing in grade 8. This testing plan will provide the teachers with accurate information concerning the pupils and will en- able them to better understand and assist them. It was decided to change from the Metropolitan Achievement Tests to the Stanford. The Intelligence Tests selected were the California Mental Maturity Tests.
It has been suggested that when the new addition is ready for oc- cupancy that the present Reading Room be converted into a School Library. The school committee has arranged a budget for the purpose of purchasing books and materials. One hundred dollars has been spent to start this project. It has been a delight to the pupils and all the books are in constant circulation. It is recommended that suitable library furniture be purchased and that permanent reference materials be added.
The school children under the direction of Mrs. Virginia Thompson organized a Christmas program for the December P. T. A. Meeting. Due to the short time for preparation it was decided to utilize a small number of children. The program consisted of a Christmas Pageant titled, "Why the Chimes Rang." Choral singing was provided by the upper grades and supervised by Mrs. Dunn.
Many textbooks have been added to the school book supply. Re- placements and additions were made in the fields of spelling and arith- metic making these two areas complete in series. Social Studies text- books were purchased in a variety of small quantities for the group work program.
The Teachers Club made the following requests of the school com- mittee: (1) a raise of $300.00 which was refused at this time; (2) a fifty dollar bonus for each three credit course completed and approved by the Superintendent of Schools, and upon the completion of nine credits a permanent one hundred dollar raise. This was granted and placed into operation effective January 1, 1951; (3) sick leave for teachers be increased from five to ten days and accumulative to 45 days. This was also approved and made effective immediately.
139
SCHOOL REPORT
Projects for future consideration include the revision of the Report Cards, the installation of a cumulative record, a workshop in reading, and revision of the Lanugage Curriculum.
The cooperation of the Superintendent of Schools, the School Com- mittee, teachers, supervisors, Mrs. Hayward, and the cafeteria workers has been greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
RENE R. MATHIEU,
February 1, 1951
Substitute Principal.
140
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
The school nursing service rendered the following during the course of the year:
For the first part of the year we had numerous pediculosis offenders but the last part has been remarkable. There have been only two cases and these were taken care of in a relatively short time.
Twice during the year all grades have been weighed and measured and notices sent home. The average weight correlating to the height is recorded so that parents can see at a glance whether the child is under- or over-weight.
There was little done in the Dental Clinic this year, due to the total destruction of Dr. Connolly's office due to fre, and because he found that he lost considerable time by coming to the school. We hope to accomplish a great deal with a revised dental program during the coming year.
Immunization and booster shots against Diphtheria were given by Dr. Rogers. There are still some children in the school system who have never been immunized.
Physical exams were done by Dr. Rogers who also examined the teeth. Children found to have defects received notices to bring to their parents. Anyone who could not afford to have their family Doctor remedy the defect were referred to the Hospital Clinics.
Both the Massachusetts Vision and Hearing Tests were done. These are the most accurate tests that can be done on children. Both defective vision and hearing can greatly hamper a child's efficiency and progress in school. Notices, to parents, on children who failed these tests will be forth-coming.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUISE M. BRENNAN, R.N., School Nurse.
141
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
The overall objectives of the Art Program are to promote within the individual student, confidence in his own creative ability along with an appreciation of the creative efforts of others. To develop the imagination as well as the powers of observation, and to introduce the technical knowledge required to achieve these aims. Whenever possi- ble the art program is closely related to regular curriculum, and at all times it is presented as an integrated part of every day living rather than a mysterious entity in itself. The emphasis is placed on making the individual conscious of and believe in his own creative ability, thus enabling him to contribute more to the community in which he lives as well as his own life.
In the lower grades a larger part of the time is spent on the type of work that encourages expression of the imagination with as much free- dom as possible. Illustration of stories, experiences, etc. are examples of this type. The plan here is of guidance rather than direction though during the holiday season there were some projects in colored paper that required a good deal of direction. Even here the avenues of imagination were left open to any inovations that any student sug- gested. It is most important at this age level that the pupil's efforts rather than results be encouraged for in these early years their confi- dence in their own ability is at its highest, and great care has to be taken not to destroy that confidence. Individual attention is given at all times, and whenever there arises questions that involve technique, or technical knowledge, they are answered immediately. Thus those who desire more advanced work are allowed to go forward.
To date the media at this level has been limited to crayon and cut colored paper, but it is hoped that these will be supplemented by paint before the year is out.
In the upper grades, four through eight, the purely imaginative and expressive work has been supplemented with more technical training by the introduction of figure sketch, lettering, perspective, design, and a more advanced form of cut colored paper, approaching paper sculpture. The media has been increased by water color and ink. There has been a review of the fundamentals of color and of course the study of design which is present in any art program.
.
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SCHOOL REPORT
The first three months were taken up with the holiday season and exploritory projects to determine the needs of the students. Then a period of technical training which will give them a background for more ambitious projects, such as murals, puppets, and co-ordinated activities with the curriculum. To date the largest projects have been cut paper murals, and the large stained glass window for the Christmas pageant. This was executed in tracing paper and water color by a group of eighth-grade students and met with great success.
