USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Town of Arlington annual report 1962 > Part 22
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The last of the 3 R's - Arithmetic - is one that is receiving much at- tention nationally and locally. At the present time, we are introducing our fourth grade students to a program in Mathematics prepared by the School Mathematics Study Group. In order to accomplish this effectively, an in- service training program for our fourth grade teachers is underway. It is planned to increase this program to include fifth and sixth grade teachers early in 1963. The in-service training of professional staff members is essential for the new Mathematics stresses a differing approach and vo- cabulary than does traditional Mathematics.
The S.M.S.G. (School Mathematics Study Group) curriculum combines some totally new mathematical concepts with the traditional, but the presen- tation and point of view differ. Children are learning about such things as set theory; numeration; the nature and properties of addition and subtrac- tion; sets of points including intersections of lines and planes, polygons, circles, rays, angles, and line segments; the recognition of common geo- metric figures; the nature and properties of multiplication and division; the concepts of fractional numbers and operations; and measurements.
The aim of S.M.S.G. Mathematics is to make Arithmetic enjoyable for pupils while they are developing a better understanding of the basic concepts, structure, and use of Mathematics. Our aim is to improve instruction in Mathematics by developing in both teachers and pupils a greater appreciation for the subject. In so doing, we hope that the increased interest and profi- ciency in this area of the curriculum will enable us to improve our entire program of instruction.
Science is an area that has received much attention from our elementary school staff during the past year. Every class in every school from Grade I through Grade IV received the Heath Science Kit. These contain all the necessary materials needed to carry out an effective demonstration program for that grade level for one school year. These kits were purchased by matching funds under the National Defense Education Act. In addition, from National Defense Education Act funds, several portable science tables were purchased for use in the upper elementary grades. These tables have out- lets for gas, electricity, and water that permit a variety of fairly complex experiments to be carried on by the teacher within a regular classroom.
The elementary school Science consultant concentrated the majority of her time with the fifth and sixth graders this past year. One interesting project undertaken by her group was the banding and releasing of several Monarch butterflies. It is hoped that the results of this project will have scientific value in regard to the migratory habits of this butterfly.
As an interesting adjunct to the regular sixth grade Science curriculum, a weather station has been opened at one of the schools. This weather station
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is cooperating with the United States Government weather stations. The instruments are read twice daily, the results are recorded and the forecasts are made from the readings. This student operated weather station inte- grates Science, Mathematics and Social Studies. For many students, it is believed, it will provide a life-long interest. Two other elementary schools are also setting up weather stations.
The year 1962 saw significant progress in the fields of Art and Music. The Art Supervisor in the interest of efficiency has devoted the majority of her time to the training of the regular classroom teachers. It is felt that greater pupil service can be obtained through his regular teacher than from an expert who visits the classroom only once in several weeks. Several very interesting teacher workshops in puppetry were held throughout the year. The major emphasis in the Art program is the development of origi- nality and creativity on the part of the pupil.
A year ago an allotment was made for the purchase of new musical in- struments for the elementary schools. This purchase has paid off hand- somely as the number enrolled in the elementary instrumental classes has reached an all-time high. In May, 1962, it was necessary to hold the annual spring concert on two different evenings instead of one, as has been done in the past, due to the large number of students participating. The rise in numbers has also seen a corresponding rise in the quality of participants in the program.
Arlington has been fortunate enough to be chosen as one of the com- munities included in the "Adventures in Music" series. This is an organi- zation which is sponsored by the DeCordova Museum in cooperation with the public schools of Arlington, Lexington, Lincoln, Sudbury, Weston and Way- land. Its purpose is to bring classical music, as played by a live symphony orchestra, to children in Grades I through VI. Children in the school are being well prepared to understand and appreciate the concerts. The teach- ers, in addition to their owntraining, can make use of the program notes and taped recordings of the concerts circulated by our Music Department.
This past year, as an innovation and in conjunction with the "Adventures in Music" program, an original musical composition contest was held. We were proud to learn that Arlington students captured the first and second prizes for creative writing in music. This is particularly pleasing when one realizes that this was the first time our school system had competed with the five other communities in musical competition.
The national emphasis on physical training in the public schools has not caught Arlington unprepared. In fact, the public schools were stressing physical fitness before it was given national attention by the White House. Two new members have been added to the elementary school staff to aid the classroom teachers in carrying out the physical education program. A senior member of the department is concentrating his efforts on the remedial phase of the program. It is his intention to develop the latent fitness abilities of the pupils who come under his supervision. The inclusion of a remedial phase now gives us a well-rounded elementary school program.
