The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-02-06

ment of the high school. The fact that
the high school enrolment increased
from 165 in the first term of 18S9-1S90
to 1920 in the corresponding term of
1909-1910, while the number of high
school teachers increased during the
same period from to 3 8 is remarkable.
The committee has interviewed our
present superintendent, Prof l. D.
Whittemore, and finds that his plans
for the future, when such can be ac-
Icomplished, include equipment for
commercial classes, gymnasium, ath-
letics, playground, laboratories for
botany and zoology, lunch room, IL
brary of books of reference for all
departments. illustrative material con-
sisting of pictures, maps, lantern slides
and apparatus, iron machine shop and
foundry. Glasses for adults in all
branches in which construction may
be desired. Evening classes in sewing,
cooking and other manual training or
academic branches for the accommo-
dation of students who are employed
| in other occupations in the day time.
A larger number of teachers with
smaller classes and classes for normal
| training of prospective teachers.
Topeka already holds a ranking
position among typical cities of the
| United States in school matters and
the committee finds that Professor
Whittemore has a broad and compre-
hensive view concerning future needs.
Following are some of his recon-
mendations when the same can be
| realized:
Some effective means of securing
publicity and school visitation.
A reference library for teachers with
standard works on pedagogy.
Systematic and effective plan for
medical and physical inspection of pu-
pills.
Permanent arrangements for teach
inc VIIT1iIS who are mentally or oral
ly defective.
More care of the school grounds. es-
pecially during the summer vacation.
The development of school gardens
and the teaching of the care for
plants.
sports under competent direction.
The development of physical direc-
tor for elementary schools.
A wider use of the school plant for
benefit of the community.
Made the schools more attractive to
boys and girls who are disposed to
drop out too early.
A determination of the essentials
in education and greater emphasis
| thereon.
Investigation of the causes of fall
ure of pupils, etc.
Establishment of kindergartens in
the various sections of the city where
advisable.
Relief of over-crowded condition in
certain buildings.
Development of an evening school
for the instruction of adults.
Opening of vacation schools with
practical and attractive methods.
The adoption of more scientific
methods of education.
The establishment of a. suitable and
proper pension system for teachers.
Our Graduates.
While it is claimed that in the
United States only about per cent of
our school enrolment ever reaches
college. the facts found in our Topeka
schools are very much better
During the last ten years, on The
average, more than thirty of the high
school graduates have entered Wash
burn college every year. Good1y dele
cations have gone to the State univer-
sity the State Normal school, the
State Agricultural college and other
colleges of Kansas.W many others
have entered the older colleges and
universities outside of the state. OF
the LA who graduated in 1910, So are