Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1913-09-25
OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL

The comparative cost and compare
tive value Of the various courses offer
ed in the high school have long been
subjects Of debates by leading educa-
tors and by those responsible for the
curricula in the various high schools of
the country. When high schools were
first established throughout the country
they supplanted in very large numbers,
the academies apd private schools that
had grown up as preparatory schools
for those students that wished to enter
college. Of necessity the courses of
study in these schools We're designed to
meet the demands of such college en-
trance requirements. The high school
naturally fashioned its course Of study
for this same purpose, as this was the
only definite function that the high
school recognized at that time. AS the
high schools multiplied in number and
increased N strength and recognition,
owing in part to the generous support
offered by the state for their main
tenance, it became evident that prep
aration for college was not the only
function that the high school could well
perform.
1t was found that only small per
centage, in general less than ten per
cent, of those that attended the high |
school ever went to college. These |
schools were attended, not only by the
sons and daughters of the wealthy,
but by those of the middle class, who .
were able to give their children few
years of schooling beyond the common
school, provided this could be received
at home, before committing them to
the tender mercies of the industrial
world and the unequal struggles of
life's competitions.
Now some of the more progressive
high schools investigated the needs of
the majority of their students and mod
flied their courses of study accordingly.
But for the most part, and owing
largely to the ltra-conservatism of the
teachers themselves, who had been
prepared to teach in preparatory
schools, and who continued to draw
their chief inspiration from the college,
instead of from the people whom they
served directly, the high school has
continued to administer the traditional
courses OF study, not only for those
few who are preparing for college but
for all who continue to attend them.
The law requiring every high school
to offer a course in the theory and art
of teaching was a recognition of an
other important function that belonged
to the high school other than the prep
aration for college.
A few high schools of this state
have recognized their opportunity to
serve their respective communities, and
have long maintained effective courses
in the training of teachers. Undoubt- (.
eddy il was the general failure of the
high school to recognize its opportunity
in this respect that led to the establish
ment of the county training schools.
In many counties this important func-
ton has thus been taken away from
the high school and given to special
schools. Recent legislation has again
opened the way for the high school. 1t
is now possible for any high school TO
maintain a teachers training course.
Graduation from such a course exempts
the student from the humiliating re-
auirement Of attending a summer train
ing school, for a period of six weeks
before being allowed to write for
teachers certificate Bnt far more /
than this, pursuing such course is a
direct preparation for Che chosen work /
of large percentage of the students (
in many Of our high schools. The state |
not only permits the establishment of
such courses, but encourages it by way |
of special aid for the payment Of a
teachers salary, in the counties in
which there is no county training
school.
Is there demand for teacher
training course as a part Of the train
ing offered in our local high school?
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