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SCHOOL OF EDUCATION IDDARY
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A HISTORY of the COURSES of STUDY in the State Normal Schools of PENNSYLVANIA. By Albert E. Maltby, Ph. D. 1898.
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SIGNAL PRESS SLIPPERY ROCK, PA. 1898 Si
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COPYRIGHT 1898 BY ALBERT E. MALTBY
All rights reserved
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HISTORY OF THE COURSES OF STUDY
Presented at the meeting of the Board of Principals at Harrisburg, Pa., Nov. 11, 1898.
Since the data used in the following discussion were not all available at the beginning of the work, a certain element of unity is necessarily lacking. It is believed, however, that the conclusions reached are in the main correct. To the difficulty in ob- taining the necessary material was added that of determining the relative value of data so fragmen- tary. No series of catalogues of any one school would alone have served the purpose, even had such data been obtainable. A comparison of the catalogues of the various schools, especially of the earlier years, shows that the courses were sometimes
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modified to suit the environment. Hence the ne- cessity arose of obtaining parallel data.
The historical value of the following pages lies in the copious extracts taken from the various cat- alogues and other sources, since other comparisons than those suggested may be instituted.
The history of the changes in the Elementary Course is a topic which calls for sources of informa- tion somewhat beyond those in the possession of the person to whom the subject has been assigned. Minutes of the proceedings of the Principals are not at hand, since many of such reports have never been printed, and any copies filed in the Depart- ment of Public Instruction prior to February 2, 1897, were destroyed by fire. The only available sources remaining are to be found in the catalogues of the schools as printed from time to time. Here again, the writer is met with a difficulty in the fact that the various schools do not possess surplus cop- ies for distribution, and in many cases the copy in the school library is the only one available for com- parison. The collection of data, then, depended largely upon the good nature of the persons to whom your correspondent wrote. Our own connection with the schools began in 1884, and the element of personal recollection enters into consideration from that date onward. A most important source has been the volume of early catalogues of Millersville, kindly furnished by Dr. Lyte. Other sources have been found in the stray catalogues of the various State Normal Schools. Dr. Waller of Indiana fur- nished a valuable source of parallel data in the form of a volume of the early catalogues of the Bloomsburg State Normal School.
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From Principals Eldon, Noss, Waller, Lyte, Flickinger, Eckels, and Dr. J. A. Cooper, catalogues and data were, however, obtained, supplementing those which were already in the possession of the writer. The absence of Dr. Philips undoubtedly deprived us of much valuable assistance.
The general method of procedure in regard to the matter of the earlier history must consist of a comparison of the catalogues issued in the early days of the various schools.
The basis of the Elementary Nornal School Course is found in the Act of the Legislature, pass- ed May 20, 1857. Section 6, clause 4, P. L. p. 583, relating to the professors in the normal schools, practically outlines the course. Section 6, clause 7, P. L. p. 583, places the power to arrange the details of the course in the hands of the Principals, subject to the approval of the State Superintendent of Pub- lic Instruction.
The clause establishing the course is as fol- lows :
Section 6, Clause 4
PROFESSORS .- Each school shall have at least six professors of liberal education and known abili- ity in their respective departments, namely : one of
(1) Orthography, Reading, and Elocution ;
(2) Writing, Drawing, and Book-keeping ;
(3) Arithmetic, and the higher branches of Math- ematics ;
(4) Geography and History ;
(5) Grammar and English Literature ;
(6) Theory and Practice of Teaching.
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Also, [together with] such tutors and assistants therein, and such professors of natural, mental, and moral sciences, languages, and literature, as the condition of the school, and the number of students may require.
[Act of May 20, 1857, section 6, clause 4, P. L. p. 583.]
Through the kindness of Dr. E. O. Lyte of Millersville State Normal School, a most valuable volume of the early catalogues of the first Penn- sylvania Normal School was placed in the care of the author. So rich is this volume in material for use in the history of the changes in the course, that no apology is offered for the insertion of copi- ous extracts from the pages of the various cata- logues therein found. From the historical remarks found in the earlier catalogues, the data here given are obtained.
The existence of the Lancaster County Normal School was owing to the establishment of the office of County Superintendent of Common Schools in Lancaster County, and the increased demand for professional instruction thereby created among teachers.
