Raising the Standard in Louisiana.
Heretofore the State course of study has not provided for a satisfactory history program in the high schools, but with this year a new course of study goes into operation which gives about three years to history. At the request of the State Department of Education Professor Walter L. Fleming, of the State University, has prepared a syllabus covering the work, with suggestions for map work, reading, note-books, etc. In the future two or even three years’ work in history may be required of the candidates for the freshman class.
Considerable interest has been developed in certain fields of history by the Rally Day competition at the University. The high schools of the State send representatives to the High School Rally Day at the University in April. These pupils are chosen after local contests and sent to Baton Rouge. The pupils’ subjects for the debate and essay contests are published by the Program Committee.
To prepare teachers adequately for their work two courses are offered at the State University, one in “Methods of Teaching History,” and another in “Aids in the Studying and Teaching of History.” Instruction covers use of texts, sources, reference works, map work, pictures, advertising, material useful in history teaching, etc. Great improvement is already noticeable and especially good work is done in Shreveport and New Orleans.