The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1879-04-16
Practical Education in the Public Schools
-. IWOman,s Trihune.l

Practical Education i'm the Public Schools.
rt [Woman's Tribune.l
Since the introduction OF Mrs. L. L Jack
sons Geometry of Dress as text book in
the city schools the Woman's Tribune has
been quietly and Interestingly watching the
progress of the experiment. and during the
last few weeks Its special reporter has visited
several schools for the purpose of learning
the results. At the first school visited one
on the South Side, a room full OF young
girls of the A grammar grade, were found
interested in the method OF drafting and
cutting miniature basque as demonstrated
by the teacher at the blackboard. Each girl
had miniature chart, pencil, piece of
calico, and pair of scissors on her desk,
and made the draft of the garment on the
cloth. readily following the instructions of
the teacher.
were found to be more apt than others, as a
matter of course but all understood the
lesson, and could make more or less prac-
teal application of it. IS - a4s
do you think you could cut full sized
basque from what you learn here?' asked
the s. n of bright young girl.
sob, yes" she answered, we'll pleased, Il
have already cut dress for myself and one
for lady"
OF more real value and aid is that appli-
cation of knowledge, thought the reporter,
than years study OF algebraic equations
and Greek conjugations.
The brief desert ption of the lesson IN one
school will suffice for all. At each school
visited, the girls manifested great interest in
the work, and the teachers were clear in
their explanations OF $50 girls interviewed
by lady, only Is expressed dislike to the
study.
At school on the North Side lady on the
ward investigating committee questioned
the pupils. and only found Eve who did not
take direct interest.
Tv,F fbor Of noU1odoo IN rrfc -
view was sought with Mrs. Jackson.
'Do you expect to make dressmakers of all
these glrls?" mot at all. That is mis-
taken idea 1t requires years of practice to
make good professional dressmaker. We
only aim to teach theory and its general
out seeking to make all the pupils architects
or artists. Our system of drafting and cut
ting es taught in the schools gives the girls
sufficient knowledge for the general purpose:
OF home garment cutting and making, and
lays good foundation for any one who may
choose to continue 1t as a speciality and be
come professional dressmaker."
There has been some complaint, be
lieve, of the extra expense attending thi
study"
1.-THE absolutely necessary expense ia Quit,
small. While it is preferable for the pupil
te own the book and large chart, they car
learn the system and theory withou
either"
But can there be any practical appli-
cations of the theory without the larg
eha-t?"
There can be to a considerable extent
From what the gIrls learn in school, the
can detect and remedy the inaccuracies O
patterns. They also learn the proper wa
TO cut skirts, under wear, rutf1es, bias strips
and s2uch other Information useful :
them.a
1-It is sometimes asked why your system
used in preference to others"
''There are many charts and systems, bu
mine is the only one in the United States
or Ia the world SO far as / know, special
prepared and adapted for teaching in tn
schools from the blackboard. That is VIII,
the school board adopted it. Not because
was mine, but be cause it is the only one tia
can be taught in miniature. I developed
slowly during many years OF experiences i
teaching end there is no other branch of IL
dustrial education arranged SO that 1t can b
taught from the blackboard as readily as N.
system OF garment drafting and cutting.
Nv system and method is but foBerunne
of othsrs to come.'
You think then that in time industris
education will become prominent featur
OF the public scho0ls?"
~ do most assuredIy. 1t has been q grow
ing complaint for several years. that childre
leave school without any preparation for til
common duties Of life, that their educatio
Is entirely too theoretical and ornamental
and renders them averse to any useful occr
patton. Out Of this has grown desire an
a attempt on the part of educators to max
the school course mors practical. The sui