During the summer of 1854, a number of the citizens of Millersville and its vicinity, desiring a more liberal education for their children than that furnished by the common schools of the neighbor- hood, erected a building for the purpose of estab- lishing a school, which they proposed to call the Millersville Academy. In the spring of 1855, learn- ing that County Superintendent J. P. Wickershain desired a suitable building in which to hold a Teachers' Institute, the trustees of the proposed
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Academy offered their building gratuitously for that purpose, promising to supply any want of boarding accommodations by private hospitality. The In- stitute opened on the 17th of April, and during the three months' term there was an attendance of one hundred and thirty-five students. The results were so satisfactory, and showed so clearly the want of permanent institutions of like character, that the trustees decided to enlarge their buildings and es- tablish a regular Normal School. By November 5, 1855, the new buildings ,costing $26000 were ready for occupancy. The number of students attracted proved that the projectors of the school had not miscalculated its necessity. During the summer of 1856, the number of students attending the school reached two hundred and six ; and although the school was at first designed to accommodate only the teachers of a single; county, the catalogue of 1857 contained the names of students from twenty- four different counties in Pennsylvania together with students from several other states.
Such success, attained by private effort unaid- ed by the State, was soon to receive its crown of commendation. Through the efforts of the princi- pal of the school, and many strong friends, the Legislature passed a general Normal School law granting certain privileges to such private institu- tions as would comply with the requisitions of the law and engage in the work of training teachers for the common schools. Since the law required that each Normal School established under it should have grounds to the extent of ten acres, a hall ca- pable of seating one thousand persons, and boarding and other accommodations for at least three hun-
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dred students, the trustees and stockholders at a public meeting held June 29, 1857, passed the fol- lowing resolution :
"Resolved, That it is expedient to so enlarge the grounds attached to the school, and to make such additions to the buildings connected there- with, as to bring the school within the requirements of the Act of Assembly approved the 20th day of May, 1857."
The liberality of the friends of education in Lancaster county and in the counties adjoining soon enabled the school authorities to carry this res- olution into effect ; and, on December 3, 1859, the school at Millersville received the honor of recog- nition as the First Pennsylvania State Normal School, Hon. Henry C. Hickok being State Super- intendent of Common Schools. The papers bearing upon this recognition by the State will be presented in another part of this history.
In our investigation of the origin of the Ele- mentary Course it will be well to examine some- what the work done in the Lancaster County Nor- mal Institute as briefly outlined in the catalogue issued in 1855 by J. P. Wickersham, A. M., Princi- pal.
Its object was to furnish to the teachers of Lancaster County and other parts of the State the means of obtaining, during three months of their summer vacation, the most thorough professional training :
I. By giving sound instruction in the va- rious branches.
2. By imparting a knowledge of the most approved methods of teaching.
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3. By furnishing an opportunity of actual practice in Model Schools connected with the in- stitution.
As the principal design of the institute was to improve the teachers in the common schools, a thorough course of instruction was given in all the branches usually taught therein. Instruction was also given in several of the higher branches of an English education.
The result of this delicate and important ex- periment, to which the friends of the common schools looked with great anxiety, was both bene- ficial and decisive. It was undertaken with con- siderable hesitation, for a failure at this critical time would have resulted in serious injury to the cause ; its success, however, largely decided public opinion in favor of establishing Normal Schools for the professional training of teachers for the common schools. The services of County Super- intendent J. P.Wickersham, as Principal of the Insti- tute, were rendered without any additional compen- sation. Among the resolutions passed by the stu- dents at the close of the terin we find the following :
"Resolved, That we, the students of this Insti- tute, tender our heartfelt thanks to Prof. J. P. Wickersham, Superintendent of Common. Schools of Lancaster County, for the establishment of this Normal School : and for the great zeal and untir- ing energy with which he has so nobly labored for our improvement in the Art and Science of Teach- ing during its sessions."
The catalogue and circular of the Lancaster County Normal School issued in 1856, J. P. Wick- ersham, A. M., Principal, shows that Prof. J. F.
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Stoddard, A. M., had been elected Principal, but circumstances had caused his separation from the school. The County Superintendent, although disinclined to connect himself permanently with the school, finally consented to accept the position as Principal. A strong faculty was selected to as- sist him.
The objects of the school were the same as stated in the preceding catalogue of the Normal Institute. Two courses of study were offered : a Common School Course, and an Advanced Teachers' Course. The Common School Course included all the branches usually taught in the common schools, and the Theory and Practice of Teaching. It was designed to meet the wants of students who could remain but a short time in the school. A Teachers' Certificate was granted to such as were proficient in these branches. The Advanced Teach- ers' Course included, in addition to the preceding course, such branches as Algebra, Geometry, Sur- veying, Trigonometry, several of the natural and experimental Sciences, and such of the ancient and modern languages as might be thought expedient. This course required two years after completing the common branches. A Diploma was given to those completing this course.
