Sacramento daily record-union., 1884-06-17
The High school Course of Study.

|
which all the members of the Board were
present, and President Slater in the chair
The object of the meeting was to give az
opportunity for presentation of objections
to the new course of study for the High
School recently adopted by the Board
There was a large number OF parents, teach.
ers and several graduates of the High
School present, who manifested deep inter.
est in the subject. Remarks were made by
ex-senator Booth, Dr.. Simmons, r. I
Deylin, Judge benson, C. H. Cummings
Ad. c. Hinkson, Mrs. MichenOr, Mr. Rich
ardson, Mr. johnson, Professors Adams
and Crittenden, by request; L. A. Upson,
| William Osborn. L. A Rose, and others
Nearly all of these opposed any change in
the course heretofore existing in the High
School. but a few merely made inquiries
concerning the purpose and effect of the
change. The various members of the
Board took part in the discussion freely
answering questions and explaining the
grounds for the change which is proposed
to be instituted at the commencement OF
the next school year. The purposes of the
Board, and the effect which it seeks TO
bring about is to reduce some
what the classical line of studies
and substitute those of more
practical nature, and to thereby increase
the popularity by attracting Il greater num-
Der of pupils TO it, and also increasing It's
efficiency in fitting them for the various
walks of life. 1t was also stated by mem
bers of the Board that there was hiatus
| between the Grammar School and High
School, which made it necessary to add a
year 10 either the Grammar School course
| or tf, hot Of 1,a n School
Judge benson thought an undue prom
inence would be given in the new course to
arithmetics, TO the exclusion of the classi-
cal, and that the classical served better pur-
poses in life.
Mr. Hinkson thought there was no
hiatus between the two schools, but that
| the difficulty i'll going successfully from
| the lower to the High school arose from
the reduction of the salaries of teachers
which took place a few years since, es-
pecially in the lower grades. His remedy.
therefore, would be to increase the salaries.
and let the course of study be as at present.
The effect of the reduction of salaries had
been to discourage the teachers and there
by to reduce their efficiency, and this was
what has produced the disparity existing
between the Grammar and High schools
The lower grades, he said, were receiving
less successful work on the part of the
teachers, and this necessitated crowding in
the Grammar schools to get them up to the
grade required to enter the High school.
Mr.. Cooke said he was sorry to hear re-
marks which thus reflected upon the effici-
ency of the teachers in the lower grades.
Mr.. Hinkson said his remarks and con-
clusiOns were facts, and the only way was
to increase the salaries.
Superintendent Laine stated that the
teachers i'll both the lower and higher
grades We're superior, and that the scholar
ship is fully up to that of schools in other
places.
Judge benson expressed similar views 10
those of Mr. Hinkson, and said he would
pay 500 per month if necessary, to teach
ers, and thus make up the deficiency in
scholarship, or provide against the hiatus
referred to. Upon being asked where he
would increase the salaries he said he
would commence with the Grammar
schools. He did not think enough atten-
ton had been paid to the matter of good
teachers for some years past.
Members of the Board expressed their
approval of the teachers now employed in
the Grammar schools and other grades, and
declined to admit that the conclusion ex-
pressed was correct. They said another
year was necessary, either in the Grammar
or High School, and it had been concluded
that the High School was the place for it,
They also stated that a raise in salaries was
impossible AT present rate of taxation, and
that they had made an effort and failed to
get higher tax for school purposes.
r. I. Devlin appeared and made ex-
tended remarks on behalf of the High
School graduates. against any change in
the present course of study. lie referred
to those who had graduated as examples of
the good work wrought by the school as
now conducted, and together with many
other speakers complimented Professor
Adams as an instructor.
Professor Adams being called upon. said
he thought the course in the High school,
as it has been in the past. is not subject to
improvement so far as he could see, but
perhaps one or two of the textbooks
might be.
Professor Crittenden, also called upon for
his views, stated that he did not regard the
present course of study complete in all re-
spects As TO the new course, its proficiency
could only be known by experience He
was glad to see the subject was under con-
sideration.
DR.. Simmons spoke very highly of the
present course. largely forming his opinion
he said, by the good scholarship which has
been produced underit. Others made sim
liar remarks
The meeting lasted until II o'clock, and
was at times quite spirited Frequent re-
marks were made by Messrs Cooke
Bruner, Chadderdon, johnson and Super
intendent Lane, of the Board, in relation
to the workings under the old course of
study, the improvements anticipated from
the course recently adopted, etc. At the
conclusion of the session those who had
come before the Board were asked if they
wished 10 present further arguments or TO
have others appear and speak upon the
subject, as it was desired 10 give the fullest
opportunity to all 70 express their views.
No request was made for further hearing.
The Board then adjourned.