BOARD OF EDUCATION, . - { CALIFORNIA, MISSOURI. J. P. H. Gray Term expires 1886 W. J. FuLi^ " " 1886 C. M. GoE]%N " " 1885 H. A. YaeiS:ll " " 1885 N. C. Rice " " 1884 J. E. Pearson " " 1884 OFFICERS. J. P. H. Gray President. C M. Gordon Secretary. H. C. Rice Treasurer. F. W. Parsons .Superintendent. STANDING COMMITTEES. On Buildings, Grounds, Gpparatus and Furniture — Rice, Yar- NELL and Pearson. On Text-Books — Gordon, Rice and Fulks. On Rules, Regulations and Course of Study — Gordon, Fulks, Pearson and Rice. On Teachers — Yarnell, Gordon and Pearson. On Janitors and Supplies — Fulks. On Fuel — Pearson and Rice. On Claims — Fulks, Yarnell and Rice. PREFACE. This Hand-Book is for ready reference and daily use. Ife.con- tains the courses of study, the syllabus of instruction and all l^des and regulations adopted by the Board of Education pertainin^i the duties of teachers, pupils, parents and janitors. Teachers, you are asked to make this a note book filled with comments on your daily work. Also, to record your personal trials in discipline, with the result of each case. Note concisely queries for teachers' meetings, and subjects for consultation with Superin- tendent. Make your notes while the incidents are JFresh in the memory. Study the grade work carefully. Read tlcM rules to the pupils in regard to their behavior, and also explain, as often as may be necessary to parents, such portions of the rules and regulations as they ought to know. Please write all entries with ink, and keep the book clean, as I wish it returned to the office at the close of the year. However, should you wish to keep a copy for your own use, a duplicate will be furnished. Truly yours, F. W. PARSONS, Superintendent. California, Mo., August, 1883. RULES OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. Section 1. The members of the Board of Education shall meet and organize each year, as required by law. Sec. 2. At the first meeting after the organization of the Board in each year, the President shall appoint, subject to the ap- proval of the Board, the following standing committees, viz : 1. A committee on School Buildings and Grounds, Apparatus and Furniture, consisting of three members. 2. A committee on Text-Books and Course of Instruction, con- sisting of three members. 3. A committee on Rules and Regulations, consisting of three members. 4. A committee on Examination and Appointment of Teachers, consisting of the President of the Board, two other members and the Superintendent. 5. A committee on Janitors and Supplies, consisting of the Chairman of the Committee on Buildings and Grounds, the Chair- man of the Auditing Committee, and one other member. 6. An Auditing Committee, consisting of three members. Sec. 3. The Board siiall hold its regular meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, at 7:30 o'clock p. m., unless otherwise ordered by the Board. Special meetings of said Board may be called by the President, or by two members thereof, upon giving five days notice of the time and place of holding the same. Sec. 4. A majority of the Board shall be requisite to consti- tute a quorum for the transaction of business. Sec. 5. All questions relating to the conduct of Teachers, their qualifications, etc., shall be considered with closed doors. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT. Sec. 6. The President shall take the chair at the time ap- pointed for the meeting of the Board, and shall call the members to order, and on the appearance of a quorum, he shall cause the min- utes of the last meeting of the Board to be read, and shall proceed to business in the following order : 1. Reports of committees, to be called in order. 2. Petitions and communications. 3. Reports and suggestions from the Superintendent. 4 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Sec. 7. The President shall preserve order and decorum in the meetin«^s, and shall decide all questions of order, subject to appeal to the Board. Sec. 8. The President shall rise to address the Board, but may put a question or read sitting. Pie shall declare all votes ; but in case of doubt shall, on request of any member, require members to rise, and stand until they are counted, and he shall then declare the result. The vote on any question may be taken either by yeas and nays or by ballot, when any member shall call for them. Sec. 9. When the President wishes to address the Board at length, on any subject or question pending before it, he shall re- quest some member to take the chair temporarily, but may state facts and give his opinion on questions of order, without leaving the chair. Sec. 10. A motion to adjourn shall always be in order, except when a member has the floor, or when a question has been put and not decided. RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS. Sec. 11. When any member is about to speak in debate, or to present any matter to the Board, he shall rise in his place and re- spectfully address the President, and shall confine himself to the question under debate, and avoid personalities. Sec. 12. No member, while speaking, shall be interrupted by another, except to call to order, or to correct a mistake. Sec. 13. No member shall speak more than five minutes at any one time on any motion or order under discussion, nor more than twice on the same question, without leave first obtained of the Board, nor more than once until all the members choosing to speak shall have spoken. Sec. 14. All resolutions offered by members of the Board shall be submitted in writing. Sec. 15. Any question of order not provided for in these rules shall be decided according to well established parliamentary rules for the government of deliberative bodies. DUTIES OF STANDING COMMITTEES. Sec. 16. It shall be the duty of the Committee on School Buildings and Grounds, Apparatus and Furniture, to exercise a general supervision over the warming and ventilation of the several school houses, and any improvement in the school grounds that may be found necessary, and from time to time to recommend the purchase of such apparatus as may be found necessary, and the purchase, change or alteration of such school furniture as they may deem expedient. Sec. 11. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Text-Books and Course of Instruction from time to time to recommend to the Board such improvements in the course of instruction, and such changes in the books used in the schools, as ma}- be deemed ex- pedient. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 5 Sec. 18, It shall be the duty of the Committee on Rules and Regulations, from time to time, and especially at the season for publishing the Annual Report, to prepare such revisions and modi- fications of the rules and regulations as they may deem expedient, and submit them to the Board. Sec. 19. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Examin- ation and Appointment of Teachers, from time to time to examine all candidates who may apply for situations in the public schools; (candidates shall be examined in the absence of all spectators ex- cept members of the Board of Education and the Superintendent;) to make such appointments and transfers of female teachers as the wants of the several schools may require ; but all appointments made by committee shall be temporary ; and at each regular meet- ing of the Board it shall be the duty of the said committee to pre- sent a list of all appointment made by them since their last report; which list of appointments shall be recorded, and at the succeed- ing regular meeting the same shall be taken up as a part of the regular business of the Board, and acted on by the confirmation or rejection of such appointments : Provided, that the Board may j)ostpone the action on such appointments from one meeting to another. Sec. 20. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Janitors and Supplies to make all necessary arrangements for the care of the school buildings and premises, and to exercise a general supervision of the various supplies of fuel, mats, clocks, crayons, etc. Sec. 21. It shall be the duty of the Auditing Committee to ex- amine all bills charged to the School Tax fund, and express their approval or dissent, as the case may require. All bills approved by the Auditing Committee shall be regarded as approved by the Board. Sec. 22. None of the foregoing rules shall be repealed or altered, unless a majority of all the members of the Board yote for the repeal or alteration, nor unless upon motion, made in writing for that purpose, at a previous meeting of the Board ; but any rule may be dispensed with for a particular occasion, on the concurrence of two-thirds of all the members present. ELECTION OF TEACHERS. K U L E 1. The school year, for the purposes contemplated in these rules, shall commence on the first Monday in September of each year, and continue forty weeks. RULE 2. The engagements of the Board of Education with all the teach- ers of the public schools shall terminate at the expiration of the term for which they were employed ; and at the last i-egular meet- ing before the close of the summer term, the Board shall elect such of the present teachers as they may choose, and fix their salaries. The Superintendent may be elected at the regular meeting in May. RULES AND REGULATIONS. I. GENEEA.L KULES. Section 1. No public school building or premises shall be rented or permitted to be used or occupied for any other purpose whatever than for public schools. Se€. 2. The houses shall be kept locked during the absence of the teachers, and no person, except those who have charge of said houses, shall have permission to remain in or enter them during such absence ; Provided, That for good cause, the Superintendent may suspend the last clause of this rule. Sec. 3, The hours of tuition shall be from 9 o'clock a. m., to 12 M., with fifteen minutes recess ; and from half past 1 o'clock p. M., to half past 4 p. m., with fifteen minutes recess. The Primary departments may be dismissed at 3:30 o'clock p. m. Sec. 4. New classes shall only be formed in the lowest grade of the Primary departments at the commencement of each term. Sec. 5. All applications, by teachers or others, to the Superin- tendent, on school matters, shall be made, as far as practicable, be- tween the hours of 4 and 5 o'clock p. m., on school days, and from 9:30 to 11 A. M., on Saturdays, at the ofiice of the Board of Educa- tion. Sec. 6. Non-resident pupils shall pay in advance the following rates of tuition : No non-resident pupil shall be admitted to any school who does not bring a notice from the Superintendent that the above rates of tuition have been paid. Sec. 1. The Superintendent of Public Schools shall visit all the schools as often as his duties will permit ; and shall pay partic- ular attention to the classification of the pupils in the several schools, and to the apportionment among the classes of the prescribed High School and Grammar Department Intermediate Schools , Primary , Colored , $2.50 per month. 