From the commencement of the school there were students who desired to take advantage of its system of instruction and discipline, but who did not intend to become teachers. Such persons were not excluded, but were admitted to the regular classes according to scholarship. It is doubtful whether this tendency to sieze upon the general ed- ucational advantages of a local institution can ever
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be entirely removed, even if the attempt be made to exclude such students by legislation.
The catalogue of 1857 contains the following outline of the general scope of the work done in the school :-
Our school is intended mainly as an institu- tion for the training of teachers. Adapting it to the present wants of this class of students, we have two distinct courses of instruction :
I. A course of instruction embracing the branches of study required to be taught in common schools.
II. An advanced course of instruction em- bracing the Higher Mathematics, General Litera- ture, and several of the Natural Sciences.
Opportunity is also afforded for pursuing a full course of study in both the ancient and modern languages, but their study is optional with the student. The course of study in the languages will require, if completed, the usual time devoted to such studies in colleges of good standing. Instruc- tion is also given in Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Painting, and Drawing. Courses of lectures are given in Botany, Geology, Physiology, Natural Philosophy, and General Literature.
Candidates for entrance into the Junior class must possess a thorough knowledge of the branches embraced in the Common School Course, viz : Or- thography, Reading, Writing, Geography, Gram- inar; Mental Arithmetic, Written Arithmetic, His- tory of the United States, Elements of Algebra, Natural Philosophy, and Physiology. Two years after entering the Junior class, a student may grad- uate. The studies are as follows :
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JUNIOR YEAR
FIRST TERM
Geometry (Five Books) Higher Algebra Rhetoric Physiology or Botany
SECOND TERM Geometry (Completed) Trigonometry and Sur- veying History Natural Philosophy
SENIOR YEAR
FIRST TERM
Conic Sections
Analytical Geometry Chemistry
Philosophy of the Hu- man Mind, with refer- ence to Intellectual Ed- ucation.
SECOND TERM
Calculus Mathematical Astron- omy Geology Philosophy of the Hu- man Mind, with refer- ence to Moral Education.
In special cases, other equivalent studies may be substituted for some of those embraced in the regular course ; and ladies are sometimes permitted to study the modern languages instead of the Math- ematics of the Senior year.
Students who pass a thorough examination in the branches embraced in the Common School Course will receive a Teachers' Certificate, and, a Diploma-the highest honor the school can confer, -will be granted to such as complete the Advanced Course.
The methods of teaching practiced in the school are those which, after careful consideration, seem best adapted to train teachers. Teachers as guides to others need three things :
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I. A thorough knowledge of the branches of study they propose to teach.
II. The best methods of teaching those branches.
III. Ability to instruct-to lead the young mind judiciously from the known to the unknown.
Academies and Colleges profess to discipline mind and impart a knowledge of the various branches of study, and, in this respect, their object and that of a Normal School are similar ; but, the peculiar object of the Normal School is to train per- sons to be skillful in imparting instruction.
The following letters relating to the applica- tion for recognition possess historical value :
[Catalogue of Lancaster County Normal, 1859]
LANCASTER COUNTY NORMAL SCHOOL,
June 4, 1859.
DEAR SIR :- It is the intention of the Trus- tees of this institution to ask its recognition as a State Normal School, in October next ; and, in the meantime, it is their intention to prepare to open its next term, in all respects, as if it were already recognized. Under the circumstances, I consider myself justified in submitting to you the following inquiries :
First-Would the proposed plans and arrange- ment of the Trustees of this Institution, as recently exhibited and made known to you, if perfected, in your opinion, entitle the school to recognition as a State Normal School, under the Normal School law passed the 20th day of May, 1857 ?
Second-Is the enclosed outline of a course of
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study essentially such a one as is contemplated by the law above referred to ?
An early answer to the preceding interroga- tories will much oblige
Yours truly, J. P. WICKERSHAM, Principal.
To HON. H. C. HICKOK, Supt. of Common Schools.
HARRISBURG, PA., June 7, 1859.
DEAR SIR :- Your communication of the 4th instant, desiring an interpretation of the Normal School Act, with regard to the points which you have presented, was duly received. In reply, I take pleasure in being able to answer both of your interrogatories in the affirmative.
With my best wishes for the success of this noble enterprise, and the hope that the projected plans and arrangements of your Trustees may be completed at the appointed time, I remain
Very truly yours,
H. C. HICKOK, Supt. of Common Schools. To PROF. J. P. WICKERSHAM,
Principal of Lancaster County Normal School.
