The Struggle For Stupidity
And Standard, State, Stupidity at that
What 8th-Graders Were Expected To Know in 1910
The following 8th-grade exit exam materials for Washington state in 1910 were supplied to the Education Reporter by Vincent J. Doran of Anchorage, AK.
STATE OF WASHINGTON,
OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON
MY DEAR SUPERINTENDENT AND TEACHERS:
Herewith are sent lists of questions to be used by pupils of the Eighth Grade, who are candidates for certificates of graduation. The aim of these questions is to give the pupils of the Eighth Grade a test in both the technical and general knowledge which they should possess in order to be ready for the higher work. The following facts have been kept in view in the preparation of the questions:
- The advancement of the pupils.
- The general knowledge that they should possess.
- The supplementary work that is now expected of teachers in our schools.
- The requirements of the preparatory courses in higher schools.
If a pupil succeeds in passing successfully this test, he will receive a certificate of graduation, and will be entitled to enter upon a high school course.
Permit the suggestion that no teacher have charge of his pupils while they are writing upon the questions, and to this end the Superintendent or some one appointed by him should have charge of the following examination.
The papers are to be graded by the county Board of Education. The standard is uniform for the state, and is as follows:
Minimum | 60% |
Minimum in grammar and arithmetic | 80% |
Average | 80% |
The rules and program for teachers examinations are to be followed so far as they are applicable.
Very truly,
HENRY B. DEWEY,
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Take the test, and see how you do!