Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 4.djvu/323

 CHICAGO VACATION SCHOOLS

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outline the work to be accomplished. He should have the power to select the teachers, thus making him directly respon- sible for the educational work. Each school must be provided with a strong principal, whose duty shall be to carry out the work outlined by the superintendent. He will have no time to do class work.

There should be no " head teachers " in the various schools, but all should receive the same pay for the same amount of work. There should be directors for each department, who, if appointed in time, could plan the work and each take charge of a class in some one of the schools. An exception to the above should be made in the case of directors of nature study and excur- sions. The teachers should receive more money for their services. Only teachers of similar educational ideas should be placed in the same school, but individual schools should attempt the solution of the various problems that present themselves. Sloyd might be taught in one school and manual axviicalpolk stklet girl training in another; fancy work in one and plain sewing in another. As long as the schools are experimental, why not attempt something that would benefit all who are trying to dis- cover what is best for the American child ?

The teachers should be appointed in time, so that they may make the necessary preparation for the work. They should visit all of the excursion grounds before the beginning of school at least twice with the director of nature study, who should have plainly outlined what is to be seen and how to see it. Frequent teachers' meetings should be held before and during the term, for the purpose of comparing notes and receiving suggestions. At least three parents' meetings should be held at each school during the season, and teachers of one school should have a