Arlington has traditionally been spared the problem of significant teacher recruitment that has plagued some surrounding communities. This is no longer true. An increasingly mobile population, plus a larger staff, has resulted in a more rapid turnover than was experienced previously. This trend is likely to continue and even to grow in the future. The Administra- tion, recognizing this, finds it necessary to conduct extensive programs of teacher orientation. The in-service training programs are also being in- creased in number and scope in order to maintain a logical continuity of purpose.
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As our school staff grows in order to keep pace with our school popu- lation, we can expect even greater turnover. At present, our turnover is due largely to marriages, pregnancies, and increased salary competition. Within the next few years there will be significant change in the composition of our professional staff, at every level, due to retirements. Ours is a relatively mature staff, all factors considered. Can we continue to hold desirable new teachers in our system and to encourage persons of consid- erable experience to come to Arlington? These are challenges that must be met if we are to maintain our present high standards of education.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS
Among educators there never has been wide spread agreement as to the major role of the Junior High School. However, there is agreement that one of its main purposes is to serve as a vehicle of transition for the pupil from the self-contained classroom of the elementary school to the departmentalized senior high school.
This year a significant step toward establishing the identity of the junior high school was made when libraries were reintroduced at both of our schools. The availability of reference books, in all subject areas, had aided and stimulated individual and group research. Teachers are now able to encourage greater pupil independence by varying assignments to pupil tastes and abilities. Assignments need no longer be tied to one text merely be- cause it was readily available to all.
A trained librarian is shared by our two junior high schools. In the future, if space and personnel permit, a trained librarian at each junior high school would be desirable. Such a person could work closely with all teach- ers in order to maximize library use for pupils. This could have a profound effect on the curriculum by effecting types of educational experiences given to pupils. Assignments, for example, due to the availability of materials could be better geared to individual pupil needs and interests.
Physical fitness has also received much attention in our secondary schools. Group calisthenics, body building exercises, the increased use of apparatus and emphasis on remedial work have resulted in an upgraded pro- gram. Increased emphasis on remedial work has brought about encouraging results also. In the past, many schools concentrated exclusively on games which tended to favor the athletically inclined students. The result was that those who needed the exercise the most got it the least. This tendency has been reversed in our program, so that the pupils needing training the most are getting it. A complete pupil progress chart is kept on each student. Periodic fitness tests are administered so that pupil progress, or lack of it, can be noted and remedied.
Earlier in this report mention was made of the Developmental Reading Program. This past year a good start was made with the program in our junior high schools. Authorities tend to agree that:
Reading is a combination of several skills rather than just one. It is believed that these skills vary with different subject fields. Therefore, every effort is made to work with subject matter teachers so that they em- phasize the particular skills needed in their subject and provide practice in these skills.
Having accepted this premise, the Science and Reading teachers at one of our junior high schools are working together to build a comprehensive outline of study skills which need to be taught within the content of the Sci- ence course of study. It is hoped that this outline will prove significant enough to be incorporated into the program at the other schools. In addition, it is hoped that this idea will prove sufficiently interesting to encourage teacher activity in other areas and disciplines.
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Good Guidance is important in every phase of education. We believe it is most important at the junior high school level where it attempts to bridge the transition from the elementary school to the senior high school. As one method of alleviating the stress of the transition from elementary to junior high school, Orientation Days in the junior high schools are planned for grade six pupils.
Each child, after careful consideration of his elementary cumulative record, is placed in an ability grouped seventh grade program. Teacher recommendations and grades are weighed for grade eight ability grouping. During grade eight the counselors administer tests, and after individual interpretations of the pupil's profile, together with teacher recommendations and consideration of grades, assist each pupil in choosing his subjects for grade nine. Through this individual programming each pupil is helped to realize his intellectual potential. All pupils have individual conferences with counselors during grade seven and eight.
Even more important than helping the child reach his academic potential is the need to assist the student in attaining his potential as an adult. The adolescent, no longer a child, not yet adult, frequently has emotional prob- lems, which unsolved, can jeopardize the realization of his academic and adult potential. During individual counseling, problems are frequently rec- ognized and the counselor attempts to help the counselee resolve these diffi- culties. Academic and occupational information furnished by the counselor helps the child to replace the unrealistic goals of childhood with those that are more realistic. When necessary, the counselor consults with parents, teachers, the school nurse, the home study teacher (when the child is on home study), or makes referrals to the Department of Psychological Services.
