1. The Place of the Public School in American Life—Beginning of the public school in colonial days. Relation of the school to citizenship. National sentiment. The flag and the school. The public school and the foreign child.
2. The Modern Curriculum—Multiplication of subjects (manual training, cooking, sewing, music, etc.). A discussion of the merits of the system: thoroughness versus variety.
3. The Ideal Public School—The model director. Women on school boards. The perfect school-house; light, air, sanitation, room. Beautifying the school within and without; pictures, casts, flowers, etc. The school doctor; contagious diseases, oversight of eyes, ears, throat, and teeth. Social service of the school: night-schools, lectures, recreations.
4. Parent and Teacher—Mutual acquaintance. Conferences. Literary clubs. Is the public exhibition desirable?
5. School Sentiment—Interscholastic athletics and debates. The alumni association. The commencement exercises and annual banquet. The return of distinguished graduates.
Books to Consult—Dewey: The School and Society. Butler: The Meaning of Education. The International Educational Series. Reports of the United States Commissioner of Education.
A discussion may be planned on home work: How much shall be expected and arranged for by the parent? When is it best done? Emphasize the importance of having the parent closely in touch with the child's work, familiar with his reports, and constantly in conference with the teacher. Notice the importance of the work of the truant officer. If there is no gymnasium provided by the school, can the parents combine and make one? In a large city, can there be a roof-garden for recreation?
V—AMUSEMENTS OF THE TOWN
1. Necessity of Recreation—Change in our point of view: the old ideas contrasted with the new. Read from the chapter on Recreation in Adeney's A Century's Progress in Religious Life and Thought. Recreation and morals. Substitutes for the social life of the corner grocery and the saloon.
2. Planning Recreations—Organizing a local committee. The grange, the lyceum, the town band or orchestra, motion pictures.