Norwich bulletin., 1917-03-20
REPORT ON VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
Committee Recommends Reorganization of Seventh and
 Eighth Grades Upon Distinctly Prevocational Basis
 Deem Unwise Institute in Norwich Strictly Voca-
 tonal School at Present.
Effect Very Marked.

beyond question.
 The effect upon the pupils is very
 marked. Where this form of training
 has been introduced, adequately equip
 ped and well directed. the exodus at
 the close of the sixth grade. especially
 marked in the case Of boys. practical
 ly ceases. New interest in the work
 of the schools is aroused and the bene-
 acters of the pupils is unmistakable.
 Indeed, experience wherever pre-voca-
 tional training has been introduced has
 shown enthusiastically it's light educa-
 tional value. Boys and girls, whom
 their teachers have found istless and
 indifferent scholars, in many cases be-
 come alert and capable. Many of
 them remain in school not only during
 the seventh and eight grades but for
 subsequent work in high schools and
 academies, especially where there are
 offered opportunities. for vocational
 training.
 | When these boys and girls leave the
 school at the close of the grammar
 grades, they are prepared for the ex-
 periences that lie before them in the struggle for a livelihood. The educa-
 tlonal experts consulted by your com
 mittee are in complete agreement as to the practical value of the training given in pre- vocational schools. The varied tasks in which the pupils en- and practical. discipline the boys and girls reveal to them their natural ap- titudes and show them the work for which they are best fitted and in which they may expect success. The jobs taken up by the pupils leaving school at the end of the sixth grade too often prove blind alleys. After two years in pre-vocational schools the and girls have a Letter understanding of work that is really worth while and are far better prepared to undertake it.
 The resolution of the Chamber of Commerce instructed the committee to study "the industrial condition of Norwich with view to establishing Vocational School suitable to the needs of Norwich
 Without discussing the unquestiona- ble value of a school of this character in such a community as our own, we problem or expense In addition to the large sum required for the plant such a school would require large ex- penditures for it's maintenance The annual cost would probably exceed $25e.00 for each pupil. and the courses offered could be used to advantage only to boys and girls Of high school age It may be of interest to note that assistance in the support of such a school from the funds provided by the state under the Smith Hughes bill will probably be available only for full l ly equipped trade schools which will be open only to pupils above fourteen years of age.
 For these reasons it would seem to 1 be unwise to raise at this time the l of instituting in Norwich a l strictly vocational school.
 It is very fortunate for Norwich that l we have the Free Academy. which not | only provides today. as it has for more l than half Q century. exceptional oppor- tunitieS for a liberal educa ton, but is | also equipped. and in part organized, ] to furnish courses in vocational train 1 ing
 Your committee was further in- i structed to make such recommends t1ons as may appear to them to be for l interest and advancement 1 of the public schools of the town of | Norwich.
 In the present conduct of our schools we find much to commend The recent 1 reports of the school board point out he gains which followed the consoIida i ion of the various districts into ] single system five years ago. Uni | fed administrat ation has resulted in 1 higher standards and increased efficien- | " in teaching.
 Our committee has conferred with | he school hoard. reciting the facts set Il 'orth in this report. and the recom- we are prepared to submit | o this body. We were received by | he school board most cordially. and, without passing upon the details in II 7ol|ed in the plan proposed, the mem ,ers of the board informally express Il d their entire sympathy with the tirns and ideals we are prepared to ad- -ocate. 7eorsanize Seventh and Eighth Grades
 It is the judgment of this committee n view of the established value of 're-vocational training in the upper grades. that the interests of he boys and girls whose education is n the care Of the school authorities all for an immediate reorganization f the work of the seventh and eighth trades upon a distinctively pre-voca- 1nal basis. The introduction of this yste1n would involve TO expense for -quipnent, such equipment is called or being now in use in the elective curses offered in domestic science and he manual arts.
 It has come to the knowledge of your committee that the congestion in our 'ublic schools will make necessary the rection of a new building in the inn mediate future. It would seem to be wise, when this building is rected, that it be devoted to the ext lusive use of the seventh and eighth rades, and adequately equipped for tStfnctfvely pre-vocationa1 work along he varied lines of training which the xperfence of successful schools in communities in both the last and West has shown to be of otable value to boys and girls. Such
 building, centrally located. if pessi- yould bring to gether the boys and | irls from twelve to fifteen years of ge. and would afford them wider op- ortunities of education than are pos tble under the present system.
 Plan Generally Followed.
 The plan thus outlined is followed cry generally in New England, New ork and in the West. Educational ,aders unhesitating1y commend the ystem, and experience has shown that lch a change of environment and in 1e methods of instruction and organ 'ation. is of the highest education alue to boys and girls who are en- sring upon the period of adolescence.
 Tn such an Intermediate school. a rocess of self discipline can be car ed forward which greatly increases le personal initiative of the pupils.
 gain of conspicuous advantage to rose whose school life will terminate the close of grammar grades.
 The members of the committee are lev. Joseph H. Selden, Robert Mo reely and Frank H. Smith.
 Attended senfors' Reception.