Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-05-18

one who can give his entire time to
the work. Public sentiment has been
crystallizing for n number of years
on the social center idea, but the
best expert opinion advises us that
any general movement along this
line to be fully successful requires
paid direction and supervision. AS
to evening schools. we have hardly
made beginning. 1t really grieves
me to think that we are doing SO
little, with all our mechanical equip
ment and facilities. for the adult
population of the city. / am sure
that Harrisburg is doing much less
aling this line than any city in the
State. These innovations would add
somewhat to the cost of operating
the schools, but, after all. the prin-
cipal consideration is not what n
thing costs. but what returns we
get for the expenditure we make.
Supervisors of Music
Supervisors of Music and Draw
ing-We have already touched upon
the scope of activity of the super
visors of special subjects. They
should be the responsible heads. in
their respective flelds, of the work
from the first grade through the
high school. In music the course of
study, glee clubs,\ choruses, orches-
tras. as we'll as methods of teaching.
should all be under the direction of
one individual who is made respon-
sible for results in music. Likewise
in drawing. The assistants, working
under their respective superiors,
would devote themselves largely to
helping the less efficient teachers
and strengthening the weak spots in
the system. 1 am of the opinion that
not more than one assistant is need
ed in the elementary grades in either
of these subjects. Others now en-
ployed could be transferred to the
junior high schools.
When High Schools Are Built
supervisor of Manual Training
When the Junior high schools are
! established there will be need of q
supervisor of manual training. His
duty would be to organize, direct and
supervise the instruction in manual
training, mechanical drawing. do
| mestic science and sewing in all
| schools. In no other way can any
common aim be attained or any def
mite system established. The board
already has the experience of pass
| ing on all manner frequisitions each
year from the various shops and
| other manual departments. All these
requisitions should come to the board
as the requsitions of one individual
who has all work of this character
under his direction and supervision.
Supervisor of Physical Education
This official would be employed to
organize, direct and supervise the
work in physical training. athletic
activities and hygiene. He would
have equal authority in the elemen-
tary grades, in the intermediate
schools, and in the high schools. We
are sadly neglecting the physical
| side nf hnVG anH GIRLS in
risburg-a fact which have repeat
edly called to the attention of the
! board. The basis of the highest in
tellectual and moral growth is a
sound and vigorous physical con-
| stitution. / am sure that the need
of an official, such as is proposed, tn
have full charge of this important
phase of educational work will ap-
peal to you.
Principals Unchanged
High Schol Principals-The du-
ties of these two officials will be un-
changed under the new organiza-
tions. Their work will be both adj
ministrative and supervisory in char
acter and they will be the respon-
sible heads of their respective
! schools. The three junior high OF
intermediate school principals will
perform like functions. No account
VI llS SelldIltS VI DTlI-
cipals is taken in this report, since
the financial tabulatIons are made
for comparative purposes, and the
expense for these officials add!
equally to the total expense under
either the old or the proposed plar
of organization.
VIII Direct Work
Elementary rincipals-Contrar!
to present practice these principal!
will do no regular teaching. They
will organize. direct and supervise
the work in their respective districts
and perform the customary admins.
trative duties incident to their po-
sitions. They will have the general
management of their groups OF
schools, will supervise teaching, con-
! duct tests, deal with transfers and
promotions in their districts, hold
teachers meetings, attend to matters
of discipline and make acquisitions
| for textbooks and supplies.
Head Teachers-In the absence
of the principal the head teacher
will be the responsible officer in
| charge of the school. She will at
tend to such duties as opening and
closing school, meeting visitors,
making out attendance reports, etc.
At all times the head teacher will
be ready to perform such service
and assistance as the principal may
require.
Many Adjustments
"I have thus outlined at consid-
erable length and to the best of my
ability the plan which l have in
mind and in my heart for the i'm
provement of supervision and ad-
ministration in our schools. I have
been thinking over some such plan
as this for several years, but have
found no opportune time until now
to present it. The establishment of
junior high schools will necessarily
involve many new adjustments, and
advantage can be taken of this con-
dition to put the proposed new plan
of organization into operation with
out loss of salary or hardship to any
one. The salary schedule for teach
ers in the intermediate schools be-