USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1874 > Part 5
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7
Male teachers in Grammar Schools
9
Female teachers, all grades below High School .
140
Special teacher of Music, male .
1
Special teacher of Drawing, male
1
Special teacher of Drawing in High School, male
1
Number of teachers in Day Schools . 159
1
Female teachers in Evening Schools
18
Teachers in Free Evening Drawing Schools, male .
5
Whole number of teachers . 183
VI. PUPILS.
Number registered in the public schools . 9,920
Number exclusive of Evening and Drawing Schools 8,954
Increase . 214
Number over fifteen years old .
1072
Estimated number from this city in private schools here
1000
Pupils in the State Normal School . 64
Average number belonging to public schools
7057
Increase . 332
Average daily attendance
6475
Increase .
340
Average daily absence 582
Number at close of Fall Term, 1873
7,084
At close of Winter Term, 1873-74 .
6,818
Increase from last year 548
At close of Spring Term .
6,414
Increase 373
At close of Summer Term
6,266
Increase . 316
10
Male teachers in Evening Schools .
70
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
At close of Fall Term, 1874 .
Increase . 175
Per cent. of the daily attendance to the average number be- longing
Increase . .010
Number perfect in attendance the whole year .
533
Increase . 149
Perfect three terms
Increase . 166
Perfect two terms
859
Increase . 18
Perfect one term .
1,731
Increase 11
Number registered in High School . Increase 2
463
Boys
Increase 9
257
Decrease 7
316
Decrease 12
Number of graduates June, 1874
.38
Number gone
109
Average number belonging 309
Average daily attendance 305
· Average daily absence .
4
Per cent. of daily attendance to average number belonging . .988
Average age of pupils, January, 1875 15:11
Average number of pupils to a regular teacher 30.9
Form of statistics recommended by the United States Com- missioner at Washington ; to be hereafter adopted by all cities in the United States, for the sake of uniformity, and convenience of comparison.
In many cases the answers given are estimates ; in other cases data for the answers are not at hand.
SCHOOL STATISTICS.
CITY OF WORCESTER, STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. For the Municipal Year, Dec. 1, 1873, to Dec. 1, 1874.
School year begins last Monday in August, and ends eight weeks before the last Monday of the succeeding August.
7,259
.931
678
206
Girls
Number at close of the year
71
SCHOOLS .- SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
SCHOOL POPULATION.
Number between the ages of five and fifteen 9,673
Under six years of age . 2,000
Over sixteen years of age 1,200
Between six and sixteen years of age .
8,000
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Number enrolled during the year 9,920
Average daily attendance . 6,475
School rooms exclusive of those used for recitation only . 148
School, rooms used exclusively for recitation 10
Average duration of school in days 205
SCHOOLS OTHER THAN PUBLIC.
In Schools corresponding to Public Schools below the High School .
900
In schools corresponding to Public High School .
100
Teachers in said schools in all grades, males, .
25
Females .
20
Number of teachers in the Public schools, males .
17
166
Females Total
183
Average salary of teachers per month in public
schools, males $188 64
52 20
ANNUAL INCOME.
Local tax
$150,000 00
From State School Funds . 1,652 70
From other sources
1,448 12
Total.
$153,100 82
ANNUAL EXPENDITURES.
Permanent.
Sites, buildings and furniture 3,344 04
Libraries and apparatus 544 00
Current.
Salaries of Superintendent and Secretary . 4,900 00
Salaries of teachers .
108,544 02
Salaries of Truant Offieers .
2,200 00
Miscellaneous ; such as fuel, light, rent, repairs,
janitors, etc 29,023 54
Total
$148,455 60
Females .
72
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
Current expenditure, per capita, of school population, five to fifteen . . $14 30
Expenditure, per capita, of pupils enrolled in Public schools . 13 95 Expenditure, per capita, of average attendance in Public schools 19 60
Expenditure, per capita, of population between six and sixteen years old . 27 67
Expenditure, per capita, of population between six and sixteen, including interest on the value of all school property, at 7 per cent.
40 38
The first of the foregoing tables corresponds to what has ap- peared in the school reports of this city for the last eight or ten years ; the second is that form which has been recommended by the United States Commissioner of Education, to be adopted by all the cities and towns in the country, in order to facilitate com- parison.
