Goshen High School - Crimson Yearbook (Goshen, IN)

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on-ls --- CRIMI sou --- was The Hiqh School Curriculum lfarly in january IQZ2 the State Board of lfducation made arrangements for a Commission to investigate the School System of Indiana. 'liheir report touches on many phases of school work, and for the most part deals with adverse conditions as they exist and not on the excellent condition found in this system. Among the var- ious fields investigated the Curricula of the High Schools of Indiana was a field thoroughly in- vestigated and found to be in need of reconstruc tion. Not only in Indiana but elsewhere has this condition been found true. Some of our larger cities, particularly Los Angeles, has given special attention to a study of the school curriculum and the best authorities of the country have been called in to make a survey, and the results of the investigation have been used to build up a new course of study which wiil be efficient to meet the needs of the community and which will equalize the per capita cost, and minimize and N equalize the teaching load of the instructors. With these results and investigations in mind as we are about to enter our new high school building which is modern and will be equipped with the latest fixtures and fur- nishings of a high school, we are formulating and arranging our curriculum to meet the recently adopted state course of study suggested bv the Commission, and to take care of the individual needs and desires of the pupils and patrons, in such a manner that it will be economical, constructive and the per capita cost in the various depart- ments will he nearly equal. Principal O L. 'lllalfer To some people the courses of study offered in a department may seem unneces- sary, but since the public school is a democratic institution, and the needs of the com- munity and individual are various, such courses are offered and open to those who will be benefited thereby. In the heginning it is well to state no course will be offered that does not meet the approval of the State Board of Education. As Goshen is a community in which a large number of its High School Students will continue their education in institutions of higher learning, it is necessary to offer courses which will nieet the requirements for entrance into these institutions, but does not rrean these courses must be pursued by all graduating from the High School. Printed matter outlining these College and University entrance requirements will be placed in tlie hands of all pupils and others interested, as well as an outline and explanation of the courses. The State requires three years study of the English language for graduation, and --- GOSHEN --- 13

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el-ls --- CRIM: SON -- '- l9'z3 GOSHEN 1- 12

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cl-is --- CRIMZ soN ---1923 as this is the essential medium by which thought is expressed, the study of English will be required of all students until the requirement has been met or the pupil discontinues his school work. The first two years will be given to the study of composition, appli cation of grammar, and rhetoric, study of appropriate classics intended to create a desire for good Wholesome literature. Biography and autobiography of men and women who have reached fame and achievement will be a part of these classics. The third year of required English will consist of a half year study of American literature and a half year of advanced composition, the course outlining in general the field of newspaper work and journalism. In addition a fourth year of English will be offered in which American and English literature will be studied. An effort will be made to avoid the dissection of literature and to create a desire for literature which will contribute to the general welfare of the individual, and that will inspire. Closely related to our English Department is our Department of Public Speaking. A two semester course is offered as class work. Instruction in technique. of ex- pression, enunciation and pronunciation receive attention. Short talks, readings, im- promptu speeches, orations and debates are taken up in order. A period of several weeks at the end of the year will be given to the study of dramatics, and will result in the production of two or three act plays. The Public Speaking Department manages the extra-curriculum activities in Debating, Oratorical Contests and Discussions. lt proves itself of valuable assistance to other departments. In our new building a special room will be available that may be equipped with a temporary stage and stage settings. ln our present course of study one year of American history is required. This requirement has been changed to a requirement of three years of history and social science. This is based on the fact that the social conditions of our country and com- munity rnust be studied systematically by the youth of the present that he may become a better citizen, and the proper place for such study is in the school. The work ira history will consist of courses in European, American and English history. The course in social science will consist of a study of the social institution of a communityg the problems arising in administration of a community, state and nationg the care of our group of maimed, feeble-minded, and poor: economic questionsj and commerce and industry. This is a new field in secondary education, and l would like to discuss at length the need of the study of social education in secondary schools. As long as our Colleges and Universities demand two or more years of study of a foreign language for college entrance and as long as there is a demand for these sub- jects by pupils we will offer such courses. At present there seems to be a tendency to return to the study of foreign languages. Latin and French are the foreign languages offered at present. A bill passed the last state legislature authorizing the reinstallation of the teaching of German in High School. We do not expect to install this course at present. ln mathematics we will offer three and a half years and will require two years. The requirements will b eone year of algebra and one year of either geometry or applied mathematics. For those who wish advance work additional courses will be given in algebra, geometry and possibly trigonometry. Plenty of black-board space has been arranged for board work in thc new building. The Commercial Department will occupy spacious rooms and the number of --- sos:-len --- 14