2.50 1.50 1.50 II. DUTIES OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 7 studies. In passing from school to school, he shall endeavor to transfer improvements and to remedy defects. He shall direct teachers as to the best modes of government and instruction, and always be ready to counsel and advise them in all matters connected with schools under their charge. Sec. 8. He shall have authority to call meetings for the pur- pose of conferring with the teachers in respect to the best methods of discipline and instruction. He shall have the privilege of call- ing together, at those meetings, such classes of the schools as he may wish to employ in illustrating the principles presented. Sec. 9. He shall carefully observe the teaching and discipline of all the teachers employed in the public schools, and shall report to the Board of Education whenever he shall find any teacher de- ficient or incompetent in the discharge of his or her duties. Sec. 10. He shall devise and report to the Board, a system of blanks for registers and reports ; have charge of their distribution to teachers, and return by them; and prescribe to teachers rules for keeping the same. These blanks shall be especially adapted to show the scholarship and actual attendance of each pupil in the schools, the number of those who are constant and uniform in attendance, and of those who ai-e not, together with the degree of irregularity. Sec. 11. He shall acquaint himself with whatever facts and principles may concern the interests of popular education, and with all matters in any way pertaining to the organization, discipline and instruction of public schools, to the end that all the children of this city, who are instructed in the public schools, may obtain the best education which these schools can impart. Sec. 12. He shall keep the Board constantly advised of the condition of the public schools, and the changes required in the same ; he shall prepare a general report of the condition of the public schools at the close of each school year, for publication. He shall, moreover, report to the Board of Education, from time to time, such by-laws and regulations for the government, discipline and management of the public schools, as he may deem expedient, and the same may be adopted by the Board ; and he shall also [)er- form such other duties as the Board may, from time to time, direct. Sec. 13. AH directions or requirements of scholars or teach- ers, by the Board, shall be communicated through the Superinten- dent. HI, DUTIES OF TEACHERS. Sec. 14. It shall be the duty of all the teachers to make them- selves acquainted with the rules prescribed by the Board, and ob- serve and enforce the same, as far as they relate to their several departments. A faithful compliance with all the rules relating to teachers shall be one of the conditions on which the teachers retain their connection with the public schools. ♦ CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Sec. 15. All teacliers in the public schools are required to be -at their respective school rooms from the first of November to the first of April, thirty minutes before the time prescribed for com- tnenciiig school in the morning, and fifteen minutes before in the afternoon ; during the remainder of the school year they shall be present twenty minutes before the time prescribed in the morning, and fifteen minutes before in the afternoon. The school rooms shall be opened at this time for the reception of pupils. Teachers who are not present at their respective school rooms at the time required, shall report themselves as tardy. Sec. 16. Each teacher shall prepare a program of daily exer- cises, and shall furnish a neat copy to the Superintendent within two weeks after the schools commence, and shall give him notice of any change made therein during the year. Sec. IV. Each teacher is required to have a copy of the regu- lations in his or her school room, and to read to the scholars, at least once in each term, so much of the same as will give them a just understanding of the rules which apply to them, and by which they are governed. ATTENDANCE UPON TEACHERS' MEETINGS. Sec. 18. All teachers in the employ of the Board shall attend all teachers' meetings which the Superintendent may appoint (not exceeding two meetings each month), and absence from, or tardi- ness at such meetings shall be considered equivalent to absence or tardiness during the ordinary sessions of the school. Sec. 19. It shall be a duty of the first importance on the part of teachers, to exercise constant supervisi(5n and care over the gen- eral conduct of their scholars, and on all suitable occasions to in- culate the observance of cori-ect manners, habits and principles, not only on the school premises, but also in going to and returning from school. Sec. 20. Fighting, quarreling, using profane or indecent lan- guage, or encouraging others to fight, or throwing stones, are strictly prohibited. Sec. 21. Running and playing in the halls is strictly prohibited. Sec. 22. All teachers shall punctually observe the hours ap- pointed for opening and dismissing the schools ; and during the time from the opening of the school rooms to the departure of the children from the school premises, the teachei-s shall faithfully de- vote themselves to the duties of their oflfice. Sec. 23. The morning exercises of each department of the several schools may commence with reading the Scriptures, with- out note or comment, and this exercise may be followed by repeat- ing the Lord's prayer, and appropriate singing iiot occupying more than ten minutes. Sec. 24. It is particularly enjoined upon all teachers to regard the moral and social culture of their pupils as not less important than tlieir mental discipline. They must not tolerate in them false- CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 9 hood, profanity, cruelty, or any other form of vice. By example and precept they shall endeavor to form them to habits of social refinement, forbidding the use of indelicate, coarse and ungram- matical language, and the practice of unbecoming attitudes. Sec. 25. No subscription or contribution shall be allowed in the public schools. Sec. 26. No teacher shall read, or allow to be read, any adver- tisement, or allow any advertisement to be distributed in school or upon the school premises, except such as pertain to local benevolent affairs, and then only when authorized by the Superintendent. No agent shall be allowed to announce any public entertainment; nor is any one to take the time of the school by lectures of any kind. Sec. 27. No teacher shall send any pupil during school hours upon errands not pertaining to the business affairs of the school. Sec. 28. It shall be the duty of the teachers to keep their rooms well ventilated — to see tliat the air ducts are kept open at all times when the school is in session. The windows should be lowered from the top, and particular care should be taken that the pupils are not required to sit in drafts of cold air. The rooms in winter should never be heated above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. No window shall be raised while the building is heated by furnaces. Sec. 29. Any teaclier may be allowed one-half day in each term for the purpose of visiting other public scliools, and observing the different modes of instruction and discipline; Provided, Thnt any tardiness in arrival shall be reported, and the entire half day shall be devoted to the proper object for which such visits are allowed; but no school shall be closed without the permission of the Superintendent. Nor shall more than one school be closed in any building at the same time. Sec. 30. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent to see that all the clocks belonging to the schools are regulated by the city time every morning ; and all the teachers shall conform to this standard in making their record of attendance both for themselves and their pupils. Sec. 31. The Superintendent shall be held responsible for the general management and discipline of the schools, and tfie other teachers shall follow his directions and co-operate with him not only during the school hours, but during the time when the pupils are on the school premises before and after school, and during the recesses. Each assistant shall be held responsible for the order and discipline of his or her own room, under the general direction of the Superintendent. Sec. 32. The Superintendent of the schools shall establish special rules for the purpose of securing uniform good order on the part of the scholars in passing through the halls and stairways, at the commencement of the school, at recesses, and at dismissal. It shall be the duty of the other teachers to co-operate fully in secur- ing this object. Sec. 33. The Superintendent shall prescribe such regulations 10 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. as sIimU insure the good condition, neatness and cleanliness of the yards, basements and out-buildings. Sec 34. The Superintendent shall examine the class books and registers at least once a month, giving such directions as will insure tlieir being kept in a proper manner. All records, except in the class books, must be made in ink. All the class books and other record books, when filled up, and at the close of each school year, are to be returned to the office of the Board of Education. Sec. 35. The teachers shall furnish to the Superintendent the monthly reports required of them. These reports should be' in the hands of the Superintendent on or before the Monday evening next following the last day of the month covered by the report. They shall also furnish, or cause to be furnished, a report of the attend- ance, scholarship and behavior of each pupil to the parents or guar- dian of the same. Sec. 36. It shall be the duty of all teachers employed in the public schools, to attend a Teachers' Meeting, to be held on the second Saturday of each school month, at the High School Room, or such other jjlace as the Superintendent may direct. This meet- ing shall be opened at 9 o'clock, and continue until 12 o'clock m., or longer if necessary, with a recess of fifteen minutes. Sec. 37. The teachers shall practice such discipline in the school as would be exercised by a kind, firm, judicious parent in his family, and they shall avoid corporal punishment when good order can be preserved with milder measures. It is strictly enjoined