Full statistics appear in the report of the Secretary, further on. This abstract has been prepared for convenience of reference, and to bring the important subjects of school expenses and school attendance, if possible, under the eye of every tax payer and every parent.
It appears that the ordinary expenses of the schools have been $4,693.82 less than last year ; and the total expenditure, includ- ing the cost of permanent improvements, such as new desks, stoves, etc., has decreased $3,359.49. The lot on Summer street, pur- chased last year, is not included in the above. These reductions have been possible because no necessary expense was avoided the previous year, as none has been omitted the past year. Each year the School Board has endeavored to conduct the schools with as little expense as is consistent with their usefulness and efficiency. There is an unexpended balance from the appro- priation of $4,645.22. For salaries of teachers there has been an increase of $3,658.71 ; and the salaries of the Truant officers, $2,200.00, have been added to the expense of schools for the first time. There will be needed a still further increase for the com- ing year. Inferior teaching can be obtained at very low wages ; but the best teachers can command higher salaries than we pay to the majority of our teachers. Hence we occasionally lose some of the best, though it should not be inferred that many who remain are not superior to those who have left; and we are
73
SCHOOLS .- SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
liable to lose those. There is a law of supply and demand, in- exorable as fate, which regulates the salaries of teachers as it regu- lates business ; a law which no mere theory about abstract right and relative justice, and no desire for economy can override ; a law which cannot safely be ignored. It is a common and quite popular habit for men charged with the management of public affairs, and desirous of introducing economy and reform, to begin with schools, and move to reduce the low salaries of teachers. This has been tried in the city of New York-whether as a measure of economy, or to destroy those schools, may be an open question ; but about its ruinous effect upon the system of schools, there can be no question. But the attempt failed. The same measure has been tried in a large town in this state; and already the best teachers are looking for situations elsewhere. Whether a town, in order to save a few thousand dollars, can afford to part with its best teachers and commit the instruction of its youth to inferior minds, admits of no argument. Fortunately, no sug- gestion of this kind finds favor in Worcester. On the contrary, as will be seen further on in the new rules adopted, it is pro- posed to raise from thirteen to eighteen per cent., the salaries of those teachers who, by the application of rigid tests, shall be known to possess the requisite qualifications.
The whole number of pupils registered has been seventy less than the number last year; but the average number belonging has increased three hundred and thirty-two, and the average daily attendance has increased three hundred and forty. This increase in the averages shows an improved interest in the schools. It may be traced in part to the efforts of teachers, and in part to the labors of the truant officers. It is possible however, to so force the attendance at school as to produce more harm than good. A certain amount of irregularity, in absence and tardiness, there must necessarily be ; and the attempt to reduce this irregularity below a reasonable amount, may tend to drive pupils from school. This we have endeavored to avoid. Schools are not kept to se- cure perfect attendance ; good attendance is sought in order that we may have the best schools.
The number of school-houses, of rooms occupied and teachers
11
74
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
employed, is nearly the same as last year. There are three va- cant rooms at Quinsigamond, one in the house on Washington street, two on Providence street, and two on Summer street. It is probable that more room will be needed in the neighborhood of Prescott street, which may be temporarily provided by using the two latter rooms, and two more which, if needed, can be finished in the third story of the Edgeworth street house. The probable overflow from the Lamartine street house can in part be accommodated in the Washington street building. At New Worcester, a room has been hired in the engine house; at South Worcester, two schools are quartered in the Assembly hall ; the Adriatic school is full. More room must be provided at New Worcester. A new house ought to be built for pupils from La- martine street, South Worcester and the Adriatic schools. Atten- tion is also called to the report of the Committee on School Houses, recommending the building of a house at or near Valley Falls.
The principal changes in the organization of the schools have been-
THE ABANDONMENT OF THE UNGRADED
SCHOOL ON ORANGE STREET.