Problems continue to face our junior high schools in order that the pro- gram may become more effective and better meet the needs and interests of pupils. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development of the NEA has been studying the problems that confront all junior high schools for the past few years. They have recently published a pamphlet entitled "The Junior High School We Need".
Many of the recommendations made are not new nor are they particu- larly startling. Many of them are already being achieved in our schools. Some of them are not being accomplished as well as we would like them to be. Others are not in operation yet. One of the recommendations made is that "the junior high school of the future should be an ungraded institution". This is a provocative suggestion that merits study and attention. Surely, institutions that encourage youngsters to explore interests and abilities, as do junior high schools, should be willing to make the opportunity for such exploration easier.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The Senior High School opened in September with an enrollment of 2204. Since that time, as of the first of November, the enrollment has increased to 2255. This increase has been successfully absorbed by the general ex- pansion of class sizes. Unfortunately, in certain key subjects, it was nec- essary to increase the size of classes to numbers in excess of good standards; namely, Mathematics, Latin and Junior English classes. The need of additional space in light of projected enrollments is self-evident.
The High School Addition Building Committee has already secured pre- liminary plans. The proposed multi-level addition will be placed behind the present high school projecting out toward the athletic field. It will be pri- marily a classroom wing with 29 classrooms plus a multi-purpose room and a library. The ancillary services of the present high school are large enough to accommodate the expected enrollment. A covered walkway will
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connect the addition to the main building. It is also planned so that locker room facilities for the athletic teams will face the field thus avoiding the present traffic problem in the older building. The plans for this addition have been given preliminary approval by the State School Building Assist- ance Commission. This means that the Town of Arlington will receive a reimbursement equal to 30% of the cost of the new building. The proposed addition will be brought before the Town Meeting in March, 1963, for its approval. It is hoped that the Town Meeting members will realize the gravity of the situation for any delay can only cause a drastic curtailment in the educational program.
In the area of curriculum at the high school level, several additions and changes took place this past year. In the Business Department at the 9th grade level, the Junior Business Training and Business Arithmetic courses were added. A second year of German has been added in the Modern Lan- guage Department and two years of Crafts have been added to the Industrial Arts Department. In the Mathematics Department, a reorganization of subject material is in progress to bring the courses in line with the School Mathematics Study Group course. It should be borne in mind that despite the progress in keeping step with the new Mathematic procedures that are taking place on a national basis, it will be necessary to maintain traditional courses in Algebra and Plane Geometry for the time-being.
A great deal of satisfaction can be taken in the progress of the special course that was initiated four years ago in which selected 9th grade students were permitted to take Biology and then proceed with a year and a half of Chemistry and a year and a half of Physics. The results, so far, have been most gratifying. Currently, eight former members of these Science classes are on the honor roll at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In extra-curricular activities, the high school maintained its high stand- ards in Dramatics and Music, particularly in the growth of the High School Band which has now reached a stature that commands the respect of all. The number of pupil awards in statewide and regional competition in Art and Dramatics indicates we are continuing our high standards in these areas.
As a direct result of the additional instructor in Music at the high school, the instrumental program has expanded so that we now have a band (Band I), a more advanced group (Band II) and a similar program in the orchestra. Such a program allows instruction to both intermediate and advanced stu- dents. It is also possible to instruct beginners on the larger but less popu- lar instruments essential to a well-rounded music program. The instrumental department at the high school has almost doubled in size and consequently, the time available for instrumental music has doubled. This added time has contributed greatly to the improved musical quality, instru- mentation, and increased membership of the Band.
The endeavors of the Administration to make the school as interesting as possible, by giving many outlets to specialized activities, helps account for the low drop-out record which was less than five percent. This is con- siderably below the national average of over twenty percent.
In spite of the favorable light that we find ourselves in regard to these statistics, the Administration is disturbed. It is felt that we are not meeting the needs of many of the general students. It is true that our drop-out rate is low, but 5% is still a considerable number of youngsters whose needs have not been met by the school. Even those who remain with us through graduation are not as well prepared to face the adult world as we would like to have them. Accordingly, the Administration is considering a drastic re- vision of the entire general course program. This may eventually lead to a situation where out-of-school work experience is an integral part of each student's program.