upon all teachers to avoid all appearance of indecent haste, and passionate or harsh expressions in the discipline of their pupils, and in the more difficult cases that may occur, to apply to the Superintendent for advice and direction. All cases of corporal punishment shall be reported to the Su[)erintendent at the end of each month. Sec. 38. All teachers, when absent from school, except for sickness, shall forfeit their salary during the continuance of such absence : Provided, no compensation shall be allowed to any teacher after an absence of one week. In all cases of sickness teachers are expected to notify the Superintendent immediately, and a failure to do so will cause a forfeiture of salary. Sec. 39. No school shall be closed without the permission of the Superintendent, except in case of sudden sickness or other eniergency, when the Superintendent may grant such permission. • ■ duties to superintendent. Sec. 40. All teachers shall be subject to the direction of the Superintendent, in the employment of their time during school hours ; shall rigidly enforce all the rules by his direction ; shall re- port to him all cases requiring his authority ; shall carry out his plans and methods of instruction and order ; shall report to him as often as required, such facts as are made a matter of record, and shall zealously unite with him in advancing the interests of the CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 11 sehool. Whenever any teacher shall be temporarily absent from school, it shall be the duty of said teacher to send notice forthwith to the Superintendent, stating the cause of such absence. IV. DUTIES OF PUPILS. Sec. 41. All children between the ages of six and twenty years, who are bona fide residents of the School District, have a right to the privileges of the public schools ; but no child, whose residence is not in the district, or who has only a temporary residence in it for the purpose of attending the public schools, shill be received in any school. TO PARENTS. Sec. 42. When pupils enter the school, the Superintendent should be informed of any constitutional weakness or infirmity to which they may be subject, that special attention may be given them. Sec. 43. Each applicant must present to the teacher a cer- tificate of admission from the Superintendent. This certificate must be obtained by the parent or guardian. Sec. 44. No pupil shall be allowed to retain connection with any school unless furnished with books, slate and other articles to be used in the class to which he belongs : Provided, That no pupil shall be excluded for such cause unless the parent or guar- dian shall be furnished by the teacher with a list of books or articles needed, and one week shall elapse after such notice, without the pupil obtains said books : Pro aided, farther, That no teacher shall suspend a pupil for the cause stated in this section, without first consulting with the Supei-intendent. Pupils must cheerfully obey the requirements of the teachers. Sec. 45. A pupil, for violent or pointed opposition to author- ity, in any particular instance, a teacher shall immediately report the case to the Superintendent for determination. Sec. 46. Every pupil shall pay for all damages he or she may do to the property of other pupils; and any pupil who shall in any way cut, or otherwise injure any part of any public school house, or furniture, or injure any fences, trees or out-buildings belonging to any of the public school estates, or shall write any profane or obscene language, or make any obscene pictures or characters on any public school premises, shall pay for the same and shall be lia- ble to suspension, expulsion or other punishment, according to the nature of the offense. Sec. 47. Whenever the teacher of any school shall report to the Superintendent the name of a pupil whose conduct is con- sidered such, in school or out, that he is an unfit member of the school, the Superintendent shall examine the case without delay. 12 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. and if in liis opinion tlie pupil has been duly admonisherl, and re- formation appears to be hopeless, he shall suspend such pupil from school, and shall report the case to the Board at its next meeting. EXPULSION. Sec. 48. Two cases of suspension in the same year shall con- stitute an expulsion for the balance of the year, unless very clear evidence is given that the circumstances causing suspension were unavoidable. Sec. 49. Whenever a parent wishes to have his child leave school before its close, for the purpose of attending to any music, writing or drawing lessons, he shall apply to the Superintendent, who may grant such permission, provided it will not interfere with the pupil's i-egular course of instruction in school. RESTORATION. Sec. 50. Parents or guardians desiring the restoration of their children who have been suspended, must apply to the Super- intendent, who shall have authority to restore a pupil only if it be his first suspension for any school year, or to the Board of Educa- tion, and before their requests are granted must give assurance that they will use their utmost efforts to secure entire conformity to all I'ules of the school on the part of their children. Sec. 51. The bell of each school shall be rung three minutes before the hour for commencing school, and every pupil who is not in the school room when the hour arrives, shall be marked as tardy. Sec. 52. Every scholar \vho shall be absent four half days in four consecutive weeks, without an excuse from the parent or guardian, given either in person or by written note, satisfying the teacher that the absences were caused by his own sickness or by sickness in the family, or other unavoidable circumstances, shall forfeit his seat in the school, and the Superintendent shall forthwith notify the parent that the pupil is suspended. No pupil thus sus- pended, unless for sickness, shall be restored to school until the parent or guardian has given satisfactory assurance that the pupil will be punctual in the future, and obtained permission from the Superintendent for him to return. Parents should, in all cases, be notified by written or printed note, of the absence of their chil- dren ; the first two may be sent by the pupil, but the third, when practicable, shall be served by the teacher, personally. In the ap- plication of the foregoing rule, two tardinesses, or leaving school without permission, shall be regarded the same as one absence. Sec. 53. Any pupil who shall absent himself from any regular examination, or special exercise of the school which he attends, without rendering a satisfactory excuse to the teacher, shall be sus- pended from school, and the teacher shall immediately report the case to the parent of the pupil; and also to the Superintendent for his action thereon. Sec. 54. The promotion of pupils from one grade or class to CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 13 another, shall be made at such times as the interests of the schools may require. No pupil shall be promoted from one grade or class to another, until he is able to sustain an examination satisfactory to the Superintendent in all the studies of the grade from which he is to be transferred. Sec. 55. Any scholar carrying fire-arms, or other deadly weapons, or a toy pistol, shall be suspended and reported to the Board. Sec. 56. Any child coming to school without proper attention being given to cleanliness, or whose clothes need repairing, shall be sent home to be properly prepared for school. Sec. 5V. No teacher or pupil shall use tobacco in any form about the school buildings. Sec. 58. No pupil shall be permitted or continued in the pub- lic schools, known to be affected with a contagious or infectious disease, or coming from a family where any such disease prevails. Sec. 59. No pupil shall be received in any public school with- out furnishing evidence satisfactory to the Superintendent, that he or she has been vaccinated or secured against small-pox. Sec. 60. No pupil shall leave one department to attend another without the written consent of the Superintendent, which will only be granted upon the certificate of the teacher. Sec. 61. No pupil shall leave school before the hour of closing without the permission of the teacher. Sec. 62. After the first week in the year, new pupils will only be admitted to the schools on Monday morning of each week. Sec. 63. No pupil shall be examined for transfer to the High School, who does not bring a certificate from the teacher of the school to which he belongs, stating that he has sustained a good character in scholarship and deportment while belonging to the school. Sec. 64. Any pupil who wilfully violates these rules will be punished, suspended or expelled, at the discretion of the Superin- tendent and Jioard of Education. HIGH SCHOOL. Section 1. No pupil shall be admitted to the High School who is not twelve years of age, and who has not passed a satis- factory examination in reading, spelling, penmanship, geography, grammar, arithmetic and United States History. Sec. 2. All pupils admitted shall be on probation the first term, and if at the end of that time they do not hold a fair position in the classes, they shall be withdrawn from the school. If at the time of making the Monthly Report to parents, the pupil is found to have a scholarship or deportment average of less than 15, he or she may be dropped into a lower class. Sec. 3. If a pupil has an average of less than 75 in any study, the fact shall be noted on the Ledger, under the head of Studies not satisfactorily completed^ 14 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. RULES FOR THE JANITOR. Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Janitor to ring the bell at such times as the Superintendent may direct. Sec. 2. He shall also keep the house in a neat and proper man- ner, sweeping it daily, and scrubbing when necessary. Sec. 3. He shall make all fires, and see that the rooms are kept comfortably heated during the hours of school. Sec. 4. He shall take charge of the building and premises at the close of each afternoon session, locking doors, fastening windows, examining fires, and perform any other duty necessary to the safety of the building and its contents. Sec. 5. He shall make a daily review of the school building and privies, and report to the Principal or the Superintendent any injury done to the same. Sec. 6. He shall also perform such other duties as the Super- intendent, in connection with the Board, may direct, and keep all the fences, pumps and out property in good repair. EXAMINATIONS. Section 1. There shall be, at the end of the year, an examin- ation held for the transfer of pupils from one grade to another. Sec. 2. At the close of each school year there shall be an ex- amination of all candidates for admission into the High School, which shall be conducted in writing by the Superintendent, who may call to his assistance any or all the teachers in said school; and at the close of the examination it shall be the duty of the Superintendent to report a list of the successful candidates to the Board. If the Board shall deem it necessary, a second examin- ation may be held just before the commencement of the school in September. Sec. 3. At the close of the month the classes in the Grammar Department of each school, and the classes in the High School, «hall be examined by the teachers with written questions prepared by the Superintendent, and the results, in tabular form, of such examinations, together with the questions and examination papers, shall be reported to the Board for their inspection. Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of teachers to hold a written exam- ination at least once in four weeks, in the classes of the 5th, 4th, 3d, 2d and 1st grades. The studies shall be taken up consecu- tively, and the results of the examination recorded in the class- books, and the questions and examination papers filed in the office of the Board. DIPLOMAS. Students who complete the prescribed course satisfactorily, and pass the examination of the Board of Education and Superintend- ent, will receive appropriate Diplomas, signed by the Superintend- ent, and President and Secretary of the Board of Education, with the seal of the Board attached. COURSE OF STUDY. The subjoined Course of Study represents what the average teacher ought to accomplish with the average class. It may be possible to do more, and sometimes less — but in either case the Superintendent must be informed of the causes, etc. These matters have been talked over so often at our monthly meetings, that it is unnecessary here to go into details. All Courses of Study are in a measure experimental, and it is expected that this will need to be corrected from time to time. TO THE TEACHERS. HOW TO CONDUCT A LESSON. (a) Prepare yourself beforehand on the subject of the lesson of the day, fixing in your mind exactly what subjects you will bring up, just What definitions and illustrations you will give or draw out of the class. All must be marked and written down in the form of a synopsis. The blackboard is a most valuable appliance in oral lessons ; on it should be written the teclmical words discussed, the classification of- the knowledge brought out in the recitation, and, whenever possible, illustrative drawings, (b) Pains should be taken to select passages from the reference books, or from other books illustrative of the subject under discussion, to be read to the class with explanation and conversation, (c) Wherever tlje subject is of such a nature as to allow of it, the teacher should bring in real objects illustrative of it, and encourage the children to do the same, (d) But more stress should be laid on a direct appeal to their experience, encouraging them to describe what they have seen and heard, and arousing habits of reflection and enabling the pupil to acquire a good command of language, (e) Great care must be taken by the teacher not to burden the pupil with too many new technical phrases at a time, nor to fall into the opposite error of using only the loose, common vocabulary of ordinary life, which lacks scientific precision. Relieve the work by as much variety as possible ; Jirst, reading and explaining something adapted to the capacity of your pupils; secondly, drawing out in a conversational manner the experience and information which your scholars already possess on the subject; thirdly, exhibiting the visible objects which you or the pupils have brought to illustrate the lesson, and requiring the pupils to notice :^nd name the properties, qualities, parts, and attributes ; fourthly, never omitting to show by a synopsis on the blackboard what has been discussed in the lesson, its classification and relation. PRIMARY SCHOOLS. FIRST YEAR OR GRADE-COURSE OF STUDY- FIRST TERM OR QUARTER. Reading, — First Reader. Teach children to recognize the char- acters representing the different sounds, and to give the name and sound of letter distinctly. They should be taught to read in a natural and pleasant tone, not too low and not too loud ; also to spell by sound and letter, all words in the lessons. All words neatly printed or written on slates. Number. — Addition and subtraction of numbers under ten, using objects represented on the blackboard by marks, using the words and^ less and are, and the signs H and =. (Concrete examples.) Comparison of numbers under ten, having a difference of one, two, three, &c.; all ways of producing numbers as far as ten, develop figures, giving uses, through 9 (inclusive) ; Roman letters to ten. Writing. — The first four principles of Spencerian series, and the letters formed by them. Children should be able to write easy words by the close of the term, on slates or blackboard. Drawing. — The children should be taught to draw by combining straight lines from 1 to 10. GENERAL LESSONS. Human Body. — Lessons on principal parts of the body, general divisions of the head, trunk and limbs. Animals. — Finding, naming and numbering different parts of cow, horse, dog, cat and rabbit. Describing and giving position of parts of sheep, squirrel, mouse, lion and elephant. Objects. — Find, name, number and describe ; and give uses of parts of familiar objects. SECOND TERM. Reading. — First Reader, and review thoroughly. Children should be able to read distinctly and naturally any lesson gone over ; and to spell, by sound and letter, all words in the book, and fifty common words used in general lessons and names of objects in the room. They should be taught to name the capital letters 18 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. with the spelling of proper names, and the period after abbrevia- tions. The number of the page and lesson should be given, ex- pressed in ordinals. Each lesson written on slates. Number. — Review first terra's work, and substitute figures in- stead of marks. Develop ordinals to ten, using objects, giving terms first, second, third, &c. ' Write and read numbers to 50 ; Roman notation to L.; addi- tion and subtraction of ones and twos to 50, using and., less and are^ and the signs -] =. Illustrate all work with objects and concrete examples. Writing. — Same as first term's work. Special attention should be given to the correct formation of letters. Drawing. — Combinations of straight lines. GENERAL LESSONS. Color. — Distinguishing and naming colors ; primary and sec- ondary. Sirds. — Finding, naming and numbering parts of hen, pigeon, goose, duck, peacock. Describing and giving position of parts of canary, robin, owl, swan. Review all lessons from the beginning. THIRD AND FOURTH TERMS. Reading. — Second Reader. Directions same as for second term. All words in reading lessons spelled ; also, all new words in general lessons, with a thorough review. Number. — Addition and subtraction of twos to 100. Counting by twos to one hundred, forward and backward. Develop idea of figure in ten's place ; write and read numbers to 99 ; Roman nota- tion to LX. Neat tables made on slates. Concrete examples (without anal- ysis). Write and spell names of cardinals and ordinals to fifty. Writing. — Children should be able to write their own names on their slates, also short sentences. The use of the capital letter and the period at the beginning and close of a sentence. Drawing. — Simple figures copied from blackboard. GENERAL LESSONS. Plants. — Roots — their use — supporting the plant, nourishing it, and furnishing it food. Common forms of roots. Stem — its uses in supporting the branches. Leaves — their common forms, parts, uses and names. Flowers — their form, color, perfume and names. In this grade use common names only. Size. — Relative size of objects ; relative size of lines drawn by children ; relative distances between marks and between parallel lines on board. General review of all work gone over. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 19 Physical exercises and singing daily throughout the year. Moral lessons given occasionally by reading or telling stories. For methods in all oral lessons see Sheldon's Manual of Ele- mentary Instruction and Calkin's Object Lessons. wSECOND YEAR OR GRADE-COURSE OF STUDY FIRST TERM. Reading. — Second Reader. Children should be taught to read distinctly and naturally, avoiding all drawling or monotony of voice. They should also be able to give in their own language, the substance of each lesson. The number of the page and lesson should be given in ordinals. Lead children to observe capital let- ters and give simple directions for using them. Names and use of punctuation marks; analysis of words without representing sounds; all words spelled ; important words defined; spelling lessons neatly written upon slates. Spelling. — In addition to all words in the reading, children should learn to spell the names of the days of the week, the names of the months of the year, and all new words used in general les- sons. Number. — Addition and subtraction of 2's, 3's, 4's and 5's to 100. Counting by 2's and 3's to 100, forward and backward; Arabic notation to 500; Roman notation to 100. Each meaning and spelling of the terms plus, minus and equal. Neat tables made upon slates or blackboard. Prompt answers to concrete examples without analysis. Writing. — All the principles, small and capital letters, and short sentences. Spencerian copy-book, No. 1. Great care and attention should be given to the neatness and accuracy of the work. The teacher should make constant use of tlie blackboard in showing errors committed by the pupils, and illus- trating the correct method. Drawing. — Combinations of straight lines. General Lessons. — See lessons in science. SECOND TERM. Heading. — Second Reader. Directions same as for first term. Spelling.— AW words in reading and fifty words used in general lessons and names of familiar objects, and a thorough review of all words learned. Numbers.