This building, which extends from Orange street to Washing- ton street, is now called by the latter name, to distinguish it from the Salem street house, which has a door on both Orange street and Salem street. This school grew out of the old Apprentices' school, by becoming first, a school for pupils who could attend only a part of the year, and then a disciplinary school for truants and unruly boys and girls. In this latter character it had be- come unpopular; it had also become unnecessary, apparently, because the truant officers with the influence of the masters in the several large schools, could secure the results it aimed at. The experiment thus far seems to have justified itself. To re-open the school on its former plan, in case there should be a necessity for it after its influence shall have ceased, will require only the ap- pointment of teachers. As a special school for pupils in attend- ance only a part of the year, and without the odium attaching to
1
75
SCHOOLS .- SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
it as a disciplinary institution, there is reason to think that we may yet have a place for it, or one like it.
THE ABSORPTION OF THE TRAINING SCHOOL.
This School was established May, 1868. It was an attempt, on the part of my predecessor and his associates, to secure natu- ral and rational teaching. In the interest awakened among both pupils and teachers- not only those who passed through its course of study and practice, but those who have more or less imbibed its spirit - and by the training it has imparted to inex- perienced teachers, it has more than fulfilled the hopes of its founders. There are young ladies trained in this school whose first year of teaching in our schools has been more satisfactory in manner and more fruitful of good results, than the third or fourth year of other young ladies of equal ability but no training. Notable examples may be seen from the last class. The whole number of graduates from this school is 54; of these 40 are now employed in our schools ; and five have been married.
The services of the excellent Principal, Miss Rebecca Jones, are retained in the Normal School.
The exercises of the last graduating class appear in the follow- ing programme :
GRADUATING EXERCISES OF THE WORCESTER NORMAL AND TRAINING SCHOOL, IN HIGH SCHOOL HALL, ON THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 2, 1874, AT 8 O'CLOCK.
PROGRAMME. Music, - Anthem.
Address,-E. H. Russell, Principal of the State Normal School, Worcester. Music,-Instrumental. Presentation of Diplomas,-His Honor, Mayor Davis. Music,-Class Song.
GRADUATES.
K. C. Cosgrove, M. E. Dean,
C. F. Merriam,
A. M. Overend,
M. A. Gauren,
F. B. Perry,
A. W. Giddings,
J. E. Maloney,
C. N. Richards, A. L. Sherman.
76
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
CLASS SONG.
ORIGINAL.
MUSIC BY E. S. NASON.
Waiting on the sunny hillside, Where we've striven long to climb,
Looking down the fertile valley, Planning for the harvest time,- We firmly stand with purpose true . And hand in hand the prospect view.
Resting like the timid fledgling Clinging to the mother nest, Ere, in final flight, we venture Wind and storm to boldly breast,- We pause awhile, a hopeful band, And hand in hand survey the land.
Passing on to fields of labor, Patiently we'll sow the seeds, Faithfully the young plants nurture, Rooting out the harmful weeds,- Until we stand, a harvest band, With golden sheaves in every hand.
It was the purpose of those who organized this school that it should grow into a
STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
That purpose has now been fulfilled. The necessity for such a school in this county was discussed at length in the report of the schools of this city for 1869.
At a meeting of this Board, Nov. 1, 1870, "The Mayor and Messrs. Williams, Aldrich, and Stoddard were appointed a com- mittee to take such action as may be necessary to secure the establishment of a State Normal School in this city."
By their direction the following petition was prepared, circu- lated and presented to the Legislature the following winter, with more than nine hundred signatures :-
77
SCHOOLS .- SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of Massachusetts, in General Court Assembled :
The undersigned, inhabitants of Worcester county and vicinity, respectfully represent-
That in this county are 34,800 pupils who attend school and are taught by 800 teachers.
That of these teachers, yearly, about 200 are employed for the first time, and without previous training or experience.
That statistics show that more than 80 per cent. of all pupils in the State Normal schools live within a circle of 20 miles from the building.
That this county has a far smaller percentage in attendance at those schools than any other, because it is not well accommodated in this respect.
That this wealthy and populous county, which cheerfully contributes to the support of all institutions of public benefit, is entitled to have this want, con- cerning her highest welfare, supplied.
We therefore pray that a suitable appropriation may be made to erect a Normal School building in this county, and that more ample provisions may be made to support the Normal Schools of the State.
Dec. 5, 1870.
Accordingly a bill was passed, which set apart five acres of land, belonging to the State Lunatic Hospital, for a site, and appro- priated $60,000 for the erection of a building; and by which the State Board of Education were "authorized and required" to erect an edifice for the school, provided the City of Worcester would pay to that Board for this purpose, the sum of $15,000. This appropriation was made July 13th, 1871. The building was dedicated and the school opened September, 1874.