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A word should be mentioned concerning the size of the High School faculty which now numbers 112. Every effort has been made by the Admin- istration to secure competent and well-trained personnel. Because many of the smaller outlying communities have raised their salary schedules to the equivalent of the larger communities, it is becoming increasingly diffi- cult to induce teachers to teach in the larger systems. This problem be- comes increasingly serious when one stops to consider that a large portion of our High School faculty will probably reach retirement age within the next five years or so.
The School Committee, in conjunction with the Maintenance Department, has a long-range program by which the old high school building (Building A) will be modernized in many respects. Last year old worn out desks in several rooms were replaced by the newer portable type. At the present rate of progress it will take about three summers to modernize this portion of the school plant.
TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
The Federal Government played an important part in the progress of the Technical & Vocational High School during the past year. Our electron- ics department functioning under Title VIII of the National Defense Educa- tion Act, received $23,000. from Federal Funds for the purchase of new and modern equipment, making possible the establishment of a training program second to none in the State. This sum is in addition to a $15,000. Federal grant received last year, making a grand total of $38,000. for use in training our Arlington youth in the field of electronics.
Equipment valued at over $104,000. was installed in our machine shop during the February vacation. This material is on loan for a twenty year period from National Industries Equipment Reserve, a Federal Agency, whose purpose is to loan training facilities to educational institutions that contribute materially to the National Defense effort. At one time consider- ation was given to the closing of this shop due to the high initial cost of equipment, but Federal assistance has alleviated the situation. Although some additional machinery is needed to institute a complete training program in machine technology, the acquirement cost is now within reason.
Throughout the year, many training needs were procured from the State Agency for Surplus Property which benefited all of our vocational depart- ments. In addition to receiving numerous electronics parts from this source, expensive equipment also was obtained for the machine and automotive shops at a token cost to the school. Essential materials were donated by Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology, Lincoln Laboratories, and Scott Amplifier Company, all of which helped to reduce our annual budget and at the same time made possible an effective program of instruction.
Once again, applications for admission to the Technical & Vocational School far exceeded available openings. This is an indication that the school is becoming better known and understood. Parents and pupils alike now realize the value of technical training and the bright future offered to those with skills in specialized fields. The fact that graduates now have the aca- demic background for technical education beyond the high school level is an added incentive for more to seek admission.
Placement of graduates far exceeded expectations. Starting salaries ranged from $1.75 to $2.46 per hour for those trained as machinists, me- chanical technicians or electronic technicians. Starting salaries for pupils trained in automotive servicing ranged from $1.50 to $2.00 per hour. A successful effort was made to place graduates in positions offering oppor- tunities for promotion and further education.
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New courses have been added to the curriculum in this school. Pupils taking automotive subjects will be given one year of Algebra B, Physics B, public relations and business management. The overall subject matter throughout the school has been upgraded to meet the demands of industry in the area. The type of student now being accepted for admission is able to absorb a more difficult and intensified type of training which qualifies him for better employment and higher wages after graduation.
Three classrooms and a physics lab are needed to continue with the planned program and to accommodate the anticipated growth of the school. These needs are being considered in the proposed new addition and renova- tion of the present building and should become a reality by September of 1964.
ADULT EDUCATION
Adult Education, often rightly called Continuing Education, has been provided for the citizens of Arlington for almost fifteen years. Today this program is helping meet the needs of about 1400 adult students at a cost less than 2% of the total school budget. This service is offered under the direction of the School Committee, with the cooperative supervision and partial financial assistance of several divisions of the Massachusetts De- partment of Education.
Students of all adult age levels are enrolled in 54 classes. The ma- jority of classes are now held at the Senior High School. This is a direct result of an attempt to consolidate services for reasons of economy of oper- ation and supervision. Morning and afternoon classes have been discontinued because of lack of facilities. The evening classes are in session from 7:00 - 10:00 P.M., Mondays through Thursdays.
A survey is underway to determine community opinion in regard to kinds of courses wanted. That there is a demand and need for new courses is obvious from early survey returns. These requests, however, must be carefully appraised before new courses are offered. One must be certain that new courses are well-planned and carefully executed in order to justify additional expenditures of public monies. Registration this fall was over- subscribed in every course offering, showing real interest in the program. In several subjects additional classes and teachers had to be provided. Un- fortunately, it was necessary in some cases to arrange substantial waiting lists.
Adult Civic and Americanization groups in Arlington are larger than ever with students from many different foreign nations. This is an interesting development as such programs, in other communities, are relatively stable and even decreasing. This may be accounted for, in part, by the fact that the cultural advantages of the Greater Boston area appeals more directly to the type of immigrants now settling in our community than to previous groups.
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