— Adi^iiiow of -I's, 5's and 6's to 100. Counting by 3's, 4's and 5's to 100, forward and backward ; multiplication of 2'8, 3's, 4's and 5's. Make neat and prompt tables on slate or black- 20 CALIPOKNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. board. Concrete examples (no analysis) ; Arabic notation to 1,000; Roman notation to D. Writing. — Same as for first term. Special attention to position and holding pen. Drawing. — Combinations of straight lines from ten to twenty. General Lessons. — See lessons in science. THIRD AND FOURTH TERMS. Reading. — Finish Second Reader. All lessons should be read distinctly and naturally, emphasizing the important words, so as to bring out the thought of the writer. Children should be taught to rejjroduce the lesson, or a part of it, in their own language on their slates. Spelling. — Children should be able to spell, orally or in writing, all the words in the second reader, the names of the cardinals and ordinals to one hundred, and the names of one hundred things, selected from their general lessons. They should also be able to analyze any word in the reader, ai.d give the meaning of new words. Numbers. — Plus and minus- tables of 6's, V's and 8's to 100. Count by 6's and 7's to 100 ; Multiplication of 6's and 7's and a general review ; Concrete examples ; Arabic notation to 1,000 ; Roman notation to D. Writing. — Children should be able to make all the principles, small and capital letters, and write simple sentences, commencing each with a capital letter and close with a period or interrogation point. Draioing. — Simple designs composed of straight or curved lines. General Lessons. — See lessons in science. Physical exercises and singing daily throughout the year. Morals and manners should receive constant attention and be improved whenever opportunity is presented. THIRD YEAR OR GRADE-COURSE OF STUDY. FIRST AND SECOND TERMS. Reading. — Third Reader. Short lessons should be given so that they can be well prepai-ed, and that the pupils may be able to pronounce the words readily and read intelligently. The pupils should give, in their own language, the substance of each lesson. The teacher should give special attention to clear articulation and correct pronunciation. The use of phonics will greatly aid in this. The sounds of the letters should be carefully taught and the names and marking of each. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 21 Spelling. — All words in the reading lessons should be learned, and the definitions of the important words. Constant reviews should be made, so that when the book is finished the pupils will be able to spell any word in it. They»should also learn to spell fifty words in general lessons and names of familiar objects. Pupils should be able to write on slates or blackboard at d^ictation, any lesson, also to write sentences containing one or more words in lesson. Oral Geography— Vo%\t\OY\ (absolute and relative), direction, boundaries, idea of map and use of scale developed, map of school- room drawn, using scale, position of articles of furniture, and different parts of room indicated from actual measurement, made by children. Map of first floor of school building, school lot and school block. General description of city map, scale of map, rail- i-oads, public buildings, manufactories, cemeteries, river, bridges, etc. Characteristic business, number of inhabitants, city defined, city officers. Map of county, name, uses of lines and different colors on map, boundaiies, townships named and located, towns and villages named and located, county seat, divisions of water, railroads, definition of county, area and population given. Pupils should be able to draw maps of city and county, locating all im- portant places, and spell all important words. Writing. — Spencerian copy-book. No. 1. Particular attention should be given to the principles and the correct formation of let- ters, also the position of the body and hand. The teachers should give their undivided attention to the writing during all the exercises. The pupil should also write spelling and other lessons upon slates. They should be taught to make the capital letters and the use of them. The slates sliould be often examined by the teacher. Draioing. — Simple designs. General Lessons. — See lessons in science. THIRD AND FOURTH TERMS. Heading. — Third Reader. Directions same as for first term. Spelling. — All words in reading, fifty words selected from gen- eral lessons, names of the days of the week and months, with thorough reviews from the beginning. Number. — Primary arithmetic. Finish multiplication and re- view. Frequent reviews of plus and minus tables. Complete multiplication table. Oral Geography. — Review county map; State map; scale, boundaries, rivers, lakes, railroads, canals, cities, towns and capital. Shape of the earth ; natural divisions of its surface, with definitions and illustrations of these divisions. 22 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. FOURTH YEAR OR GRADE. FIRST TERM. Heading. — Finish and review. Directions the same as for first term. Spelling. — All words in reading and fifty new words not con- tained in reader. A thorough review should be given of all words gone over. Special attention given to difficult words. Arithmetic. — Primary arithmetic completed and thoroughly re- viewed. Pupils should do all practical work neatly and with accuracy and rapidity, also recite tables, answer questions and an- alyze concrete examples cleai'Iy and promptly. Geography. — Elementary Geography, Part II. Short lessons should be given and necessary explanations made so that they can be studied understandingly, then require thorough preparation. The earnest teacher can make the lessons interesting and attractive instead of so many isolated facts to be remembered. Pupils should be able to spell all important words, giving the capital letters with spelling of proper names. General Study. — Position, description of surface, climate, peo- ple, occupation, productions, cities and towns, government. Writing. — Copy Book, No. 2, completed. Pupils should be able to make all the capital letters on the slate or blackboard, also lo write, at dictation, any word in spelling and sentences containing certain words. Dravnng. — Combinations of triangles and quadrilaterals, and copying from objects. SECOND AND THIRD TERMS. Arithmetic. — In Division. Teach what is division. Notation. Terms. Dividend. Divisor. Quotient. Remainder. Principles. the divisor is an abstract number the quo- tient is same denomination as divisor. Ex. — 12 men -:- 3 = 4 men. 10 apples -:- 2=5 apples. Application. — 1. Division is the converse of multiplication. 2. When the product and one factor are given, to find the other factor. Divide the product by the other factor. 3. Divide cost by number of articles to find cost of one. 4. Divide cost by cost of one* to find number of articles. Short Dimsion. — When divisor is 12 or less. Rule. By Oat right of the divisor. Proof : Dividend = divisor x quotient. FOURTH TERM. Jjong Division. — When divisor exceeds 12. Show step 1. Step 2. Step 3. Step 4. Divide by composite number. True remain- der. (tIvc copious examples, till pupil is familiar with process. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 23 FIFTH YEAR OR GRADE. FIRST TERM. Fourth Reader. — All allusions explained. Writing. — Principles. Copy-book No. 3. Prime Numbers. Composite Numbers. Terms. Principles. Problems. Rule. Cancellation. Principles. Rule. Tables of denominate numbers to be thoroughly learned and ap- plied : 1. Decimal Measure. 7. Linear Measure. 2. Federal Money. 8. Cloth Measure. 3. Sterling Money. 9. Surveyor's Measure. 4. Troy Weight. 10. Square Measure. 5. Apothecaries' Weight. 11. Cubic Measure. 6. Avoirdupois Weight. Liquid Measure. Beer Measure. Dry Measure. Time Measure. Circular Measure. Miscellaneous. Paper Measure. Collections of Units. Geography. — First Book, completed. Language. — Course on page 27. SECOND TERM. Greatest Common Divisor : Principles. Examples. Rule. The greater by the less divide, Tlie less by what remains decide, 'Til naught remains : That which divides and leaveth naught, Will be the great divisor sought. What factors enter into the G. C. D.? All the prime factors common to two or more of the numbers. Least Common Multiple : Principles. First. Second. Third. Fourth. Fifth. When is a number divisible by 2? When is a number divisible by 3? When is a number divisible by 4? When is a number divisible by 5? When is a number divisible by 6? When is a number divisible by 9? What factors enter into the L. C. M.? All their prime factors and no other factors. Rule. By steps first, second, third, fourth, fifth. THIRD AND FOURTH TERMS. Fractions. — These must be taught very carefully. Kinds. No- tation. Terms. Principles. Reduction. Addition. Principles. Problems. Rule. Subtraction. — Taught same as addition. 24 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Multiplication. — Principles. Problems. Rule. Apply cancel- lation. Division of Fractions. — Principles. Problems. Rule. Decimal Fractions. — Principles. Terms. Notation. Numera- tion. Addition. Subtraction. Multiplication. Division. Compound Denominate Numbers. — Aliquot Parts. Bills. Finish to Percentage. SIXTH YEAR OR GRADE. FIRST AND SECOND TERMS. Heading. — Fourth Reader. All Biographical, Historical, Geo- graphical allusions explained. Spell as before. 'Writing. — Principles. Copy-book, No. 4. Arithmetic, — Metric System. Percentage and its application to Ratio. Geography. — Second Book. Study Mathematical Geography carefully. Language. — Continued. THIRD AND FOURTH TERMS. Reading. — Fourth, completed. Fifth during fourth term. Writi?ig. — Principles and Copy-book, No. 5. Arithmetic. — Finished through Ratio and Proportion. Geography. — Same as before. Grammar. — Technical Grammar begun. Drawing. — Continued. SEVENTH YEAR OR GRADE. FIRST AND SECOND TERMS. 1. Reading. — Fifth reader, with promiscuous exercises. Strict drill on articulation, rate and expression. 2. Spelling. — Selected lists from other branches. 3. Arithmetic. — Complete arithmetic, with special and thor- ough drill on the cases in percentage, ratio and proportion. 4. Language. — Grammar. 5. United States History. — U. S. History. 6. Geography. — Comprehensive Geography. 1. Writing. — Copy-book, No. 5. 8. Vocal Music. — As before. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 25 THIRD AND FOURTH TERMS. 1. Reading. — Fifth Reader, with exercises as in preceding terms. 2. Spelling.— -YiQ^mw^ and diacritical marking completed and reviewed. 3. Arithmetic. — Complete, with review of cases in per cent., and mental problems contained in the work. Partnership, bank- ruptcy, involution, evolution, square and cubic root, mensuration. 4. Language. — Lessons in English composition. 5. Geography. — Comprehensive geography and review. 6. Physical Geography. — Physical (Eclectic.) 7. United States History. — U. S. History completed. 8. Writing. — Copy-book, No. 6. 