San Jose State Normal Training School History

"The law of 1921 provided that the course of study at the teachers colleges should not exceed four years and temporarily confined them to training teachers for the kindergarten, elementary, and special secondary fields."¹

At this point in time, according to the 1921 La Torre, four terms of practice teaching in the Training School is required. Additionally, in the 1921 La Torre, there is mention of a Senior Kindergarten and a Junior Kindergarten, as well as mention of cadet teaching.

From the 1922 La Torre.

"During the years following the World War much attention was given to the reorganization of the training school. In 1923 the college issued a definite statement of the service which the training school provided. This was grouped under five heads as follows:

1. Facilities for observation

2. A school for the application of the best ideas in all the different departments of the college

3. A practice school for students

4. A laboratory for students of educational psychology and measurements

5. A practical illustration of the application of modern ideas such as silent reading, project method, and scientific drill lessons

"It was declared that 'In this way the Training School should have a beneficial influence upon teaching in the entire state.' This was to be brought about not only by the influence which the new teachers would exert, but also by the influence which would ensue by having teachers from the near-by committees come to the school and observe the work. This was in line with the policy which had existed throughout the whole history of the institution.

There was another way in which the training school was to render service. This was by providing a modern type of education to the children 'from over four hundred families' which would operate as a leaven in bringing about educational progress. To what extent this contemplated influence operated is difficult to say."²

"By 1924 the training school had extended its facilities to include 'certain select elementary schools in the city of San Jose.' In this move it was laying the basis for a radical development which was to come in the next few years."²

"In 1925 the name of this division of the institution was changed from 'Training School' to 'Demonstration School.' The school was reorganized into three divisions. The kindergarten-primary department included the kindergarten and the first three grades. The intermediate department included grades four, five, and six. The junior high school department included grades seven, eight, and nine. There were approximately 500 children in the school at that time. It should be noted that this was the first appearance of the junior high school in this organization."²

There is mention of Kindergarten children in the 1925 La Torre, so the kindergarten existed during this time.

The pre-kindergarten or nursery school was established in 1926, and the demonstration school remained practically the same until 1929.²

¹Gilbert, B. F. & Burdick, C. 1980. Washington square, 1857-1979: The history of San Jose State University. San Jose State University.

²Walter, A. 1933. The origin and development of the San Jose State Teachers College [Doctoral dissertation, Stanford University]. San José State University Library, Special Collections & Archives.