USA > Rhode Island > Annual report of the Board of Education : together with the Annual report of the Commissioner of Public Schools of Rhode Island, 1875 > Part 1
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6 Class
Book
The Memorial & Library Asso. WESTERLY, R. I.
Presented in memory of the third NATHAN FELLOWS DIXON, UNITED STATES SENATOR, 1889-95, By Grace MeClure Dixon, NOV. 8TH, 1898.
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 03583 2085
Go 974.5 R3268, 1875 Rhode Island. Board of Education. Annual report of the Board of Education
ROCEAS
MICH
SCHOOL
***
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The Rogers High School
Newport, R. I.
Plans of the Rogers High School.
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FIRST STORY.
1. Reception Room.
2. Girls' Cloak Room.
3. Boys' Cloak Room.
1. Reception Room.
5. Lecture Room.
6. Chemical Laboratory.
SECOND STORY.
Chapel.
8. School Room.
9. Apparatus Room.
10. Recitation Room.
THIRD STORY.
11. School Room.
12. Recitation Room.
13. Library.
14. Class Room.
15. Class Room.
FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
card of Education,
TOGETHER WITH THE
THIRTIETH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Commissioner of Public Schools,
OF
RHODE ISLAND,
JANUARY, 1875.
HOPE
PROVIDENCE: PROVIDENCE PRESS COMPANY, PRINTERS TO THE STATE. 1875.
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
CONTENTS.
I. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
II. REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
III. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
IV. SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
V. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
VI. STATISTICAL TABLES.
VII. APPENDIX.
Pages.
Names of School Officers and Teachers . 3-18 Apparatus 18-19
Attendance, Absenteeism and Truancy . 19-33
Books. 33-39
Condition of the Schools
39.47
Discipline. 47-51
Duties of Parents and Citizens 51-58
Education 58-63
Educational Meetings 63-66
Evening Schools .... 66-85
Expenditures . 85-89
Frec Libraries
.89
Grammar Schools
.89-91
High Schools .
. 91-94
Primary Schools 94-97
Promotions 97-100
Rules and Regulations 100-113
Sanitary Condition of Our Schools 113-114
School Houses 114-136
School Superintendents 136-140 Studies 140-150 Teachers 150-162
Trustees . 162-163
Ungraded Schools 163-164
Vacation Schools.
164
Returns from Schools other than Public. 164-169
FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BOARD OF EDUCATION
OF
RHODE ISLAND,
1874.
REPORT.
-
To the Hon. the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island :
The State Board of Education has the honor to present to the General Assembly its Fifth Annual Report.
In the membership of the Board one change has taken place within the year. The Hon. Geo. W. Greene, whose term of office expired in May, has ceased, after continuous and valuable service from the time of its first organization, to be a member of the Board, and has been succeeded by Ezra K. Parker, Esq., of Coventry.
In addition to those prescribed by law, namely one in each quarter, four special meetings of the Board have been held.
The departments in which, mainly, such definite action has been required as seems to call for notice here are three, -the State Normal School, the system of night-schools in the cities and towns of the State, and the office of School Commissioner.
For information upon matters connected with the first- named department reference is respectfully made to the
8
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
special report on the Normal School, which accompanies the present document.
Such detailed statements of the present condition of the night-school work of the State as are given in the Commis- sioner's Report do not call for repetition here. The appro- priation for the present year from the general treasury, in fur- therance of the work,-$2,500 in amount,-and with the dis- bursement of which this Board is charged, has been appor- tioned among sixteen cities and towns, in sums varying from fifty to three hundred and fifty dollars. These subsidies are granted only where evening schools are actually established, and are understood to be 'intended, not for the release of the local treasuries from all burden therefor, but merely to aid them in bearing it. The local authorities are required to render a report of the schools under their charge which have been thus aided. So far as the Board has knowledge, the distribution has been satisfactory to those concerned. The amount appropriated by the General Assembly was much less this year than formerly ; but, as a result of the plan of em- ploying no special paid agent to superintend the work of night schools,-a plan which is believed to have been wisely adopted,-it has been found sufficient. Such would not, however, it should be added, have been the fact, had there not been also available a considerable balance from the last year's appropriation. The Board therefore respectfully recommend for the coming year an appropriation of three thousand dollars.
