Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-03-15
pN|OR HIGH SCHOOL IS TOPIC
b. Hillegas and Supervisor Hill
peak at Teachers Conference.

Hi $50 o.. ~ 49,
rur-leor FInn Best FOR smaller Com.
PnuDitics, Thrce-Year for Cities
Too SIony in Villages
he Junior ilisn scnool was the centra
Pject of considera ton Friday at tn,
annual conference of Vermont schools
h the State university. Dr. Milo e
legas, State commissioner of education
We an address jim the morning on THE
nior High School and the Educationa
hey of Vermont followed by a dis.
sion in which President Benton of the
versity participated. And at the aft.
Don session Clyde NJ. Hill, supervisor
junior high schools in the State, spoke
The Junior High School at Work.
PiIn. w. II. Douglass of the junior high
DOL OF this city and others discussed
'ious questions proposed by Mr.. Hill
F.. jerks, professor of agricultural
Fcation in the schools, presided at the
cluson Of the supervisor paper and
red tho discussion.
ndcr the heading Certain Propositions
ativc to Junior High Schools in Yer
MT" Dr. Hilcgas outlined clearly his
ss Of what should characterize eff
ut junior high schools OF the II propo-
ons the following are selected as in
ating the policy and intents of the
Iartment of education:
the moro important requirements for
efficient school system are:
Eal 4 sufficient number of competent
chcrs. ~
b. a course of study that meets needs
so far as we know them and that is
removed from the normal interests of
hdren.
fc) Supervision that helps the teacher
Improve. her work and to connect It
h that done by other teachers in the
DOL system.
Cd Convenient rooms and adequate
larry and laboratory equipment.
The course of study I'm Junior high
ools can be so arranged as to consider
hl needs and to utilize the normal in
ests Of the children to a much greater
ent than is possible under the usual
anization.
The added advantages of the junior
expenses required by the ordinary Or
ization 1t is, therefore, essential that
smaller communities, in particular,
Pive assistance from the State Event
y the per capita cost in these schools
not be so great as it was under the
system.
he best form Of organization for jun
high schools in the smaller commune
In
er present conditions this represents
limit of the education obtained by
hy boys and girls. 1t also tends to
children at home one year longer
would the three-year plan.
he best form of organization for jun
high school work in the cities of YER
i Is probably the three year plan This
les the Vermont cities comparable to
Fe in most other States.
he lack of teachers and the problems
local adjustment make it essential
the State should not approve too
% number of Junior high schools in
smaller communities. In the estab-
ment Of junior high schools in such
munities preference should he given
hose where public sentiment generally
Prs the change.
'tHouSH FUNDAMENTAL aim IN the
pr high school is to present work Of
Importance, the value Of which is
aren't to the pupil and the parents,
need not interfere with preparing
and girls for college,"
rhaps the largest part of Hills paper
occupied with a description of tho
the junior high schools, following the
OF DR.. Hillegas in one proposition Of
foregoing, are considering local needs
utilizing. the normal interests Of the
In teaching various subjects. The
nonsense methods employed. in con.
lity with the principles Of the psy-
ogy or adolescence to keep the child
ested ana to enable him or her to get
laction from studies, seemed to enlist
sympathy OF all the teachers present
showed the artihciality of grouping
lpiis cascd on a marking which would
child with rank Of 90 per cent. in
Eerent class from one with 70 per
etc. ,..,
closing. he said: III were asked to
n definition of Vermont Junior
schooi wouid say it is an opportun-
an opportunity to give all the chill
OF all the people the training bcst
81 to their needs, whether they ex-
W SOath'oS thCiT SouTsCS OF QFOD
an opportunity to teach pupils how
plve their future; an opportunity to
hold of pupils so as to retain a maxi
number, of pupils in school a maxi
length OF time; in shoiv, an oppor-
y to organize. adm.--as1er and teach
aImony viii the findings of modern
biology In such way that our schools
be Justified in comparative education,
psychology and results.
hat opportunity have you found for
snlzing and providing for Individual
rences in your pupils:" the first Of
questions for discussion, was dis
bd briefly by Principal VIII. Douglass
burlington. Another question was
at opportunities have you had to APP
rh old subjects in Gthe curriculum
,gh interesting local material?" An
What opportunity have you had
AXE your class Rotations more So
ed than In the past ."
re was an interpilssion at 1890,
tie nonresident teachers present
TIE guests At luncheon Of The uni
~ IN the gymnasium.
f30 in the afternoon President and
Beuton gave reception to the