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Reform of NYC Public Schools, 1896

Design a School System
Professor Cally Waite

Former Schoolship, St. Mary's (circa 1908).
How might you design a school system that could meet the variety of interests and needs of the population at the turn of the century? The time period of the late 19th century can be characterized by a growth in reform movements, including educational reforms. Parts II & III in Tyack's One Best System give a good discussion of the factory model of schooling and its dominance in urban areas, especially New York City. Many of you have offered some criticism of this educational model. Your job is to (re)design the school system for New York City in 1896. [1]

In addition to the Tyack reading, it will be helpful for you to take a look at Adele Shaw's article, "The True Character of New York Public Schools," excerpted in Hoffman's Woman's "True" Profession.

The Web site at http://newdeal.feri.org/teach/ has a number of primary sources that provide contextual information about New York City's public schools. These resources set the parameters within which you will work. In other words, you can't simply suggest that all new schools be buil to compensate for the rapid growth of the student population. Some issues to consider: the growth of the student population, growth of immigrant population, teacher shortage, labor shortage in factories, and the various constituencies and their needs.

On April 13 your group will have 15 minutes to present a plan for a revamped school system. Your classmates will represent the community of New York City. Their job is to evaluate each plan and offer written feedback. To aid in the evaluation of your plan your group should have an outline/diagram/description of the plan you have created as well as some visual aid(s).

Some issues that need to be addressed in your presentation:

the goals of your system
who will run the schools (a large centralized system? Neighborhood control?)
who will attend what types of schools
the mandatory age of attendance
the curriculum
the differences in language
who will teach
class size

1 In 1896 New York City meant Manhattan and the Bronx. In 1898 the boroughs incorporated.