New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-20
Gary Plan Practicable and Desirable,
Saws McAndrew.

Gary Plan Practicable and Desirable,
Says McAndrew.
To-day we publish report By AS
sociate Superintendent Of Schools
william McAndrew on the results OF
the Gary plan as found in Public School
50. Brooklyn. Superintendent MeAndrew
is acknowledged as one OF the aolest
and most progressive educators in the
New York public school system. HIS
report is based upon a first hand study
of Public School SO, Brooklyn, together
with a comparative study OF other
schools in the district and the oor-
ough.
As a result of his investigation, Su-
perintendent McAndrew finds the AGA
den,ic work in the Gary schools above
the average. the attendance higher than
before reorganization, and the health,
progress and general welfare OF the
pupils distinctly advanced. He CON
cludes that he "believes with President
Churchill that the adoption of this idea
anywhere is practicable. That II Is
highly desirable goes without saying
We are glad to I. reminded that this
was President Churchill's judgment OF
the Gary plan when he first asked Mr.
Writ TO come 10 New York City to re-
organize the schools OF the work. STUDY
and play basis. II is also interesting
that at the end of the first year OF the
actual reorganization OF New York
school on the Gary plan one of the
ablest practical school men in the city
finds that the plan has proved its prac-
ticabilitv as well as its desirability.
The opponents Of the Gary Plan who
have appeared concerned about the need
Of "evaluating" the plan will find Su-
perintendent McAndrew's report inter
esting reading. The report was submit
ted to John II. Walsh. Associate City
Superintendent Of Schools. on October
10. 1915. Ii might be Illuminating TO
know why it was not presented TO the
public by the Department OF Education
until more than three months later.
The report begiIs with description OF
the character and value Of the school
exercises.
The Character and Value OF the School
Exercises.
These exercises comprised the reg
ular subjects covered in the on1cial svl-
labuses for elementary schools plus
more outdoor supervised play, shop
work. domestic teaching, gardening, IL
brarv and assembly exercises than the
school had before reorganization. This
ia. in the opinion of all whom | con-
suited and as observed by me, decided
advantage over the condition OF the
school before adoption of this plan.
You are aware. however, that the alb
sence of sufficient shops and Of a COW
cred playground space forbids the ade-
ouate demonstration OF the complete
work play study scheme in this school.
The industrial training which is an I'M
portant part Of the system advocated
bv Mr.. Writ has had no adequate de-
velopment in this school.
Auditorium Has High Educational
Value.
"The auditorium and outdoor setivi-
ties are major chief differences between
this and an ordinary school. | have seen
four auditorium exercises. Their vaiue
and interest are superior to the typical
auditorium exercises found in elemen-
tary schools. Spelling matches, pupils
descriptions Of stereopticon pictures,
dramatizatisn, music and calisthenics
were the features OF the exercises
saw. This is the feature of the work
play-study system, which requires diff
ferent managerial talent than is called
for in ordinary classroom work. II Is
harder upon the average teacher OF eX-
perience than class work is. But IT IL
capable of introducing into day school
education elements of high educational
value. Ny opinion is that the teachers
Of No. SO have done remarkably well
with this feature.
"The extended use of outdoor play is
well provided in Public School SO. and
is not surpassed in my opinion, by any
single requirement in any Of our
schools Its good effect on the heal tn
of the children and teachers is in
evitable.
Pupils as Assistants TO Teachers.
81 saw pupils assisting as squad
captains In Fairgrounds, IN assembly
as attendance secretaries, caring for
black boards managing luncheon room.
housekeeping squads inspecting halls
for litter, etc. There are no omissions
Of class work for this help service.
Captains are ~ times excused from
auditorium for help. But the policy OF
the management Of the school IL APP
parently 20 give as wide an opportu-
nifty as possible 20 as many children as
may be used without infringement or
regular work. The educative value Is
apparent. The vnrioup captains and
monitors | talked with were able to
describe their duties 10 ME clearly and
seemed disposed TO regard their work
as good business"
Commenting upon the departmental
system in grades below the seventh
year-that feature OF the Gary plan
about which school men who are op-
posed TO the plan tell the public they
should be so "gravely concerned"-Mr
McAndrew says;
Departmental System and Special
Teachers Have Good Results.
"These classes below the seventh
grade have one regular teacher for four
or more academic periods. The special
work is drawing, music. sewing gar
dening, library Tin school, cooking
sixth year., and shop sixth year,. ii
took occasion 10 question twenty-five
separate youngsters as to whether they