9. Vocal Music. — As before. I. The organs of speech — name, location, description and func- tions of each. II. Define orthoepy and an elementary sound. Classify the elementary sounds of our language into tonics, subtonics and atonies. III. Give the sounds and diacritical^^ marks of a, oral drill. Mark the sounds of a in a list of words given by the teacher. IV. The sounds and diacritical marks of e and i. Oral drill, a-nd list of words to be marked. V. ^Phe sounds and diacritical marks of o and oo. Oral drill and words marked. VI. The sounds and diacritical marks of u and y. Dipthongal sounds. Oral drill and list of words to be marked. VII. Written lesson of twenty words, vowels marked. VIII. Make a table illustrating the vowel sounds of our lan- guage. Oral drill on the table. IX. All other sounds (those represented by consonants) classi- fied as sub vocals or subtonics, and aspirates and atonies, with the notation of each sound. Oral drill and list of words to be marked. X. The cognate consonant sounds of our language and their notation. STUDY. ORTHOEPY AND ORTHOGRAPHY. Note.— From III. lo X., inclusive, should be prepared by each member and re- viewed by instructor. CALIFORNIA PUHLIC SCHOOLS. XI. Classification of words based on (a) tlieir formation, (/;) the number of syllables of whicli tliey are composed. Accent. Require; nurnerous illustrations of each., " XII. Orthograpliic parsing of the following words, both oral and wi-itten : .jStraighty finance^ compromise^ concert^ exaggerate^ in- dissoluble^ or others. " , Model.— Man is a simple, primitive monosyllable. Spelled ortliographically (naming the letters), m-a-n, and phonically (enunciating the sound), m-a-n— m is a con- sonant, sub-vocal, labial; a is a short vowel sound; ?t is a consonant, sub-vocal, palata- nasal. XIII. Rule for dropping final e when adding a suffix. Rule for doubling final consonants. Rule for final y. Note;.— In XIII. three divisions should be made of the class on the preceding day, each division to prepare numerous illustrations of one of the rules involved, XIV. Define the terms ror>^, prefix and suffix, as applied to words. Bring to the class a list of words from which to show the meaning of at least ten prefixes in common use. XV. Bring to the class a list of words from which to show the meaning of at least ten suftixes. XVI. Analyze the following words, giving the root, prefix and suflftx of each, and the meaning of each part: Amiable^ emanate, superficially, intermit, conversation, purity and remittance. XVII. An exercise in spelling a list of twenty words. The diacritical marks of ten of these words to be given. Papers ex- changed and marked. ^ Note.— XVII. may be used as an illustration of one method of teaching orthoepy and orthography to pupils in actual school work. , XVIII. Lesson upon use of dictionaries. XIX. Illustrative spelling lesson by teacher. READING. * I. Position and carriage of the body. Sitting: Management of the body, the feet, hands, head and eyes ; exercises in changing position. Standing : Two primary positions ; study each care- fully. Exercises in taking these positions and changing fi-om one to the othei-, by individual members of the class, and by the entire class in concei t. II. Class drill in taking and changing position ; movements of the body for exercise; manner of taking position upon and leaving the rostrum and of holding the book. Different members of the class should be required to take a correct position ; criticism by teacher and students. III. Class drill and exercises in breathing. Management of the lungs. IV. Drill in vocalization. Note the change of position of the organs of speech in the production of dilfeient tones. V. Review. Drill in position, breathing and vocalization. VI. Articulation. Note the most common errors, illustrating with examples. Give the rules for pronouncing a., an, the, r and u. Select for study, with special reference to articulation, a lesson, for the next recitation. VII. Shoijt c>lass drill in position, bimthing^ and the articula- tion of difEciiJit Qonsonant eomblyatioris. ^Jiecitation of the lessojj assigned the previous day. Criticism by teacher and students. ^ Ynj. Emphasis. Outline^ the differeiBt kinds of emphasis, de- fining and giving numerous examples of aach,^^ f 9 r, stu,dy>- ■ , ■ : .-i '/v . IX. Recitation of lessons assigned the previous' day. Require each member of . the class to give illustrations of dijfferent kinds of emphasis. . ' , \ - r?; , : X> Analyzi^ t^he 'prOif uetiop , to be read, showing - 1st, object of the production or why written ; 2d, the-aj-gument or the means used to accomplish the object. . XI. ^; I^iflec,t|on. ,Pitch[ Kinds of each. Illustrate by examples. XII. Force. Rate. Kinds and examples of each. XIII. Quality-— how divided; Give examples showing the styles of composition' to which each is adapted, , XIV. Gfestures. Significance of different gestures. Members of the class to bring selectibus for the purpose of illustration. XV. Revie^Y of the week's woi'k. XVI. Kind and amount of work to be given to class while in the first reader; rate of progress ; sentence-making from pictures ; copying on slate and blackboard ; tests which should govern pro- motion, etb:'-^"' i - ■ . ' ■ '-iijvur:': „ , . ■ XVII. Qualifications necessary to enter second reader. Third reader. Kind and amount of preparation for class exercises in each. Object sought in- each. XVIII. Discuss fourth reader, and fifth reader after the out- line given in XVIL; XIX. Each member of the class to present an outlin* of what he thinks shc^uld be studied in preparing, a lesson in advanced read- ing. Discussion of outline;, ; . PENMANSHIP. I. 1st. Materials: Paper, pens, ink, etc. 2d. Position: Body, hands, fingers, feet. II. 1st. Movement exercises : Finger, forearm, whole arm movement explained. 2d. Slants: First, second and third prin- ciple's with first group of small letters, ^, u, w. III. 2d group : Principles, formation and analysis of 71^ m, v. IV. Ist. Formation and analysis of o, a, e, c. 2d. Forma- tion and analysis of r, s. V. Formation, analysis and shading of t, d, q. Review of term's work. VI. (a) Fourth principle. (5) Fourth principle letters ascend- ing in groups of similar construction, ^, b, h, k. VII. Fourth principle letters in groups of similar construction descending, j, y, z, and combined ss. VIII. Class drill in writing letters already analyzed, and mak- ing different combinations of the same. 28 CA-LTFOtlNIA. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. , IX. [a) Arabic figures. Analysis and formation in groups of similar construction, (d) Class drill in writing combinations of Arabic figures. X. (a) Fifth principle: Analysis of 0^ C. {h) Class drill in writing combinations of the first five principles. XI. Sixth principle : Analysis of and class drill in forming X, Tf, U, F, Fande/: XII. Seventh principle. Analysis of arid class drill in form- ing A. JV, M, 1\ F. XriL Analysis and formation Of S, L. Class drill. XIV. Analysis and writing J5, It. Class drill in writing ledger headings. XV. Correspondence ; Epistolary and business forms, subscrip- tions, titles. XVI. (d) Shading emphasized, {b) Review capitals. XVII. Thorough review of principles. XVIII. Examination in penmanship on questions prepared by instructor. XIX. Consideration of questions from members of the class. GEOGRAPHY. Eclectic : Intermediate drill fully on Missouri special. LANGUAGE. Ihird Year or Grade. First jQ,uarter. — 1. Teach pupils to commence sentences with c^j)ital letters. 2. Coliimence particular tiames with capital letters. 8eco7id Quarter. — 1. Use of period and interrogation point at end of sentence. 2. Use of capitals as applied to pronouns. Third Quarter. — 1. Use of comma separating series. 2. Names of days and months — use of capitals. Fourth Quarter. — 1. Use of capitals in stanzas of poetry. 2. Letter writing, heading of lettei'S, etc. 3. Lead pupils to form sentences involving the use of nouns as subjects in both singular and plural forms. Only nouns whose plural forms are regularly made should be used, as : The horse runs. Horses run. The girl plays. Girls play. False syntax. Do not try to teach pupils reasons for cor- rections of errors ; leave that to a higher grade. 4. Lead pupils to form sentences involving correct use of a and an. Fourth Year or Grade. First Quarter. — 1. Use of capitals. iMtioa j connection with proper nouns. General Grant. xiuet>. ^ When used alone. The Queen then read. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS; 29 2. Names of Deity. 3. Uses of the hyphen. 4. Exclamation point after an exclamatory word. 5. Sentence building — words to be written on blackboard — pupils required to add such words as will make an intelligible statement. Essential elements of sentence. i Subject. 1 Predicate. ( a. Use of capitals. Second Quarter —1. Direct quotation. < h. Precede by comma. ( c. Quotation marks. 2. Lead pupils to form sentences involving the use of ordinary qualifying adjectives. Simple sentences. Pupils required to select logical subjects and predicate. Sentences gradually enlarged and special drill con- tinued. Avoid use of verb, "to be," in any of its forms through this grade. 4. Subscription of envelopes — simple business forms. IViird Quarter. — Analysis. 1. Principal elements — subject and predicate. Subordinate elements^ — modifiers. 2. Teach pupils to select modifiers of subject arid predicate without i'eferehce to parts of speech — logical relation. 3. Use of capitals. First words, title of books, headings, etc. 4. Dash — omission. 5. Lead pupils to form sentences involving the use of verbs agreeing with /, he, she and it, as subjects. Fourth Quarter. — Analysis. 1 Subiect i Nouns. Classes. Proper and common. I Pronouns. 2. Predicate — verb. 3. Modifiers of subject. 4. Modifiers of predicate. 5. Dash — changed construction. 6. Introduce diagramming in some one of its forms. ( a. Mary, come here. 7. Use of comma— direct address. < b. Come here, Mary. / c. Will you, Mary, come here? 8. Lead pupils to form sentences involving the use of adjec- tives whose forms are changed regularly. 9. Reproduction from memory of short, interesting narrations ; continue through next grade. 10. Special drill on letter writing through this grade. Fifth Year or Grade. First Quarter. — 1. Analysis of sentences (simple) without re- gard to formal gi-ammar. 2. Inverted sentences introduced. Elements and .modifiers to be selected as before. 3. Diagramming continued. so CALIFOliNIA PUJJLIC SCHOOLS. 4. Use of comma, with reference to phrases and words used parentlietically. 5. Words or phrases "in pairs." G. Apostrophe. Marks of reference. ! ; ' 7. Lead pupils to form sentences involving the use of the; forms of adverbs whose forms are changed regularly. 8. Lead pupils to form sentences involving the use of ad- jectives whose forms are irregularly changed. Second Quarter. — Analysis continued. 