[Sidenote: A Substitute for Prohibition]
Instead of the plan that Miss Allison followed we suggest the following
procedure. Remain silent on the matter of dancing as a cause of
insufficient lesson preparation. Your private opinion on the propriety
of dancing can of course be modestly disclosed.
To secure better results in class work consider again the length of
lesson assignments, interesting matter for recitations, and whatever
accessory means are needed to make class work of great interest. Review
again details of modern plans of teaching high school subjects. Accept
as a probable fact that laxity in preparation for a recitation is
chiefly the fault of the teachers in that subject. Confer with each
teacher privately on this problem of better teaching methods.
The following seems a tactful method of approach.
“Mr. Pingree, just a moment, please. I ran across some announcements
lately that I think might interest you. They deal with the use of
reproductions of famous paintings for use in high school Latin courses.
After you look them over I should like to confer with you and perhaps
plan to introduce them into our work here.”
Attend pupil social affairs sufficiently to gain the reputation of
genuine interest in high school social events. Secure a firm hold by
this means on the affections of the pupils and ascertain by direct
observation the actual distraction traceable to social diversions.
If necessary plan a few little social affairs for some of the leaders of
high school sentiment. In these demonstrate some novelties in the way of
entertainment plans. Choose schemes that are not so elaborate or
exhausting as those in use by the high school pupils and so introduce
substitutes for them.
Ascertain if you can lay hands on one or two trusted pupil-leaders and
persuade them to agitate quietly and unofficially for a moderation in
evening or other distracting social affairs. Take no chance at this
point; if in doubt omit the attempt.