In a crowded manufacturing State, such as ours is, and in which very large numbers of young persons are engaged in industrial callings, and as a consequence deprived, to a very
9
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
great extent of the advantages of any other than the most elementary scholastic training, if not even of that, the eve- ning school, however inadequate as a substitute for that "which is more systematic and thorough, is a most beneficent institution. Moreover, until we can secure both from parents and from the community at large, but especially from the managers of the great manufacturing enterprises, a much clearer practical recognition than has yet been attained, of the importance to the welfare, physical, mental and moral, of the advancing generation, as well as, in a broad and generous view, to the public weal, of giving to the young those educational advantages, to but a small num- ber of whom the deprivation of which can ever in after life be made up, the evening school may, with no exaggeration, be deemed an indispensable element in the system of public instruction, and as such entitled to claim very careful atten- tion in administration, as well as a liberal expenditure of the public money.
A noteworthy occurrence of the year in the department of public education has been the change which has recently taken place in the office of Commissioner of Public Schools. The Hon. T. W. Bicknell, who has held the post since 1869, has relinquished it, for the purpose of taking edito- rial charge of a new periodical work, which is to represent the interests of education in New England. His resigna- · tion, tendered at the last quarterly meeting of the Board, has been reluctantly accepted. Although not a member of the Board, the late Commissioner, has, in his ex-officio rela- tion, as its Secretary, been closely associated with it and has rendered valuable aid in its work. Of the Trustees of the
10
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
Normal School he has been one of the most active and use- ful. And in his own wider field he has labored with a dili- gence, a wisdom and a contagious enthusiasm, which, it is believed, have resulted in lasting benefit to the cause with which his name is identified. His removal will be regretted in many quarters, and by a large number of persons with whom he has been brought into official relations,-by none more than by the members of this Board.
The vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Bicknell has been filled by the appointment of Mr. Thomas B. Stockwell, a gentleman hitherto well known as one of the masters of the Providence High School. Mr. Stockwell has been not only a successful practical teacher, but his position as publisher of the educational journal of the State, has brought him into a wide range of relations with those engaged in the work of public instruction, as well as with various interests which will in future claim his more imme- diate and authoritative supervision. He is believed to pos- sess the intelligence, energy and zeal tempered by discretion, which will unite to secure success in discharging the various and often delicate duties of his office.
An annual statistical report, complete and carefully- digested, of the condition of the public schools of the State, is an important document for many purposes. To secure the materials for such report it is the custom to trans- mit from the Commissioner's office to the school authorities of the several towns blank returns to be filled up and sent back within a given time. Inconvenience. and annoyance are not infrequently caused by needless delay on the part of the local authorities in making these returns. It is recom-
11
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
mended that some legislative measure be adopted, to secure promptness of action. For this purpose the Board suggest the addition to chapter 53, section 20, of the General Stat- utes, of the following :
" They shall also transmit to the commissioner, on or before July 1st, in each year, such statistical returns as shall be called for by the latter ; and in case of failure to comply with this requirement, the commissioner may refuse to draw his order for the town's annual quota of public money."
In connection with the matter of statistical reports, the Board calls attention to the importance for educational pur- poses, of having an annual census actually taken, in each city or town and district, of that portion of the population which comes within the limits of school age. It is hoped that the proposed enactment of last year, looking to this end, may receive, at the present session of the General Assembly, the attention which it is believed to merit, and may be adopted.
