Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/166

 of 1911, chapter 505, laws of 1911). Instead of concentrating upon a few costly trade schools, the plan is to build up a great system of industrial education for those actually in work; to do something, where nothing has been done to help all the workers; that is, the German continuation school in all its essentials has been incorporated into the school system of Wisconsin. The whole system is maintained by a special tax and has a special administrative board, as above described, in order that the boy and girl who is actually working may have as good a chance as the boy or girl who does not have to work, but can attend high school or college. Classes are being established as rapidly as possible, so that the special work in which children happen to be will be provided for. It is specifically provided that hygiene and sanitation must be taught in some way (chapter 615, laws of 1911). It is specifically ordered also, that all illiterates under twenty-one years of age must attend evening schools whenever these evening schools can be reached by them, unless excused because of lack of strength (chapter 522, laws of 1911). An attempt has been made to rehabilitate the old system of apprenticeship by chapter 347, laws of 1911, but it will be noted that the outline of the indenture contains the following which shows the social purpose of this kind of legislation:

"An agreement between the employer and the apprentice that not less than five hours a week of the aforesaid fifty-five hours per