The Public School System of Memphis, Tennessee. Report of a Survey Made Under the Direction of the Commissioner of Education. Bulletin, 1919, No. 50. Part 7

Book excerpt: In April, 1919, at the request of the Board of Education of Memphis, Tennessee, the United States Commissioner of Education submitted the conditions on which the Bureau of Education would make a survey of the public school system of that city. This study of the Memphis schools is intended to be a study of policies and practices; not of persons. The report is issued in seven separate parts for general circulation. A summary of conclusions and recommendations will be found at the end of each chapter. Part 7, Health Work, addresses: (1) Educating for vigor and sanity; (2) The obligation of the schools; (3) Physical condition of school children; (4) Mental status of children; (5) What is being done; (6) A plan proposed; (7) The high schools; and (8) Summary of conclusions and recommendations. The following are among the recommendations made: (1) Every school should have decently adequate playground space and simpler and inexpensive equipment; (2) Centrally located athletic fields should be provided in each logical school district; (3) Define the respective obligations and duties of the health department and of the school department with respect to health examination and supervision. Increase facilities and financial support of both departments; and (4) Coordinate the several lines of work now carried on by the schools in a division of school hygiene or "school health service" in charge of a director who combines technical and executive competence. (Contains 7 tables and 6 footnotes.) [For Parts 1-6, see ED541284-ED541289. Best copy available has been provided.].