Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-08-28
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new METHOD OF
PROMOTION FOR THE
FOXCROFT SCHOOLS

Foxcroft, Me, Aug. 2s-This fall
there goes into operation in Foxcroft
public schools a new method of pro-
motion which will be watched with
considerable interest by school peo-
pie throughout the State. In reality
this started last June. but the first
working out will begin this fall.
In substance. there will be promo
ton by subject. twice a year, instead
Of the traditional promotion by grade.
yearly. This will give better oppor-
tunity to both smart and dull pupils,
for the smart pupils will be allowed to
go ahead as rapidly as they are able.
and the duller ones need to repeat
only such work as they actually fail
in. instead Of repeating work with
which are already familiar, as is the
present method. The principal advan-
tages Of this scheme are that the
brighter pupils may get through their
education and begin to be producers
earlier than they would otherwise:
and the duller boys and girls will
probably be held in school longer. and
will consequently get better educa-
ton, for it is endless repetition Of work
which they already know. simply be-
cause they failed in some other sub
discouraged and to drop out Of school
as soon as the legal age limit Is
passed.
Because Of the semi annual feature
Of the plan. pupils will be admitted
twice a year. once in September and
again the first week of February. No
pupils will be admitted before they
have passed their fifth birthday. and
it is recommended that children be at
least six before they enter
For the same reason there will be
two classes completing the work each
year, one in February and one in June.
Those persons in the February class
who are going no farther in school
will be allowed to go to work, while
those who plan TO enter high school
will be started on high school work
at once. Diplomas will be given only
in June which may be an inducement
for some to stay in school and take
high school work for half a year who
would otherwise get no high school
training.
The old ranking system Of letters or
numbers will be abolished. Pupils
will be marked entirely on the kind of
work they are doing compared to what
the teachers think they ought to be
able to do. If pupil is doing the
best he can. and will probably be able
to complete the required work within
the year, his card Is stamped work is
satisfactory" II for any reason a
pupil is not doing as well as he is
able, the card Is stamped liable to do
better work" and a conference Of par
ont, pupil and teacher is arranged at
once to see about making matters bet
ter. II through any mistake, and of
course such are apt to occur, pupil
is put in a grade which is too hard or
too easy. the proper explanation is
made and the pupil placed where he
will get the most good. At the end
Of the half year, those pupils who have
completed the required work are plac-
ed in the next successive grade IN the
subjects in which they are promoted.
In view of the better classification OF
pupils which will result from this sys-
tenn, it is thought that better progress
will be possible than before and there
fore the work has been planned to be
completed in eight years instead OF
nina.