The Filer record. (Filer, Idaho) 1919-1930, 1921-05-12
SMITH-HUGHES
WORK is GIVEN
EXPLANATION
Head OF Agricultural Department. In
High School Explains Its Prae-
teal Local Benefits

by G.. |. Banta. Instructor OF Agri
culture in the Rural High school.
During the past ten or fifteen years
there has been an educational awak
ening in favor OF the boy who hated
books. and as a result quit school a.
soon as the laws would permit him
% do so. Quit because his inclina.
lions were not 10 the professions
clergy, law. medicine. or teaching
Quit because his fingers and hands
were built TO use along with his
head. Quit because the school sys-
tenn did not permit him to use his
hands along with his head.
How TO stop this big outflow OF
boys and girls has been the vital
question 10 educators for about the
past twenty years. for il was only
that long ago that all progressive
educators We're boys worthwhile.
Some OF them do not think so. even
now.
Some educators OF the progressive
type realizing the need OF schools
where boys and girls could use their
hands as we'll as their heads, took
.hings into their own hands, and,
lided by progressive school boards,
began TO establish schools where
both heads and hands could be used.
The first step In nearly every case
was the Introduction OF manual
raining. In some OF the larger
schools. iron and foundry work fol-
lowed. The results were beyond
expectations, since the boy who
lated school suddenly took an in
crest At last he had the oppor-
unity to moke something he could
Use.
Recently we find educators with
lew exceptions advocating thruout
the country this new type OF educa-
ion, commonly known as vocational
IL has been placed in the
schools along with purely cultural
subjects which have held full sway
or so long.
rhe vocational educational work be-
anne so extensive that the govern
nent came to it's aid In 1917 by the /
passage OF the Smith-Hughes bill. |
This bill provides for federal aid to
he extent OF $1,000 per year for
chools offering vocational courses I
# a certain standard.
At present the Rural high school
4 Filler is drawing $1,000 per year
or the agricultural course being Of
erred to the students OF this vicinity
These courses are so planned that
he student may go on to college or
ITO his chosen profession. At least
alf or more OF his time is spent IN
ne study OF English. history, math-
MATES, science and ciyics. the bal
nee OF the term being spent In the
ry and practice OF the vocational
objects he has chosen.
TO give the boy more practical
tperience he must do protest work.
y project we mean the completion
some definite piece OF work with
record OF all labor. expense and re-
sipts which are involved IN bring
q the assignment to successful .
ose. In agriculture the projects
he the form OF growing a crop, or :
ring for stock for a period of six
onths. With the successful com
elton OF the project and the as
sned reading. the school grants y
m one school credit.
This work must all be supervised
the agriculture teacher who Wis
every project evrey week during
2 summer and over q month dur 4
Z the school term.
By recent agreement between
E State Board of Vocational Edu-
lion and the county farm bureau.
2 agriculture instructor H.. for his =
an assistant TO the coun- G
agent lie Will give or secure n
y available Information patrons OF e
, community may desire. lie n o.
re to help those who want help .
! not TO bother those who do not m
nj his aid.
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