The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-23
THE HIGH-SCHOOL INQUIRY.
The Views of Citizens and Teachers Re-
garding the Course of Studies.
The Criticisms of the Parents Of Pupils Who
Have Been Withdrawn from the High
School-The Inquiry Continued.

A largo number of teachers, with several citi-
zens, met last evening. in the hall of the School
Commissioners to further discuss the subject of
attendance in the High-school suggested by the
Bamberger resolution j. j. Bingham. chair
man of the High-school committee, presided. snd
at the opening Of the meeting said he had re-
ceived quite number of letters from parents of
boys who have left the schools. These were in
answer to general circular Of inquiry relative
to the reasons Of boys leaving the schools at an
earlier age than girls. The general tenor OF
these answers was that when there is neces-
sity for boys to help to support their families,
they are taken out of school as soon as possible;
that parents are less ready to put
girls to work than boys; that school
work is less to the taste OF
boys than girls; that boys expect to be bread
winners. and want to 90 to work as soon as they
can. One writer suggested that he removed his
son from the High school because he could get a
better preparation for college at the classical
schools. His son had no fault to find with teach
ers. Another objected strongly to the course of
studies He wanted something more practical
something that will fit boys for the work-a-day
world. An objection was also urged against the
methods Of examinations. Complaint was also
made in regard to teachers. One writer had a
son of very sensitive temperament, slow OF
thought and speech. His experience in the
High school was discouraging, as he had had
teachers before who understood his nature and
paid particular attention TO it. He thought
teachers should study personalities, and, until
this is done, his two sons will not attend
tie High-school The writer has a daughter,
however, who is not so sensitive to Indifferent
attention, and will not lose her ambition so
easily. Another letter said that boys after sew
enteen years of age should be under men teach
ers. The author of this had also an objection
to the course on account of its little use to
business men, This was followed by letter
highly commencing the studies now pursued 1t
also had good word for teachers and the entire
public school system. A writer illustrated the
practicability Of the High-school course by tell
ing how his son, three weeks in Tucker q Dor
sey's factory, secured dollar per week in adj
vance of wages by giving promptly and correctly
the answer by mental calculation to how much
is twenty-five and half times twenty and
a half
Professor Emmerich thought that some Of the
objections recited had little to do with the ques
tion Whenever anything ia wrong in school
matters some people are too ready to pounce
upon the teachers. It would be proper to go be-
yond all these objections and find the true
cause. His belief was that it lies in the mighty
dollar No matter how good the course of study
may be or how efficient the teachers, large per-
centage of patrons need the assistance OF the
boys before their studies can be completed He
presented summary of the report he made
few years ago of the result Of his investigation
OF this subject at the request OF school super
intendent 1t went far to support the correct
ness of his position. No matter how much the
High school course is changed, to meet objec-
lions against it, there will always be larger
percentage of girls in attendance
Professor Bell, formerly of the High school,
conceded with Professor Emmerich. The course
of study has nothing whatever to do with the
disparity as to sex in school attendance If you
ask hundred people to make out course they
will agree in the main. Some may want more
mathematics, others moro science and still
others more English, but the result will be that
the same course is secured. We have at this
time larger percentage of boys in attendance
than any city, excepting, perhaps, two or three
places where university preparation is made
specially. Education is not matter of con-
struction outside but matter of growth, and 1t
requires certain length of time. Most people,
if asked, would say the children are being pushed
too rapidly He also said that it was necessary
to teach in classes, and in only few instances
car assistance be given to individuals.
Professor Holcomb, Superintendent of Public
Instruction, thought after examination, that
the present Hieh-school course is an excellent
one, of wide range and varied features. Teach
ers themselves are better able to suggest change
in details than outsiders. He constantly sets
his face against the efforts to throw the RESPONSE
bilty on the schools and teachers. Parents
should in measure share this responsibility.
Teachers cannot hope to induce children of q
very special constitution to remain in schools,
nor can they keep those who leave through the
necessity of earning livelihood. But the other
classes Of pupils can be kept, and particularly so
ing is no doubt good thing, but the question
recurs, "Can the presentstudes be diminished to
make room for it}' He did not think there should
be less than three studies for each pupil. He
manual instruction would be emphasizing what
lutte needs emphasis. that the tendency to the
practical in the mode of making a living is max
ing money. There are other and higher uses of
education than making living If this was
disseminated and impressed the minds of
parents it would tend to increase attendance.
In answer to questions by Mr. Bingham, the
speaker said that the course was largely
English, which was eminently proper He
could not see why certain studies, largely practi
cal, should be made prescribed. On the back
bone of the required studies pupils should stand
and use whatever elective studies adapted to
their wishes and tastes they desired. The
course as a whole contains the essentials Of a
good common-school education. Do not, he said,
require manual course if it is at the expense of
the intellectual
Mary E. Nicholson said that the course is too
reflective and the perceptive powers are not suf
iciently cultivated. To remedy this they would
go back of the High-schoo)s into the other
grades.
Mr.. Bingham said he asked several High
school pupils what we're mechanical powers, and
not one of them could tell. not even the number.
Professor Bell asked Mr.. Bingham How
much better will the boys be in practical life if
they are able to answer. the question correctly2
what bearing have mechanical powers on the
practical affairs of life2"
Mr.. Bingham thought all that would be an
swered after while.
Professor Jacobs spoke against mixed schools.
He believed in separate schools for girls and
boys The best high-schools he had ever seen
were those for boys alone and girls alone. 1t
does not depend on the course of studies.
teacher who can instruct in few studies intelli-
gently and interestingly will keep his or her pu
III T. = L. L. L~.~s 49, ~