The following papers relate to the official rec- ognition of the institution as a State Normal School December 2, 1859 :-
Report of Inspectors
To HON. HENRY C. HICKOK,
Superintendent of Common Schools :
The undersigned Inspectors, appointed by you, with the consent of the Governor, in pursuance of the requirements of the Seventh Section of "An
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Act to provide for the due training of teachers for the Common Schools of the State," approved the . 20th day of May, 1857, together with the superin- tendents of the counties of Lancaster, York, and Lebanon, whose names are last subscribed, do re- port :
That on due notice from the Department of Common Schools, they did, personally, and at the same time, to wit : on Thursday and Friday, the first and second days of December, 1859, visit and carefully inspect the Lancaster County Normal School, located at Millersville, in said county, and after a thorough examination thereof-of its by- laws, rules and regulations, and of its general ar- rangement and facilities for instruction-we do ap- prove the same, and find that they fully come up to the provisions of the "Act to provide for the due training of teachers for the Common Schools of the State, approved the 20th day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, and its supplement, approved the 15th day of April, 1859.
We, therefore, certify the same to the Depart- ment of Common Schools, with our opinion that the Lancaster County Normal School has fully complied with the provisions of the said act and its supplement, as far as can be done before going into operation under the same ; and we unanimously recommend that it shall forthwith be recognized as a State Normal School, for the Second Normal School District of Pennsylvania, composed of the counties of Lancaster, York, and Lebanon.
JAMES POLLOCK, WM. M. HIESTER, A. G. CURTIN, JNO. L. ATLEE.
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[Additional Signatures] A. R. BLAIR, Superintendent of York County HENRY HOUCK, Superintendent of Lebanon County DAVID EVANS, Superintendent of Lancaster County MILLERSVILLE, PA., December 2, 1859.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMON SCHOOLS, Harrisburg, December 3, 1859.
I approve the foregoing report, and forthwith recognize the Lancaster County Normal School as a State Normal School for the Second District, hereby certifying that I was present during the whole of the inspection, as required by law.
HENRY C. HICKOK, Superintendent of Common Schools.
Notice of the State Superintendent
DEPARTMENT OF COMMON SCHOOLS -
HARRISBURG, PA., December 3, 1859. WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of the Lan- caster County Normal School, located at Millers- ville, in said county, by resolution adopted at a meeting of the Board, on the Ist day of October, 1859, on file in this Department, mnade formal ap- plication to the State Superintendent for the privi- leges of "An Act to provide for the training of teachers for the Common Schools of the State," ap- proved the 20th day of May, 1857, and the supple- ment thereto, approved the 15th day of April, 1859, and
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WHEREAS, In pursuance of said application, the State Superintendent of Common Schools, to- gether with Hon. James Pollock of the county of Northumberland, Hon. William M. Hiester of the county of Berks, Hon. A. G. Curtin of the county of Centre, and Dr. John L. Atlee of the county of Lancaster; "competent and disinterested persons," appointed by him, with the consent of the Gov- ernor, as Inspectors, and Dr. A. R. Blair, Super- intendent of the county of York, Henry Houck, Esq., Superintendent of the county of Lebanon, and David Evans, Esq., Superintendent of the county of Lancaster, did on Thursday and Friday, the Ist and 2d days of December, 1859 , personally, and at the same time, visit and carefully inspect said School, and after thorough examination thereof and of its by-laws, rules, and regulations, and of its · general arrangement and facilities for instruction, by written report on file in this Department, ap- prove the same, and find that they fully come up to the provisions of said act, and its supplement, as far as can be done before going into operation un- der them :
Now, therefore, In pursuance of the require -. ments of the Seventh Section of the Act aforesaid, I do hereby give public notice, that I have officially recognized the Lancaster County Normal School as a State Normal School for the Second Normal School District, composed of the counties of Lan- caster, York, and Lebanon, and that said School . shall henceforth enjoy all the privileges and im- munities, and be subject to all the liabilities and restrictions contained in said Act and Supplement.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set
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my hand, and affixed the seal of the Department of Common Schools, at Harrisburg, this third SEAL day of December, 1859.
HENRY C. HICKOK, Superintendent of Common Schools.
The following courses of instruction, approved by the Superintendent of Common Schools, are taken from the Catalogue and Circular of the Pennsylvan- ia State Normal School, of the Second District, lo- cated at Millersville, Pa., issued in the year 1860 :-
MODEL SCHOOL COURSE
The course of instruction in the Model School embraces the Alphabet, Pronunciation, Spelling, Reading, Writing, Drawing, Arithmetic, Geogra- phy, Grammar, Vocal Music, Object Lessons ; and, also, if desired, elementary instruction in the Languages.
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