A Study of the Progress of Pupils and of Their Ability in English Composition and Handwriting in the Public Schools of Lexington, Va.

Abstract

The survey was carried out with a view to: (1) studying the schoolroom organization and classification of pupils i n the system, and (2) measuring the results of instruction in certain subjects of the curriculum by standard tests. The studies under the first of these were from two standpoints, age distributions and intelligence. The results of the first are found in Part 1 of the survey. The relation between the organization and grading upon the pupils and upon the teachers' problems are presented in some detail in a series of tables with their interpretation. Suggestions for needed improvement in the light of these age complications are made. The distribution of the enrollment is seen also to affect and be affected by the organi zation. In Part 2 the same problems are taken up from the point of intelligence or native ability of the pupils. How wide is the range of mental ability in a single grade? To what extent are children with a high I.Q. in grades below the one for which their native mental equipment and ability fit them? What per cent of our pupils are not putting forth their best efforts because of being graded with a retarded class? These and other such questions are the ones which will be considered. The second aim was pursued by testing the children of the school by using standardized educational tests. In this way we have secured objective results showing the efficiency of instruction and the educational progress of the children, without the fear that our marks have been matters of judgment. These tests were carefully selected so that they would conform with those used in the Virginia Survey in 1919 and therefore would afford a basis by which Lexington could be compared with other schools in the state. [From Introduction]