The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-09-07
INSTITUTION FOR BLIND.
School Year VIII Begin Wednesday,
Increase i'm Pupils.

The school year at the Institution for
the Education of the Blind will open
Wednesday, and on that day all the pupils
are expected to be present though the rec-
tations do not begin until the next day
Superintendent w. H. Glasscock said yes
terday that there would be 120 pupils at the
opening, and possibly a few more might
come in during the year This is something
of an increase over the average ''off year"
BY the off year is meant every second year
when there is no graduating class. The
classes are graded so that promotions are
made once in two years, instead of every
year, as in the public school. It thus oc-
ours that pupils are graduated only at the
end of every second year, and the year be-
tween graduating classes is known as the
off year. The class during this year is al
ways considerably smaller than during the
years when class is graduating, for there
are the additions of only one year to the
off-year classes. Last year there were 139
pupils, while usually there have been only
about 40 during the off years. This year
there will be 12o. a gain of ten. Superin-
tendent Glasscock believes he has secured
the State thoroughly for eligible children.
By means of a circular letter addressed to
every township trustee in the State he Sc
cured ten pupils, who would he believes
never have had the advantage of the insti-
tuition but for the circular.
There is an astonishing ignorance
throughout the State about the institution,
which, the superintendent believes ,Edeprives
many blind children of the advantages of
an education. 1t is not generally under
stood that the State charges nothing for
tuition and board. Everything is free to
those who are unfortunate enough to be
eligible to the school, with the exception of
transportation to and from the institution
and clothing. These expenses must be raid
by the parents or guardians of the pupils
where they are able to pay them. If the
children are those of INDECENT parents or
are orphans the expense of transportation
erd clothing must be paid by the township
in which they live. Superintendent Glass
cock says that fully 10 per cent. of the pu-
Tils are of this latter class.
The course of education includes twelve
years of training in literary studies, man.
ual training, gymnastic work and music.
The latter study is offered to every pupil
and those showing a natural aptitude for ii
stay in the institution. Only about one out
of twenty-five pupils however, makes SUI
ficient Roadway to continue and become
a successful musician. Many of the Others
however accomplish something in the line
which makes life a little more plea SAINT for
them. Music is taught entirely by note
either by the pupil committing the notes
10 memory or by the teacher reading them
to the pupil. MIR. Giasscock was asked why
III would not be wiser to allow blind pupils
to learn by ear IF there is musical talent
enough in a pupil to learn by ear there is
enough in him for him to learn right
said he.
Fher, are thirteen teachers in the fnsti.
tuition. as follows: Five in the literary de-
partmsnt, three music teachers, three in
the Industrial department, one piano tuner
end one in the gymnastie department. The
trustees are Nelson Bradley, OF Greenfield: