Some Suggestions for Courses in Mathematics for Non-College Preparatory Students
The question of college preparatory mathematics has been so long under discussion in all its aspects that it would appear that special attention is due the pupil who does not expect to go to college, and for whom the secondary institution is the finishing school. Valuable as are the standard courses in mathematics as given in most high schools, other material can unquestionably be substituted for at least a part of them which will be of more immediate practical use to the pupil who expects to take up his life work immediately after leaving the high or other secondary school. It is manifestly impossible to suggest courses which will be applicable to all schools, or even to all schools of a given type, due to widely varying local conditions as well as to great differences in the caliber and future prospects of the pupils. The committee has spent much time and thought upon the subject and finds it difficult to recommend a complete definite course for any school, preferring rather to offer suggestions which may be the means of inspiring our schools to improve present courses or to construct practical and useful ones for our boys and girls.