Course Offerings in the Nebraska High Schools 1899-1935

The purposes of this study are: to present a picture of the offerings as found in the program of studies in the secondary schools of Nebraska from the school year 1899-1900 down to the present time; to note the introduction of new subjects in the program of studies as well as the elimination of other subjects through the period; and to discover if possible certain trends and tendencies in the offerings of the secondary schools of Nebraska as revealed in their programs of studies. The materials used in the study have consisted largely of the reports of the programs of studies as made by the superintendents and principals of the secondary schools in the state of Nebraska to the State Department of Public Instruction and to the University Examiner. In addition to these materials several other sources of information were utilized, such as the Biennial Reports of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Nebraska High School Manuals, Courses of Study for Normal Training High Schools, and reports of similar studies made in other fields, as well as more general investigations of programs of studies. The period from the school year 1899-1900, which was the first year for which such reports are available, to the present school year of 1934-1935, a period of thirty-five years, represents that period during which there has been witnessed the unusual growth and development of the secondary schools of Nebraska. The years from 1899-1935 have marked not only an increase in school population, but also a tremendous increase in the enrollment of the secondary schools of Nebraska. There came into education the theory that the high schools were to serve two purposes, the one to prepare the student for college entrance, and the other to fit him for life. The offerings show changes in subjects and the addition of new subjects in an attempt to broaden the type of education and thus to accomplish in some degree at least, both objectives. Advisor: George W. Rosenlo