Oakwood High School - Acorn Yearbook (Fithian, IL)

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FACULTY WAYNE KOONTZ Principal, Physics Culver-Stockton, A. B. University of Missouri, M. A. LOUISE RIDDLE Orientation, Biology University of Illinois, B. S. GEORGE HARRIGAN Music, English University of Cincinnati, B. S. Cincinnati Conservatory of Music University of Illinois ROBERT CESSNA Agriculture University of Illinois, B. S., M. S. ANN OGAN Speech, English Literature Rhetoric, Spanish University of Illinois, B. A. ALLEN MONTS Drivers’ Training Eastern Illinois State Teachers College, B. S. Pennsylvania State College, M. Ed. Shop, Mechanical Drawing DOROTHY JONES Orientation, Librarian University of Illinois, B. A. RICHARD KIMBLE Assistant Coach, Algebra Trigonometry, Drivers’ Training Practical Math LINDA WILSON Physical Education, General Science, Health Monmouth College, B. S. HOWARD JONES American Culture University of Illinois, B. A. HAROLD NEWTSON Shorthand, Typing Illinois State Normal University University of Illinois, B. S. WARREN WILTSIE Coach, Physical Education General Business, Social Problems Knox College, B. A. University of Illinois, M. A. BETTY REYNOLDS Home Economics University of Illinois, B. S.

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WHAT IS COMMON LEARNINGS OR CORE7 Schools in Illinois tend to fall into two general classifications, traditional and progressive. Students at Oakwood are attending a progressive school. The program of the progressive school is aimed at helping students satisfy both present and future needs. The democratic way of living is the basis upon which we strive to help students fulfill their needs. Classes which our students are required tc attend are called common learnings or core classes. Common learnings are offered all four years and their names are: orientation (freshmen), biology (sophomores), American culture (juniors), and social problems (seniors). . : . Group planning and group work are essential parts of the common learnings or core classes. Students and teacher together plan which topics should be included in a broad field of study. Under international relations the class might possibly come up with such sub-topics as war, atomic energy, revolutionary. Asia,: trade, etc. Much of the work in the class is done on a small group basis in order to give students experience in working together. Freshman orientation helps the student become better adjusted to school life, community and all kinds of people. Vocational areas and skills of useful grammar are also explored in this class. Biology helps students understand physical and emotional development besides acquainting them with public health agencies and the technique of giving first aid. American culture helps students build a workable definition of democracy, helps them understand the customs and worth of other cultures. They also probe the problem of how to achieve peace in our time. Social problems deals with those problems of immediate concern to seniors —what are specific qualifications in vocational fields, what are some fairly accurate means of predicting marriage happiness, etc. Critical thinking is an attitude which is fostered in all the common learnings courses. Facts are not used solely for the purpose of being memorized aird given back on a test, but the skills in obtaining facts are taught. We also try to point out why people think differently about controversial issues besides examining .some of the ways of resolving these issues. We believe we are educating people to become more active participants in our democratic way of life.

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