ISTIionUCTlON 



already waited too long and as a result now face the problem of a 

 dual system of high schools. Certainly no greater misfortune than 

 this could befall the public schools of any state. 



It seems to me that the growing demand of our people that the 

 prhools be brought into closer relationship with the life of today; 

 that the courses of study take into account, in some measure at least, 

 tlir dominant interests of the community; that, among other stand- 

 ards of selection, we give some attention to the immediate interests 

 and future prospects of our pupils; is not only fair and just, but is 

 eminently sound pedagogy. If so, then the immediate problem con- 

 fronting all of us who are interested in secondary education is, how 

 to organize this course, how to fit it into the curriculum and how 

 to teach it so as to secure its maximum educational value to our 

 pupils. It is in the hope that I may contribute something to the 

 solution of this problem, that this book is written. 



In the preparation of the book many sources of information have 

 been drawn upon, but the plan is original. I am especially indebted 

 to Dean F. B. Mumford, Professor J. C. Whitten and Mr. C. B. 

 Hutchison, of the College of Agriculture, for valuable suggestions 

 and corrections; and to Professor J. H. Coursault, of the School of 

 Education, for reading the proof. J. D. ELLIFF. 



July 1, 1911. 



