The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-05-22
SHEPARD EXPLAINS
Why the State High School Course Is
Pre-eminently University Pre-
paratory Course.
Some Deficiency in Elementary
Work Was Pointed Out by
Congressman Tawney.
Special to The Journal.
WITH Mia M,

.l
Winona, Mimi, May 22--The failure at
different times to pass the. entrance ex-
animation at the West Point and An
napolis academies Of eight appointees by
Congressman Tawney, all either students
in or graduates from high schools of the
state, was noted the other day, along with
q suggestion by Mr.. Tawney that there
must be something wrong with the course
OF study pursued in these schools where
there. We're 50 many failures in which
ability to pass lay in a knowledge Of the
elementary branches such as a high school
student is supposed to possess. To ascer-
tain whether the viey Of Congressman
Tawney was shared by educators. a press
representative called on DR.. Irwin Shep-
ard. secretary of the National Educational
association, and asked him for q state
ment. He replied:
i read with interest Mr.. Iawney's in
terview. / do not think he touched upuon
the real cause of the apparent deficiency,
and I certainly do not think that the
Wniona high school Is especially deficient.
The law for the direct state aid of high
schools, which has been in operation for
twenty years. has had the effect to build
up what may be claimed as the finest sys-
tenn Of high schools in any state in the
Winula high school is especially deficient.
United States. but there have been some
serious limitations in the course Of
study This course has been formu-
lated by the state high school board. which
until recently has not represented in it's
membership any other interests than those
of the state university. Naturally under
such board the course has been pre-
eminently a college or university prepara-
tory course. The result of this is that
the university has had a phenomenal
growth and probably larger proportion
OF high school graduates go to college in
Minnesota than from any other western
state. This is excellent for those whose
circumstances enable them to take higher
courses. r.
THE serious limitations referred to are
that certain common branches usually
found in high schools that aim to- fur
nlsh finishing courses are almost entirely
absent from the high school of Minnesota
For instance, the all important subject of
United States history is found in the
courses Of but few high schools. Geog-
raphy. which has recently come to be one
of the most profitable subjects for high
school students, is rarely found in Mime
sofa high schools. The common English
branches receive little or no attention
This fact is further emphasized by the
fact that the state high school board
grants it's certificate of completion of
the common branches to grammar school
pupils, and this has led to the general
estimate by high school students that COM
mon branches are not worthy a place in
the high school since the state board con-
siders them finished on grammar school
knowledge. The normal schools Of the
state have been severely embarrassed in
receiving high school graduates for pro-
fessional work in the very low standard
of mastery which these gradua ties possess
OF common branches, most of which have
not been studied since they left the gram
mar school at IA years of. age. al
There can be no possible objection to
maintaining a university and college pre-
4o,,, II Il.
who wish this, bat those who do not wish
1t or cannot take a college course should
be provided for in equally efficient courses
suited to their needs. This subject has
been discussed in educational circles for
many years, but little progress has been
made toward recognizing in the courses
of study the demands of those who do not
seek courses beyond the high school,