The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-08-05
MINNESOTA
TRAINING SCHOOLS
Experiments at Mankato, St. Cloud
and Moorhead Normals an I'm
qualified Success.
Enrolment at Mankato Reached
1854 and Was Next to the
State Universitys.
Special to The Journal.

Special to The Journal
Mankato, Mimi, Aug. 5.-The phenom-
email success of the summer training school
which has lust closed in this city is a mat
ter of pride to the educational interests
Of the state, the Manakto normal school
and to citizens of Mankato. The teachers
Of the state have long been demanclns
summer schools in which they could pur-
sue studies on which credit could De
gained that would apply on course OF
normal training. A few years ago the leg
islature, as an experiment.. appropriated
money for two years continuous session
of the normal schools at Mankato ana WI
mona.
During the two summer terms or these
schools many experienced teachers en-
rolled for regular work and these were
chiefly teachers who could not or would
not stop teaching for year to go TO
school. The continuous session plan was
in every way a success and while In vogue
the enrolment at Mankato ran up to Sol
in the normal department, fully twice what
1t was before or has been since. At the
close of the experiment the Legislature did
not appropriate money to continue the plan
simply on the ground of expense, so the
work had to be discontinued.
For years credit work has been offered In
one section of the university summer
school and it has beer very popular so In
response to strong demands from county
superintendent and teachers, State Super
intendent Olson arranged for summer
schools In the normal schools at Moorhead,
ST. Cloud and Mankato during the present
summer. which were to be taught by the
regular normal teachers and in which
credit work as we'll some review work
was to be offered. Those who took work
for credit. took two subjects only and re-
cited twice day, thus covering In siH
weeks in these two subjects what woulC
be done in twelve during regular term
At Mankato the general and textbook
libraries and the laboratories were oper
to all who had occasion to use them anc
the work done was Of an unusually h1gf
grade. The usual number Of those who
enrolled for regular work gained credits II
the branches pursued and besides severa
of those who took review work gained
credits by taking examinations for ad
vanced standing at the close Of the term.
The enrolment in all three of the nor
NAL schools has been large. but that a
Mankato was the largest, reaching tota
Of 1854. This Is the largest enrolment o
any summer school in the state OUTSIDE
the university.
More than 100 Of those who attended tn
Mankato school could not enter until tn
beginning Of the third week because thei
schools had not yet closed. These coul'
4 not then enter the regular classes so wer
compelled to take review work. but, as
was, more than 200 entered the regula
normal classes. .... a.
AS State Sup erintendent Olson has said
| these normal summer schools have bee1
an experiment, but the unqualified en-
/ dorsement which they have received from
county superintendents and teachers sure
ly warrants their repetition next year.