In addition to the regular Art Program the Art Supervisor is available to all teachers as an adviser in any problems that may arise within the field of art.
I would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Mathieu and the teaching staff for their cooperation during these first few months, and hope the following will be as fruitful.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS C. LANE
January 31, 1951
143
SCHOOL REPORT
REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSIC
Middleton, Massachussetts February 5, 1951
To the Superintendent of Schools and Members of the School Board.
MADAM AND GENTLEMEN :-
This year finds us without an essembly hall and so without a seventh and eighth grade choral group. In spite of this arrangement which lacks the stimulis of large group singing, the two classes are doing well; they are now looking forward to graduation exercises.
The upper classes made their contribution to the Parent-Teachers' Association Meeting in December with the rendition of Christmas Carols.
The lower grades are showing real musical aptitude. They have built up a musical repretory and enjoy singing. We have no mon- atones in grade one.
We have been adding to our collection of phonograph records, for our music appreciation study, and look forward to having a new electric phonograph in our new auditorium.
Sincerely yours, ALICE OHANASIAN,
Supervisor of Music.
144
SCHOOL REPORT
THE READING PROGRAM
The initiation of a Reading Program for the Howe-Manning School had a two fold purpose. A reading specialist was procured to (1) teach remedial reading to selected groups, and (2) supervise and assist the teachers with the techniques of teaching reading in the regu- lar classroom.
The theory of the Reading Program is based on success and en- joyment. Pupils having difficulty with the reading process must first possess the desire to read, find reading a successful task, and receive enjoyment as a result. In order to achieve these objectives a great variety of drill and repetition are necessary. Games and devices were constructed to make "learning to read" a pleasurable and vital ex- perience.
An attempt is made to make the entire remedial program highly motivated by means of knowledge of progress, adaptation of reading to each individual's achievement, and use of games and devices for drill practice.
A strong emphasis is placed on comprehension. It is important that the remediation begin at the point where the child can completely understand what he has read. This stage of development is thoroughly mastered before the next level is approached. It is necessary to under- stand that a remedial program is a long, slow process.
The program was put into operation with a testing schedule for the first month. The Marion Monroe Reading Aptitude Test was ad- ministered to thirty-eight pupils in the first grade. Individual testing followed using the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test, Form L, for the purpose of measuring mental capacity. The Durrell Analysis of Read- ing Difficulties was used to obtain the pupils' reading level and to dis- cover the errors and confusions. The pupils tested were recommended by the classroom teachers.
Upon completion of the testing program small remedial groups were organized. Due to the amount of remediation needed it was de- cided to confine the remedial groups to the primary grades. This would provide the opportunity to discover the reading difficulties of the child early in his school life and enable the concentration of efforts upon pre- vention rather than correction. The children were grouped according
145
SCHOOL REPORT
to the teachers' recommendations and the test results. The groups were limited to six pupils in order that as much individual attention may be provided as possible. Each group is allotted a period of thirty minutes each day-Monday through Thursday. This time allotment consists of classes from 9:00 until 1:15. The final plan consisted of two groups of six pupils each from grades one, two groups from grade two, and two groups from grade three.
The remainder of the day and Fridays were left open for the super- visor to work with and to assist the classroom teachers in the capacity of a reading consultant. Part of this time is spent in the supervision of reading in the upper grades and testing special cases. Some time is devoted in planning lessons for the following week. Much time is given to the construction of reading games to make the learning pro- cess interesting.
Some time was devoted in the preparation and condensation of published reading material written by outstanding specialists in the field of reading. The teachers of grades two and three were provided with the printed information on a Check List of Reading Difficulties which will enable them to discover and record the errors and confusions possessed by the pupils.
Teachers of Grades four through eight were provided with printed material concerning Reading Skills which Should be Developed in Middle and Upper Grades, Reading Exercises for Middle and Upper Grades, and General Procedure for the Junior High School Teacher in Analyzing Reading Cases.
A research was made in connection with the ordering of books for use in the remedial program and for the school library. An attempt was made to select books of high interest and low vocabulary so that the child with reading difficulties could find pleasure in reading on his achievement level in his leisure time.
Demonstration lessons in reading were performed in Grade Three.
The Reading Supervisor attended the Second New England Read- ing Conference in Boston.
The remedial classes are held in the Reading Room and all lessons are open to parents and teachers.
146
SCHOOL REPORT
I wish to express my thanks to the School Committee and to the teachers for their understanding and cooperation in this new program.
Respectfully submitted,
February 1, 1951
RENE R. MATHIEU, Reading Supervisor.
DUTIES OF THE READING SUPERVISOR
1. Teach remedial reading to selected groups.
2. Supervise reading in all the grades.
3. Teach demonstration lessons.
4. Provide material and equipment pertaining to reading.
5. Conferences with teachers concerning reading problems.
6. Assist teachers in formation of small reading groups.
7. Help teachers with the techniques of teaching reading in the class- room.
8. Testing individual cases.
9. Provide information on recent publications in the field of reading.
10. Provide a library of professional books in reading.
11. Arrange a workshop in reading.
Boston University "Teaching the Slow Learning Child in the Regular Classroom". September to January. 3 credits.
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