Upon one subject, more than upon any other, the mind of the Board has been exercised in this as in previous years, namely, the evil of allowing to be deprived of the advanta- ges of a reasonable measure of scholastic training the large number of children who within the State are still in that condition of cruel deprivation. The subject has been dis- cussed in previous reports. Allusion has already been made
to it in the present one. It is not proposed to enlarge upon it here. One advantage of the census just referred to, would be a clearer view of the mischievous extent to which juven- ile non-attendance at school prevails in the State, whether in the form of vagrant truancy, or of premature employ-
12
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
ment in industrial pursuits, and as a consequence, it may be hoped, a more urgent and imperative public sentiment on the subject. It is not legislation that is principally needed at present. We have already a sufficient number of inop- erative statutes on the subject. The immediate and obvious demand is for such an industrial school, not strictly penal in character, as has already in former years been proposed, and towards the establishment of which some steps have been taken, to which institution minors coming within the cogni- zance of chapter fifty-seven of the statutes may be consigned. This will be, however, but a partial remedy for the great evil. Meanwhile it is to be hoped that the vigorous move- ment now going on in some other States in the direction of securing universal compliance with laws on this sub- ject such as we already have on our own statute-book, will by its success stimulate public sentiment in Rhode Island to do its part in a movement, in which however this common- wealth ought not to follow but to lead.
Respectfully submitted by the Board of Education.
HENRY HOWARD, President. CHARLES C. VAN ZANDT, Vice President. DANIEL LEACH, EZRA K. PARKER, SAMUEL H. CROSS, THOMAS H. CLARKE, CHARLES H. FISHER, M. D. GEORGE L. LOCKE.
PROVIDENCE, January, 1875.
REPORT
OF THE
Board of Trustees of the State Normal School OF
RHODE ISLAND,
1874.
REPORT.
To the Hon. the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island :
The Board of Trustees of the State Normal School here- with present their Annual Report for the year ending June 30th, A. D. 1874.
The Board have held eight formal meetings during the year, at which the best means of promoting the interests of the school were always the subject of earnest consideration. Committees, each consisting of two or more of the mem- bers of the Board, were appointed as occasion demanded, to whom were assigned special duties connected with its management and maintenance.
Thus the Board, early in the year, were enabled to coope- rate with the Principal of the Normal School, in carefully rearranging the curriculum of study in that Institution.
Furnishing the School promptly with all needed supplies, has engaged the constant attention of the Board, early pro- vision being made therefor, by an appropriation of five hun- dred dollars.
A "Committee on Supplies" was appointed, whose special
-
16
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
duty was to keep advised of its current wants, and see that they were provided for in such season as to be most condu- cive to the efficiency and success of the Institution.
The arduous and precise duty of apportionment of the sum of fifteen hundred dollars appropriated by the General Assembly for travelling expenses of pupils, in the ratio of distance of residence, was referred, as heretofore, to a com- mittee on "Distribution of Mileage."
The examination of candidates for admission to the Nor- mal School, devolving on the Trustees, was also referred to a "Committee on Qualifications," having special fitness for the work.
The subject of an advanced course of instruction for graduates, and teachers of experience with more than aver- age attainments, was well considered by. the Board, and the Committee on Qualifications instructed to draft a plan in conference with the Principal of the Normal School, for such advanced course, including order, method and branches of study, to be pursued. A plan was proposed and adopted, and has since been in successful operation, the sessions being held every Saturday during each term, thus affording superior facilities to such teachers throughout the State as desire to avail themselves of its advantages.
A general supervision and examination of the School 1 has been kept up by the Board, through visitation by the members from time to time, and a more special examination provided for, by the appointment of prominent men as visi- tors at large, and representing different portions of the State.
The danger of loss by fire of the State's property in use. at the Normal School, has been in part provided against by
17
+
OF THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 1
effecting insurance on the same to the amount of twenty- eight hundred dollars.
The need of increased accommodations at the Normal School has been repeatedly the subject of discussion. A committee was appointed from the members of the Board to examine the building occupied by the School, and ascertain what, if any portion of the same, might by alteration be fitted for the required purposes. The committee, upon exami- nation, found space in the basement, which, by partitioning and fitting up, would in some measure furnish the needed enlargement. The rooms thus obtained, however, would be inconvenient of access, defective in ventilation, and deficient in admission of light. The cost of fitting up would be con- siderable, and the occupation of them would involve addi- tional rental. The Board, therefore, take this occasion to again express a conviction of the necessity of a more suita- ble building for the school.
The attention of the General Assembly and also the pub- lic at large is called to the semi-annual reports of the Prin- cipal of the Normal School appended hereto. They should receive careful perusal. In them will be found detailed accounts of the working of the School, and many * wise suggestions.
