THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL AT WESTFIELD, MASS. THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL at Westfield, (Mass.,) was first opened at Barre, by an address from Hon. Edward Everett, on the 4th of September, 1839, and suspended in 1841, on its removal to Westfield. It was there re-opened on the 4th of September, 1844, by an address from Rev. Dr. Humphrey, President of Amherst College. In 1860 the building was enlarged by the addition of wings, and thoroughly repaired. From September, 1844, to the close of 1861, the aggregate attendance at the Westfield School was 1,633. It was under the Principalship of S. P. Newman, from September 4th, 1839, to February 10th, 1842; of E. Davis, from September 3d, 1844, to September 3d, 1846; of D. S. Rowe, from September 3d, 1846, to March, 1854; of W. H. Wells, from August 1854, to April, 1856; and of J. W. Dickinson, from April, 1856, to the present time. The following paragraphs are from the Annual Circular for 1862. Male applicants for admission to the School must be at least seventeen years of age; female applicants, sixteen. There must be an explicit declaration that the applicant intends to become a teacher in the schools of Massachusetts. The applicant must give a pledge to remain in the School at least three terms, the first two of which shall be consecutive. Candidates for admission must present themselves at the school-room on the first day of the term, at 9 o'clock A. M., and pass a satisfactory examination in Reading, Writing, Spelling, Defining, English Grammar, Geography, and Arithmetic. There will be an examination at no other time during the term, except for special reasons. Each applicant must present a certificate of good intellectual and moral character, from some responsible person. The following is the course of study, without regard to the order in which the branches will be pursued, or the length of time devoted to them: Geography, Physical and Political, with use of Globes and Outline Maps; Arithmetic; Grammar, and Analysis; Physiology; History of United States; General History, with Ancient Geography; Natural History; Algebra, Geometry; Natural Philosophy, with Experiments; Chemistry, with Experiments; Astronomy; History and Structure of the English Language, with Analysis of Milton and other Poets; School Laws of Massachusetts, and General Principles of Government; Theory and Art of Teaching, with Mental Philosophy; Rhetoric. Reading, Writing, Elementary Sounds, Etymology, Spelling, Vocal Music, Composition, Recitations of Select Pieces, Extempore Speaking, Discussions, and Moral Philosophy, extend through the whole course. Botany, Drawing, Latin, and French are optional. The pupils have daily teaching exercises in connection with the recitations, and the members of the Senior Class devote a large portion of their time to the Theory and Art of Teaching. Every Wednesday afternoon is devoted to the exercises of the Lyceum conducted by the students. Every pupil who honorably completes the Course of Study is entitled to the regular Diploma of the Institution, which does not hold itself responsible for any others, although they may have been members of the School. There will be an advanced Class, which will enable the Graduates of the School to continue their studies beyond the prescribed course. PLAN OF STATE NORMAL SCHOOL AT WESTFIELD, MASS.-The main edifice is 60 by 40 feet, not including porticoes. The wings are 25 by 38 feet each. A, A, Entrance Halls, B, B, Dressing-Rooms. C, Wash Room. D, D, Closets. E, Chemical Laboratory. F, Pneumatic Cistern. G, Closet for Chemical Apparatus. H, H, H, H, Recita tion Rooms. I, Teachers' Room. J. Room for Philosophical Apparatus. K, Principal School-Room. L, L, Stairs. |