St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-12-06

Monroe ......... $40 3l5 20
Franklin evening. ...... $50 = Q
humboldt eyening..-.-..- 9S 4G
Madison evening. ..... 254 l6S o
Totals. ............ 1919 GAS 1907
The number studying German last month
was 707. The instruction was given in
twelve schools by corps Of seven teachers.
The result of the substitution Of algebra for
arithmetic in the course Of study Of the
fourth class in the High school has been
called for by the Board. As the change was
made but one year ago. nothing very definite
can be- said as vet about results. IL virtually
confines the instruction in arithmetic for
most pupils 10 the grades below the High
school, aud so the arrangement OF the High
school course brings in the question Of the
time that can proftably be given TO arith-
metic, and the place it should have in our
curriculum.
Arithmetic had been retained as part Of
the course of the lowest class Of the High
school for a number of years, in spite OF a
conviction that too much time was spent
upon the study, probably from the fact that
many of this class were those who desire
after finishing the work of the grammar
schools, while waiting for positions in shops
or stores, to continue their studies without
commencing any new line of school work.
For these who would thus have no oppor-
! tunity 10 study any other
branch Of mathematics, arithmetic was
offered. At the beginning Of the present
school year a course was prepared, the com
mercial course, designed TO meet the needs
of this class, and arithmetic was made one
Of the studies Of the course. In the other
courses it was dropped and algebra taken in
its place. The thought was that algebra, ex-
cept for the essential elements of arith-
metie-those matters that are neces-
sary TO the simple computations
of actual Observation-Disclosures a
better knowledge of the theory of numbers
than arithmetic. Take for example the mat
ter OF roots and powers. These subjects
presented alphabetically are simple, while
pupils studying them from the ordinary
school arithmetic usually find them of the
greatest difficulty. The force Of this state
ment is being acknowledged in the course of
study of many of our best schools by the in
PRODUCTION OF algebra in grammar grades in
the place OF drills upon the applications OF
percentage, for pupils Of the tender age that
they are when they come TO these subjects in
the school arithmetics In the view of those
who think that arithmetic is the most practi-
cal study OF our course, and believe that il
should be made the means of giving the rea-
soning powers training, do not coincide.
II seems TO me that there shonld be limit
to its study and that there are other branches
that give a better opportunity for logical
drill. The great aim of instruction in arith-
metic in the primary grades Of onr schools is
20 secure accuracy and rapidity. II is
taught as If It meant addition, sub
traction, multiplication and division
and their applications. The applca-
.,ffk - Il
and so numerous that the whole of pupils
school life could be taken up with their con-
sideration 10 the exclusion Of other branches
Of mathematics and then the theme would
not be exhausted. Under this regime we
would have primary text book, a grammar
school arithmetic, higher arithmetic and a
college and university arithmetic. II we can
make our pupils expertin the manipulation Of
figures and thoroughly understand the prn-
ciples involved in a few Of the common ap-
plcations of the four ground rules and then
pass them on TO the study of algebra which
treets OF quantity in more general way and
TO geometry, which will develop and train q
power to select the essential factors of a aues-
ton, to arrange its data and To draw legiti-
mate differences therefrom, il seems to me
that We shall have more satisfactory results
than by keeping pupils for a long series Of
years TO the study of arithmetic. From ex-
perience and observation l have reached the
conclusion that after the rudiments of arith-
metic have been mastered the study Of algebra
is essential to the making of good math-
meticians or even good arithmetcians.
Miss Helen Boydon, primary principal
Of Wehster's school, and Miss MAY Blodgett,
teacher of second grade, Madi son school,
have sent in their designations to take effect
at the close of the nresent term
The teachers and pupils of the High school
desire permission to use the Assembly hall
for a dramatic entertainment FOR the benefit
of the library of the school, on the evening
of December 10. Respectfully submitted,
b. F. WRIGHT.
The report was received-that part thereof
referring TO the designations of Misses Helen
Boydon and May Blodgett, teachers, was re-
ferred to the Committee on Schools for fur
ther action.
The request of the teachers and pupils Of
the High school for permission to use As
sembly ball, vas granted.
On motion of Inspector Hamilton it was
ReS0iged, That the schools close for the
Christmas vacation on Tuesday, December
%, and open again January -, prox.
On motion of Inspector Hamilton, the
resolution referring 10 an expert on bills for
| printing, as recorded at folio 1913, Of the
I record Of the board, was taken into consider
alton.
On motion of Inspector Gilbert said reso-
luton was thereupon changed so as to read
as follows:
RESOLVED, That the committee on purchases
and supplies be authorized and directed To
employ an expert printer, wholly disinter-
ested, who shall examine, inspect and report
upon such bills for printing as shall be sub
mitted to him by the Committee on Pur-
chases and Supplies, and that such bills shall
be approved by him before the same shall be
reported TO the Board.
Passed by unanimous vote. Yeas, IL;
nays, o.
By Inspector Dreher
Resol0ed, That the rule II be amended so
as to read as follows:
MUSIC.
al. The Superinte ndent OF Music shall
teach elementary music and singing in the
sixth, seventh and eighth grades Of the dis
triet schools not exceeding thirty minutes in
each room. Such instruction shall be rudi-
mental and the pupils proficiency in such
study shall be subject 10 examination and
grade rs in other studies, and il shall be the
duty OF teachers 10 require strict attention
and order during the time occupied by the
superintendent, either in singing or instruc-
ton"
Laid over under the rules to next regular
meeting
BY Inspector Murphy
Resoiged, BY the Board of Education OF
| the City of ST. Panl-That the proper officers