It is but simple justice to the several committees referred to above, to state that they have performed the duties assigned them to the entire satisfaction of the Board, the said duties in several instances requiring very considerable time and care.
In conclusion, the Board congratulate the people of the State of Rhode Island upon the success which has attended
18
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
the establishment and maintenance of their Normal School. It is a great power in the educational field, and its beneficial influences are not only felt in the cities and larger villages, but also in the scattered rural districts, and this influence will continually widen until it embraces every section of the State.
(Signed)
HENRY HOWARD, CHAS. C. VAN ZANDT, DANIEL LEACH, CHAS. H. FISHER,
GEORGE L. LOCKE,
SAMUEL H. CROSS,
THOMAS H. CLARKE,
EZRA K. PARKER.
THOS. W. BICKNELL.
*
REPORTS
OF THE
Principal of the State Normal School OF
RHODE ISLAND,
1874.
ANNUAL REPORT.
Gentlemen; Trustees of the State Normal School :
In compliance with your regulations, I submit the follow- ing annual report :
Whole number in school during the year, Number entered first term, - -
-
-
141
-
-
39
who had previously taught, -
-
-
15
" entered second term, -
-
-
- 28
who had previously taught, -
-
-
- 10
EMPLOYMENTS OF PARENTS OR GUARDIANS.
Mechanics, -
-
-
54
Florists, -
-
- 2
Farmers, -
-
- 35
Bookkeepers,
-
.
1
Merchants, - -
10 Police Officers, -
-
1
Grocers, -
-
-
6
Letter Carriers,
-
1
Clerks, -
-
-
4 Cooks, -
-
1
Agents, -
-
-
3
Designers, -
-
1
Teachers, - -
3 Butchers, -
1
Hotel Keepers, -
-
2
Teamsters, -
-
-
1
Sea Captains, -
-
2 Millers,
-
-
1
Undertakers,
-
-
2 Surgeons, -
-
1
Railroad Conductors,
-
2 Milliners, -
-
-
1
2
-
-
-
22
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL
Some of the more important results of the normal train- ing of a teacher, are a clear knowledge of that which one is to teach, skill in teaching, and a genuine enthusiasm in teaching. The last two are results which especially belong to normal training.
In a normal school, the pupil supplies his lack of knowl- edge of any branch, so that he may the better make himself the master of a good method of teaching it. The study of the natural methods of teaching, and the actual practice of the normal pupil in teaching while a member of a normal class, must awaken enthusiasm in teaching, or the pupil is by nature ill-adapted to teaching. Enthusiasm also results from the unity of purpose and effort that must characterize those who are pledged to the duties of a vocation second to no other in its opportunities for usefulness.
Enthusiasm in the work of the school has never existed in greater degree than during the past year ; consequently, intellectual acquisition and increased skill in teaching have, with few exceptions, been commensurate with the several abilities and opportunities of the pupils.
With few exceptions one hour each Saturday of the pres- ent term has been occupied with a lecture upon some sub- ject related to one or more of the studies of our course.
The results of these lectures extend beyond the school. Many teachers of the city and its vicinity have availed them- selves of the advantages thus offered. The first lecture was given by Rev. Augustus Woodbury, of this city. The subject, " Italy," was presented in its historical, politi- cal and educational aspects. This lecture was especially valuable in its clear outline of the progress made in Italy
23
OF THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
during the last ten years. The careful observation of Mr. Woodbury while in Italy, his thorough knowledge of its history, and his genuine interest in popular education, ena- bled him to trace the remarkable development of free insti- tutions in that country, in a way most interesting and instructive to teachers.
Prof. Charles H. Gates, in a carefully written lecture upon Belgium, not only gave us much information gathered during his two years residence in that country, but excited new interest in its geography and history. His recent study of its educational institutions enabled Prof. Gates to present a full account of the universities and of the normal and other schools of Belgium.