At the dedication the following paragraphs from the reports of the State Board of Education were cited as the first moves towards the establishment of this school :- From the thirty-third, published January, 1870, this : "Worcester County alone would fill a Normal School if it furnished as many pupils in proportion to · its population as Hampden, without withdrawing a single pupil from existing schools. It seems desirable, therefore, that a Nor- mal school should be established in Worcester County." From the thirty-fourth, January, 1871, this: "There is, however, no Normal School easy of access for the inhabitants of the central part of the state ; and the Board, therefore, deem it proper to repeat the suggestion embodied in the last annual report, that a Normal school should be established at an early date in the county of Worcester." The first of these was preceded by the
78
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
discussion in the Worcester school report for 1869, and by action two years before ; and before the last was published, the petition for the school had been circulated. And as showing how good men will sometimes fall away, it must be stated that gentlemen who signed those reports sought to diminish their force before the legislative committee, and were at that time more interested in building boarding houses for the other Normal schools, and in selling the Hospital land, than in establishing this school.
The building is worthy of the state and the purpose for which it is to be used. The site is commanding, accessible from all parts of the county, and easily enough reached by all young per- sons whose health is firm enough to warrant them in undertaking to become teachers. The organization of the school, and the corps of instructors, are excellent. The attendance is larger than the promoters of this enterprise had reason to expect. The peo- ple of this county have the means of improving their schools to an indefinite extent, which they seem to be already appreciating and employing. There is one thing, however, which the friends of this school in this city and county must not forget. To carry on five Normal schools and make them in the highest degree use- ful, more money is needed, I am told, than is at present available from half the income of the School Fund. Our legislators must understand that in their worthy efforts for economy, the people do not wish them to stint the usefulness of these schools by a parsimonious support.
Indeed the last clause of the above petition is evidence of what the people of this county wish.
THE THOMAS STREET SCHOOL,
being near the Normal school, has been designated as a school of observation or practice; its corps of teachers will be such as are satisfactory to the principal of the Normal school, and it is designed to provide every possible facility for students to learn the practice as well as the theory of teaching,-and this not less in the interest of the schools of Worcester than of the school itself.
79
SCHOOLS .- SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.
DRAWING
has been taught as a regular branch of study a number of years with encouraging results, but with less unity and system than could be desired owing to great diversity of attainment on the part of the teachers. To improve the instruction in this respect a special teacher was employed in September. Thus far the plan promises well. The work of pupils is very satisfactory. The teachers of each grade meet once a month for instruction by the special teacher.
FREE EVENING DRAWING SCHOOLS
were organized in October according to the following circular :
FREE EVENING DRAWING SCHOOLS.
The attention of our citizens, especially of our Artizans and Manufacturers, is called once more to the Evening Drawing Schools, which have now been in successful operation four winters. Each year has increased the efficiency and enlarged the scope of these classes, besides proving plainly their practical bearing upon the industrial interests of our city.
Should the number of applicants warrant new efforts during the coming winter, the committee hope to extend still further the course of instruction already given, and afford a still more thorough training to those who avail themselves of the privileges which the city offers.
The following classes, open to both sexes, are proposed. Each class will be formed in case twenty applicants appear.
COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.
CLASS No. 1.
Advanced Free-Hand Drawing, for those who have had previous instruction. This class will draw from models and imported casts. The facilities for the study of figure and form from the valuable collection of casts are excellent ; and it is hoped that all who join this class will make their attendance constant.
CLASS NO. 2.
A Course in Free-Hand Drawing for Beginners. Instruction will be given from the blackboard in Outline, principles of Design, Perspective, and ele- mentary Model Drawing, and in copying from imported examples of ornament and figure.
80
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
CLASS No. 3.
A Course in Instrumental Drawing for Beginners.
The instruction will include the elements of plane Geometry, the principles of plane projection, intersection of surfaces, etc. Towards the close of the course each student will apply the principles which have been taught, by mak- ing working drawings of some piece of machinery or other object which he may himself select, with the approval of the instructor.
CLASS NO. 4.