1. False syntax. Correction of common errors of speech; con- tinue through the course. ' , 2. Lead pupils to form sentences involving the use of adjectives in the different forms, and then have them use the same WO'i'ds changed to adverbs in the different forins. - 3. liCad pupils to form sentences involving the use of this, that, these and those. Special drill'on the correct use of these pronouns. 4. Capitalization. 5. Words derived from proper nouns. 6. Parenthesis. Third Quarter. — 1. Parts of speech.' . ' Noun, pronoun, adjective, verb, adverb, preposition, interjection, conjunction. Explain significance of names, and teach pupils to apply terms to elements of sentences. 3. (pi) Use of period after titles, headings, etc. {h) Use of period after abbreviations. (c) Brackets. " , 4. Lead pupils to form sentences involving the use of adverbs of negation. Correct the use, of double negations. 5. Lead pupils to form sentences involving the use of connec- tives ; either, or ; neither, nor. - 6. Lead pupils to form sentences involving the use of adverbs for which they sometimes use adjectives, and vice versa. 1. Lead the pupils to form sentences involving the use of rela- tive and interrogative pronouns. (a) As objects. (b) As adjectives (possessive form.) (c) As subjects. Nouns in apposition — use of comma. 8. Short compositions. Have pupils write from memory stories which they have read — read a short story and have pupils write what they can remember of it. Encourage pupils to write descrip- tions of places they have visited. Special di-ill on this exercise. Continue through first half of next grade. Capitalization — names of objects personified. Fourth Quarter. — 1. In capitalization and punctuation review previous work. 2. Lead pupils to form sentences involving the use of as and like; and and hut; irregular verbs, principal parts of most common CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 3-1 verbs taught; choose, do, drink, fly, lie, see, sing, speak, write, take, tear: Teach pupils to transform poetry to prose; avoid didactic poems. Use only simple sentences in this grade — adjuncts and infini- tives. Omit direct and indirect object, etc. Teach prepositions and conjunctions as " connectives." Sixth Year or Grade. First Quarter. — Vickroy's grammar. Write lettei-s oi-dering goods; acknowledging the receipt of the letter; acknowledging receipt of the goods. Drill upon common business forms, notes, -bills, receipts, etc. Second Quarter. — Continue letter writing — composition, out- lining points "to be brought up, their relative importance, etc. Third Quctrter. —Uiwe pupils copy the different forms of notes, and also superscription of eiivelopes ; and after the teclmical terms are well Understood, let each pupil compose and |)resent a note or letter of his own in illustration of each form. Use National Com- plete Composition Book as a guide. Fourth Quarter. — Analysis. Vickroy's grammar. Review of preceding work in letter writing, comi^osition, punctuation and capitalization. Seventh Year or Grade. First Quarter. — Analysis. Second Quarter. — Analysis. False syntax. Reasons for cor- rection. Take additional, at discretion of teacher. Third Quarter. — Analysis. Take additional. Fourth Quarter. — Review. LANGUAGE. I. All lessons should be language lessons. : II. Teach pupils to construct correct sentences every lesson they recite. Seventh Year or Grade. I. Discuss errors arising from improper use of verb forms. {a) Write sentences containing the past tenses, and others the past participles, of rtm, lay^ see., do., lie, draw, know and climb, (b) Make a table of the principal parts of twenty-five of the most commonly used irregular verbs. II. Discuss relation of (a) transitive and intransitive verbs, (compare lay and lie, set and sit;) (b) active and passive, how formed ; (c) the verb be to the formation of voice and te7ise. Class to bring synopsis of passive verbs, or complete conjugation of some mood or moods of several verbs, as the instructor may appoint. ^2 CALIFORNIA^ PUBLIC SCHOOLS. III. Distinction of syntax and etymology. Define and illus- trate root words and derivatives. What is inflection ? Find short definitions to justify the following grouping of the parts of speech : €. g. Articles point out nouns. Nouns. Verbs. Pronouns., Adjectives Adverbs, Prepositions, Articles, Conjunctions, iKterjections. SPELLING. To teacher. — 1. As spelling is only used in writing or print- ing, it follows that the drill in spelling should consist almost en- tirely of writing the words. Every lesson that requires writing by the pupil is necessarily an exercise in spelling. 2. Introduce rules for spelling. Prefixes and afiixes, synonyms, abbreviations and dropping or retaining certain letters, according to Webster's dictionary. 3. Spell from all lessons in your grades. Readers, arithmetic, geography, etc. HISTORY. Seventh Year or Grade. First Quarter. — 1. Discoveries — Northmen, Columbus, Cabot, Vespucius, Cortez, De Soto, De Leon, Cartier, Drake. 2. Colonial history — brief rxccount of settlement of Jamestown, Plymouth, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland. Noted names — Smith, Hudson, Winthrop, Williams, King Philip, Dongan, Penn, Marquette, Braddock, Washington, Wolfe, Franklin, Peter the Great, Marlborough, Frederick the Great, New- ton. Second Quarter. — Noted names — Stuyvesant, Calvert, Shake- speare, Richelieu, Luther, Michael Angelo, Loyola. New York under Dutch and English ; Rhode Island ; Mary- land ; Pennsylvania; condition at close of period. Third Quarter —Noted names — Pitt, Burke, Washington, Jef- ferson, Lafayette, Paul Jones, Lord Clive. From Washington's administration on, lessons to be read from book. Keep in view contemporary European history. Main points of constitution studied. Preamble — qualifications of Senators, Representatives and President. These officers, how chosen ? How bills become laws — powers of Congress — Republi- can government guaranteed to States — freedom in religion — speech, press. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 33 GENERAL REMARKS. Arithmetic — Teach processes before rules — the generalizations will come afterwards. When a pupil ha,s an incorrect solution have him explain his work — do not interrupt him at the point when his error is made, but let him finish and then have some pupil point out the error and why. In this way much of the timidity of back- ward pupils may be conquered. The essentials of previous work should be constantly kept be- fore the pupil — the work of no single grade can stand alone ; it should be interwoven with and is dependent upon previous work. Too much drill cannot be given to decimal and common fractions. They are the keys which unlock what follows. Accuracy and ra- pidity in the mechanical work must be acquired before much progress can be made in their applications. It should never be forgotten that it is largely skill, dexterity, which should be cultivated in this study. Many things must be learned practically long before they can be understood. In teaching notation, use the period method, paying little attention to the subordinate classification. In addition and sub- traction use pure mechanics — that is, in adding 3+4+2+4+3=16, teach children to write right-hand figure under the column just added, and add t\iQ left-hand ^g^mQ to the next column, etc.; apply similar methods to other elementary operations ; pay special atten- tion to the how and very little to the why in the first, second, third and fourth gi-ades. When the text book is taken up, teach pupils how to study — have them read over their lessons until they understand the tech- nical terms. Teach pupils to commence work systematically ; have pupils give simple analysis of work. Firsts what is required. Second^ first step in operation, etc., without regard to numeri- cal work. Make each lesson a review of preceding work. Arrange a series of examples covering principles heretofore learned, and give them to the class until pupils become self-reliant. In arrang- ing examples, see that the meclianical work is of such a description as not to engage the attention of the pupil to the extent of causing him to lose sight of the principle involved in the solution of problem, ^, e., (45-:-2|)-:-(^x^) would be a good example for work in class, but (l24iV:-24j?)-:-(37-:-iy would be entirely out of place. Five examples worked in ten minutes will secure better results than two examples worked in same time. In fractions given for class work, use for denominators thirds, fourths, fifths, sixths, eights, tenths, twelfths; never give improbable examples, they involve the unnecessary expenditure of much time and trouble. Each teacher is responsible, not only for work in her grade, but also for all that pupils have learned before. Grammar. - Special pains should be taken to carry out work as indicated in course. 34 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. It is necessary that teachers sliould do this work with exceeding care, especially that portion of it which falls under the liead of language lessons. In teclinical grammar the course should be strictly followed, and only upon special permission should a teacher attempt to cai-ry her class over any work in advance of her grade. Tlie sentences for analysis in the fifth grade should be carefully selected before the recitation. The weekly examinations may be used with advantage to carry out ideas of teacher. It is believed that the radical change in the method of teaching grammar has been of great advantage. The testimony of the most of the teachers is to the effect that it has aroused a degree of in- terest, and in many instances enthusiasm quite in contrast to the condition of affairs in the past. It needs the continued care and unremitting attention of teachers, however, to keep up this interest and avoid the mistakes so prominent heretofore. In language work imitation pr cedes originality. The work arranged for third, fourth and fifth grades should be developed. The use of capitals, punctuation marks, etc., must be evolved from the sentences given. In composition work, copying from reader, copying sentences from the board, inventing short sentences, copying short stories written on the board by teacher, the reproduction in writing of stories told to pupils in the past, the reproduction of short stories told by the teacher, should be the order of presentation. In dictation work, dictate from interesting narrative ; have pupils correct each other's work and then correct and re-write the amended exercises. Letter writing in its various forms should be carefully taught. In writing social letters have pupils follow as nearly as possible the following order : " Write of your correspondent; all tilings relat- ing to him ; write