The course of lectures upon history given by Prof. J. Lewis Diman, LL. D., has been of rare interest and profit to the pupils. To most pupils in our schools, history and geography, as presented in a majority of our text-books, are but a wilderness of facts. These pupils need a living teacher who can present and emphasize general facts and principles, of which the myriad minor facts collated with so much care by book-makers are too often but trivial expo- nents. Prof. Diman has endeavored to aid in forming such · teachers, by presenting clearly the grand features of human progress, when the institutions and arts which have enno- bled the Anglo-Saxon race were evolved from the seeming confusion of the Middle Ages.
Rev. A. D. Mayo, D. D., late of Cincinnati, but now of Springfield, Mass., a gentleman enjoying and deserving a national reputation as a leader in educational reform, gave us one lecture upon the "Childlike Spirit of the Teacher."
.
24
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL
This spirit he proved to be the primal element of success in a teacher of children, and the power of a teacher in sym- pathy with her pupils was vividly portrayed with a rare felicity of language and aptness of illustration.
For a statement of the special lectures and other work of the first term of the present year, I refer to my semi-annual report in January.
The special classes on Saturday have enabled several graduates, and others actually engaged in teaching, to con- tinue their studies. The arrangement of the sessions of the school, by which one session each week is open to the teach- ers of the State is advantageous, not only to them, but to the pupils of the School. It affords opportunity by special exercises given by the teachers of other schools, to present methods of teaching which they have proved to be useful in their own schools.
The demand for teachers of wider information and broader culture, imposes the necessity of continued study upon those already engaged in teaching, who are determined to keep pace with the educational progress of the age. Such teach -. ers will gladly avail themselves of the benefits of the special Saturday classes. ,
As soon as more suitable accommodations are provided, we shall be able by special classes on Saturday, to make the School a more productive source of culture and professional skill to those already employed in teaching in different parts of the State.
If we had rooms fitted for the purpose, we could without any, or with slight additional expense, instruct additional classes of teachers in those branches of natural science,
25
OF THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
which are in almost constant requisition in so many of the productive industries of the State.
The course of study in the Normal School, as in the com- mon schools of the State, must consist mainly of those stu- dies which directly promote what is termed a good English education ; but the large increase of manufacturing inter- ests, the many forms of skilled labor now required in order that we may successfully compete with the workmen of sis- ter States, demand that the teachers in our public schools shall be able, by teaching the simpler elements of natural science, to prepare the pupils for the practical duties of life.
From the day the School was opened, in September, 1871, the necessity for more suitable accommodations has been evident. No one can consider it wise, or really economical, to carry on any important business with inconvenient or unsuitable appliances. The brief period allotted by the course of study to prepare for so important a work as teach- ing,-a work which touches every vital interest in the State, -demands that both teachers and pupils in this school , should do their best, and it also demands that suitable rooms be had for doing the class work of the school in the best manner.
It is my pleasant duty, in behalf of both the teachers and pupils of this school, to accord to the Board of Trustees, and to the Board of Examiners, our hearty appreciation of their efforts to render the school an efficient means of pro- moting the interests of public instruction.
ADDRESS TO THE GRADUATES.
Members of the Class of '74: You have chosen a profession second to no other in its relations to the welfare of the people of this State.
26
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL
Every department of useful industry needs hands guided by well- informed and disciplined minds, while the social, the political, and the religious interests of the State demand, not only intelligent, but thor- oughly honest men.
It is your work to teach those who are soon to manage our material interests, and it is yours to mould the character of those to whom must soon be entrusted those institutions that have honored and blessed the past. Your work involves interests of the gravest importance, imposes the most sacred duties, and requires the most patient and persistent effort.
The conditions of success that pertain to the teacher are, scholarship, skill in the use of right methods of teaching and discipline, and excel- lence of moral qualities.
The more thoroughly you understand a subject, the better you can select what should be taught, and the better you can adapt your teaching to the minds of your pupils. Without the requisite scholar- ship, a teacher must be a timid, and uncertain guide in the paths of knowledge, blindly ruling his doubtful steps by the worn way, how- ever devious. Scholarship will enable you to make text-books, in your classes, helpful servants instead of tiresome masters. Your diligent study here has enabled you to harvest much valuable truth ; but how much, that may be useful to you and to your pupils, is yet ungarnered.
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