A Second Year's Course in Instrumental Drawing, for Machinists and Iron Workers. This class will make working drawings of machinery. The work will be so arranged as to include all the processes and principles involved in making plans, elevations and sections of combinations, and details.
CLASS No. 5.
A Second Year's Course of Instrumental Drawing, for Carpenters and Wood Workers. This class will make working plans, sections and details of a mod- ern dwelling house, store front or something similar. Attention will be given to Coloring, Lettering and finishing the drawings. Instruction will be given from the blackboard.
CLASS No. 6.
A Third Year's Course in Advanced Instrumental Drawing. This class will consist of those who have taken the course of instruction in instrumental drawing two or more winters, or who have had equivalent instruction. At- tention will be given to the execution of the work in Shading, Coloring, Let- tering, etc. Each member will study under the direction of the teacher; but much of the work of this class, it is expected, may be done at home.
These classes will meet at the Drawing-School rooms on Walnut Street.
There will be two lessons a week for each class - Monday and Thursday, or Tuesday and Friday.
The course for the first five classes will be twenty-five lessons each; for No. 6, twenty.
Residents of Worcester, over 15 years of age, except those attending school, may enter these classes.
No one can honorably join a class unless he intends to devote the time - two evenings a week - required for the full course.
All applicants will meet for organization Tuesday, Oct. 13th, at 7} o'clock, in High School Hall.
The Drawing Boards, T Squares, Triangles, and other necessary instru- ments and materials may be procured at the rooms.
For the Committee on Drawing,
A. P. MARBLE, Supt. of Schools.
Worcester, Sept. 24, 1874.
SCHOOLS .- SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. 81
APPLICATION TO JOIN FREE EVENING DRAWING SCHOOL,
Tuesday, Oct. 13th, 1874.
Make answer to the questions on the opposite page, tear off this application and send it to the Superintendent of Schools, No. 11 or 13 City Hall, on or before Oct. 10th. Keep the Circular.
Name.
Age.
Class you wish to join, No.
Occupation.
No. Street.
Residence.
Place of Business. No Street.
How many terms (about 24 lessons each) have you received instruction in drawing ? Terms.
Will you engage to devote the time necessary to complete the course for the class you propose to join, unless prevented by unforeseen necessity ?
To this circular the form of application was attached and so folded as to be easily filled out, detached and sent in.
The work of the Evening Classes last year is described in the following:
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE
ON
EVENING DRAWING SCHOOLS FOR 1873-'74.
Instruction has been given during the past winter to the following classes :
1 .- Advanced Class in Free-Hand .- Mr. Gladwin, teacher, 30 lessons.
2 .- Beginners' Class in Free-Hand .- Mr. Gladwin,
30
66
3 .- Advanced Class in Mechanical Drawing .- Mr. Higgins,
30
4 .- Beginners' Class in Mechanical Drawing .- Mr. Alden,
30
66
5 .- Carpenters' Class .- Mr. Alden,
30
66
RECORD OF ATTENDANCE.
1.
Whole number,
68
Average number,
43
3.
66
32
66
22
4.
66
66
66
66
39
5.
66
26
66
15
Total,
316
Comparison with previous years :
1870-'71.
Whole number, 145
Males,
136
Females,
9
1871-'72.
201
66
53
1872-'73.
66
66
237
182
55
1873-'74.
66
66 316
60
229
66
87
12
2.
124
66
80
66
254
82
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 29.
COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.
The instruction given has been for the most part similar to that of the pre- vious winter, except that the Advanced Class in Free-Hand Drawing were able to devote themselves exclusively to copying from the imported casts.
In addition to the above regular classes, however, a voluntary class has been held, on Wednesday evening, at the suggestion and under the direction of Messrs. Alden and Higgins, to give opportunity for more advanced and finished work in Mechanical Drawing. "Instruction was given," according to Mr. Alden's report, which is enclosed, "in various departments of the Science and Art, including Isometric, Perspective, the construction of shadows, brush shading, line shading, coloring, the designing of machines, plans of buildings, &c."
The attendance in this class has been very gratifying, and the work highly satisfactory ; and much credit is due to the two instructors whose voluntary services have carried this new experiment to so successful a conclusion. The Committee recommend that in case the work exhibited by this class prove as creditable as is now anticipated, a similar class be made supplementary to the regular course for the coming year,
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