Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1882-07-19

The greatest number belonging was us in Janu-
airy, ana the least number was GIG in December. If
we count in the number of scholars attending pri-
vate schools and sectaran schools shall find that
nearly all the children of school age have received
instruction during part of the year.
At the opening Of the present school year your
superintendent was informed by his predecessor and
notified by the Board that the great need Of the
school was a more perfect system of grading. II
believed that the grades were fairly marked up
TO the Fourth, but that beyond this there was little
regularity. careful study of the facts soon
showed this TO be the case Making use of such in
formation could be gathered from the teachers re-
employed, from the ex-superintendent and from the
pupils themselves, the work Of the year was COM
menced by the several classes rs nearly as possible
NJ the places where II had been closed the previous
term. IL soon became evident, however, that thor
ough reviews must be given, and the greater por-
ton of the first term was employed in reviewing
and in classifying pupils upon their merits. At the
beginning of the second term II was possible 10 as
sign definite limits for each grade 10 finish during
the year. 1t is believed that in all the primary
grades and in the Fifth grade, A division, Miss Le-
Roy this limit in all respects equal TO our most
advanced schools. The Fifth grade, division
Miss Prentissl has labored under special difficult
ties To such an extent did the requirements of
this grade vary that IL might more properly have
been called ungraded room. More than this, its
crowded condition and the lack Of sufficient teaching
force during the first two terms Of the year made IL
impossible TO give adequate attention TO the wants
of individual scholars. Nor could this condition of
things be remedied by any general system Of do
grading, because of the crowded condition of the
next lower room. At the close of the second term
however, the monthly and term examinations
showed clear line of division and about onc-half
OF the room was put upon toe work Of the Fourth
grade. A portion Of this number succeeded in
passing the grade examinations in June, but part
did not and will be obliged TO do the work over
again next year. The remaining portions of this
room will be able to finish the work of the Fifth
grade, A division, by June 80.
The Sixth and Seventh grades, Miss Douglass)
although accomplishing more than could reasonably
have been expected, have not yet fully completed
the work required Of corresponding grades in our
best schools. This deficiency exists in arithmetic
but the excellent condition of the room, and the
work accomplished thus far warrant the belief that
full grade work will be finished in a satisfactory
manner by the close Of another school year.
The High school lAfr. weanl at the beginning Of
The year presented the condition usually found in
schools where the previous teaching had been Of
high order, but where IL had been done with lit
lie reference 10 completing any specified course Of
study. To supply this need, at the very outset, n
course Of study was drafted using rs basis the
work required for admission 10 our State UNIVERSE
IT, This course Of study has formed tho basis upon
which we have worked during the past year. has re-
ceived the endorsement Of our best educators, and
is herewith transmitted TO the Board for adoption,