of general topics of mutual interest ; write of yourself as . briefly as possible." In writing business letters, lay much stress on brevity and clearness. The memory work given will afford ample opportunities for transforming poetry into prose. Geography. — Every effort should be made to prevent the study of this branch from degenerating into a mere routine. The river which flows by our door ; the lines of railway which center here and by which we are connected with the outside world; the telegraph with its far reaching wires; the dispatches in the morning papers ; the various articles of food and dress familiar to pupils, should be made to contribute to the daily lesson. Stimulate the interests of pupils in this manner and the problem is solved. Geography is a description of the living world with its animals and vegetable and mineral products, its lines of travel, the vast avenues along which the products of different sections are sent to be exchanged for those of otleer sections. Seize upon a few important points and dwell upon them to the exclusion of details; the distance of our city from Holden is of little moment, but the gap which yawns between us and ChicagOj, CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 35 St. Louis and New York determines virtually the price of every article we sell and of everything we buy, hence our relations with these cities are much more important. In teaching this branch aim to give a general rather than special knowledge; each lesson should be a review of previous work, that is, a topical review ; teach pupils to generalize both rapidly and accurately. The ideas of the political and social bearing of each place upon the country at large should be largely dwelt upon. Show that the channels of trade are fixed, and endeavor to have pupils under- stand the relation which exisi^s between the different parts of our country and other countries. As the pupils advance, dwell continually upon the questions : Of what value is this to man? How are we related to this? What influeuce has this fact upon that? Reading. — Special attention to articulation and expression— in lower grades teach children expression by iniitation — show them how to study a reading lesson ; avoid the too common error of r making a reading lesson either a lesson in language or spelling. Pay special attention to position of pupil while reading — correct all awkward and ungainly habits. The teaching of reading, it has been said, involves two distinct processes. The object of one of these processes is to so train the voice that it may convey to others an intelligent and adequate com- prehension of the subject matter gone over. The object of the other is to so train the mind that it may be able to comprehend an author's meaning. The first process should be the end most sought after in the first, second and third grades. Also question pupils upon the subject matter of each lesson — see that they understand the thought — require pupils to give synonyms for words in lesson — confine this exercise for a long time to simple words. This sort of drill is much better than to require a definition, because it shows conclusively that the pupil knows the value of the term, which is much better for him than to "be able to give a neat definition. A test of school i-eading is to read a selection correspondingly graded to school work and adapted to comprehension of pupils at sight, in such a manner as to convey the thought of another to the listener. The mechanical part of reading, enunciation, inflection, etc., must be drilled upon continually. Encourage pupils to read from story books, magazines, etc., in order to cultivate reading at sight. In the upper grades train pupils to lift the eyes from the books and look at class. To do this well the eyes must anticipate the voice. The second process must be the one most sought after in the upper grades. In the upper grades pupils should read and ^be drilled upon such selections as are classic, and thus imbibe, as it were, almost insensibly a taste for literature; such a taste is the basis of all culture. 36 CALIFOKNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Spelling. — In the lower grades drill upon all words coming up in Llieir daily lessons. In the fifth grade commence to teach children to spell and trace the form of primitive words thi'ough their respective compounds, i. e., peace, peaceful, peaceable, peaceably, etc. This may be so handled as to prove quite an interesting exercise. The force of the various sufKxes and prefixes should be taught in the sixth grade. A little drill upon the effect and meaning of such syllables as non^ ir, i7i,un, dis, etc., will go far to tighten the grasp of pupils upon the language, and at the same time vary the monotony so distasteful in the teaching of this branch. The teaching of spelling cannot be taught successfully by the exclusive use of either the oral or non-oral method. Both should be used ; in the upper grades the words wi-itten during the week should be spelled orally by the class at some stated time. This will correct the one-sided tendencies of the other method, and at the same time enable the teacher to cover more ground. Writing. — The course should be carefully adhered to, and great strci^s laid upon proper position of both pen and body. In slate writing do not allow pupils to write with a short pencil, and insist in all their work, upon the pencil being held in the same po- sition as the pen. If this is taught in lower grades, when the Tracing Book is taken up the teacher will be at liberty to devote her attention to the proper use of ]^en and correct movement. Except in rare cases pupils should write across the page instead of down the column. All civilized people write across the page, and we cannot afford to go back to the half-civilized races for methods. The arguments in favor of column writing are based upon fallacious grounds, and the practice rarely fails to entail upon children a cramped and ungainly style. The charts, now in the hands of every teacher, should be con- stantly referred to, and all disturbing influences in the shape of letters in fanciful shapes, backhand, etc., should be kept in the background. Punctuation and Definitions. — Teach pupils the constant use of the dictionary. History. — Discoveries — prominent navigators, English, Spanish, French ; the search after the northwest passage. Exploring expe- ditions — De Soto, Maj quette, La Salle, Cortez, Pizaro. The Abor- igines — general traits of character, worship, warfare, use of implements, etc. Discuss the general bearing of the French, English and Spanish settlements on the well being of the country. Trace the growth of the different settlements, the cause of the Indian and Colonial wars, causes of the war of the revolution. Dwell upon the strate- getical points, showing the importance of the possession of points commanding lines of trade, etc. Trace the growth of the principles of civil and religious liberty, the freedom of the press ; the right to assemble and petition for a redress of grievances. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 3*7 Avoid parrot-like recitations in the language of the text-book, and teach pupils to sift the statements in the lesson, and seize hold of the important points. I am under obligations to many co-laborers for valuable sug- gestions. F. W. PARSONS, Superintendent. HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT. The studies of the High School shall occupy four years, and shall constitute a general and a classical course. The classical course shall include the studies required for admission to the best American college, and may be continued by longer attendance through all the studies requisite for a good, classical education. The general course shall embrace the higher mathematics ; the Latin language so far as is possible and desirable for general cul- ture, for more thorough acquaintance with general grammar and with our own language ; and such studies in science and literature as shall best fit the pupils for different departments of business, and make them generally intelligent. The course of study prescribed for this department, and time for accomplishing the same, are certainly comprehensive enough. It is not proposed that this school shall take the place of a col- lege, but that it shall do what is generally done in the High Schools and Academies of the country, i. e.: prepare pupils for the higher walks of learning and practical business life. To enter, pupils are required to pass an examination in the English branches. 38 CALIFOIINIA. PUIiLlC SCHOOLS. 62 S g ^ OS . « cu a;' ^ CO C3 Hi ^ q; O 2g 3^ '5b o 03 43 9 £3 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 39 Pupils who graduate with honor and evidence an ability to teach will have the preference for positions in our city schools, A fitting opportunity is offered such, during their course of study, of becoming thoroughly familiar with all the'minutise of graded school-room work ; and also the practice as exhibited by our best teachers who have had thorough training. Such an incentive should add fresh zeal and energy to the work in the high school. SCHOOL OF LATIN. Jones* First Lessons in Latin Exercises in Latin. Prose Compo- sition. Grammar and Caesar's Commentaries and Virgil — three books. SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS. Complete Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Surveying. SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES. Physics, Botany, Geology, Chemistry, Physiology, Moral Science. SCHOOL OF ENGLISH. Grammar and Composition, Literature, Rhetoric. Special at- tention is given in this class to the principles and structure of the language. SCHOOL OF HISTORY. American History. — General History with particular attention to ancient and modern civilization. General History is studied under the heads. Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern. CIVIL government. It is desired to familiarize pupils with the Constitution of our own country and the principles of government. remarks on the COURSE OP STUDY. Students are assigned to their classes at the beginning of each term, according to their qualifications, but will be liable to a trans- fer to another class when it is deemed necessary. No student is allowed to leave any class without the permission of the Superin- tendent. The instruction will be such as is needful to discipline the mind and heart, the constant aim being to make scholars and to secure a thorough preparation for the real activities and duties of life, thus demanding of each pupil punctuality, docility, diligence and unre- lenting perseverance.. Thoroughness in every branch of study is our special aim.