IN THE

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

OF

San Francisco, California,

1897-1898.

Course for Primary and Grammar Grades prepared by the Superintendent;
for High, Normal, and Evening Schools, by Principals.

T

HIS Course of Study has been prepared with the expecta

tion that teachers will study and follow it carefully. It

is presumed that they will familiarize themselves with the details, not only of their own, but, at least, of the next higher and the next lower grade.

The aim is, first: To offer suggestions in teaching intended as hints rather than as rules, each teacher being expected to keep informed on methods contained in books and journals on pedagogics, and to select or originate the particular plans by which he can best secure the advancement of the class. Second: To outline strictly the work that must be accomplished by each grade in each term of the year, to have the essential studies, as defined by law, so taught that pupils completing the course of the primary and grammar schools may be able to read well, to compose a letter grammatically and in good form, to write legibly, to spell ordinary words correctly, and to use figures accurately and with reasonable rapidity in arithmetical computations; that, furthermore, they may conduct themselves honorably and with propriety, be possessed of some knowledge of the world, their country, and themselves, and be imbued with patriotism and civic pride.

It is certainly better that boys and girls leave school with strength, accuracy, and confidence in fewer branches than to attempt the elaboration of many and be weak in everything. By

weakness in everything is meant not merely feebleness in the subjects studied, but in those moral and intellectual factors,thoroughness, honesty, the cultivation of correct conceptions of what work is, and careful, definite methods of thought.

The common sense, devotion, and enthusiasm of our teachers are relied on to secure these results.

In response to a circular sent from the office of the Superintendent last term, principals and teachers of the School Department of San Francisco gave very freely, in many cases, their views concerning certain, to them, grave defects in the "Course of Study."

In the regular High Schools it was thought that, owing to the demands of the University, in its conditions for admission of students, and because of the high standards of advanced communities in the East and elsewhere, the time for the completion of their work should be extended. Therefore, this manual provides for four years in the High Schools. In the Polytechnic High School, which includes the old Commercial High School, other changes in the course will be observed.

In the responses to the circulars mentioned, recommendation was made that the work be recast for one year less of time in primary and grammar schools. This manual therefore divides the work of the common schools as follows:

While pupils will, in future, pass from the eighth grade to the High Schools, an advanced eighth grade will take the place of the former ninth, and have two special purposes: First, to receive those from the eighth who need or may wish better preparation for the High Schools; second, to give a year's special training for commercial, mechanical, or other of the active occu

pations in which youth may begin wage-earning or business careers. This department is especially demanded by that portion of the public who, while unable to send to any high or technical school, can by virtue of proximity to the grammar school maintain their children another year at their studies.

Principals and teachers actually engaged in the work are the real judges of what can be done in school by the children. To them all must defer. They now undertake to complete the conventional primary and grammar school course on lines suggested by themselves, as expressed in responses to a circular issued by the Superintendent. Another circular of the same character will be issued at a corresponding date the ensuing year.

Should a test of the work herein prescribed prove the advisability of any variation during the year, the changes can be made by special circular.

It is not expected that school work which is shown by the records to have been gradually deteriorating for years, till it is from one to two years behind that of Eastern cities and neighboring counties, can be brought up to standard in one year without great skill and effort.

The definite course requested has in this manual been granted, and the greater portion of time given to the fundamental branches,

Carpentery, sewing and cooking classes, not being general, and having special teachers, no course for these branches is given in this book.

In one primary and grammar school modern languages are taught, but the necessity for a special program here is not apparent.

There is a special teacher of physical culture, who supplies his own program to the classes.