Industrial arts in the public high schools of Oregon, 1957-1958

Abstract

Scope of Study: This report deals with the industrial arts in the public high schools of Oregon with respect to professional preparation, experience, tenure, salary, and special duties of the teacher. The enrollment, subject content, and use of textbooks, teaching aids and field trips of the industrial arts classes are surveyed. The type, the size, and location of the shop; the money allotted, the name of the department, and the enrollment of the school are also included. The teacher education institutions of Oregon are also studied. The information is presented in table form with an explanation of each. Included, also, are the conclusions of the study and recommendations for improvement.

Findings and Conclusions: The teachers, in general, feel that a master's degree is desirable. Very little summer employment is made available by the schools to the industrial arts teachers. Woodworking and drawing are the most frequently offered industrial arts subjects, and there is a lack of variety in subject matter. The classes are limited, to some extent, in size, thus making it easier to administer individual instruction. Girls have not been encouraged to enroll in industrial arts classes, and in many places they are not permitted to enroll. Some departments are still referred to as "shop" or "manual training". Only one college in Oregon offers any industrial arts courses or a degree in industrial education. Definite requirements for the certification of industrial arts teachers should be established, thus eliminating the problems of teachers teaching industrial arts without any preparation in the field. Industrial arts should be offered in more of the colleges of Oregon.