An 8th grade education
[email protected]
Here is a little food for thought!
Subject: Eighth Grade Education (Only An Eighth Grade Education ?)
Remember when our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and such stat=
ed that they only had an 8th grade education? Well, check this out.
This is the
eighth-grade final exam from 1895 from Salina, KS, USA.
It was taken from the original document on file at the Smoky Valley Geneal=
ogical Society and Library in Salina, KS, and reprinted by the Salina Journa=
l.
8th Grade Final Exam: Salina, KS - 1895
Grammar (Time, one hour)
1. Give nine rules for the use of Capital Letters.
2. Name the Parts of Speech and define those that have to modifications.
3. Define Verse, Stanza and Paragraph.
4. What are the Principal Parts of a verb? Give Principal Parts of do, lie,=
lay and run.
5. Define Case. Illustrate each Case.
6. What is Punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of Punctuation.
7 -10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you und=
erstand the practical use of the rules of grammar.
Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)
1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. deep, 10 ft. long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels=
of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50 cents per bu=
shel, deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy t=
o carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for inciden=
tals?
5. Find cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per =
m?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance around w=
hich is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.
U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)
1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States.
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas.
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and=
Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, =
1865
Orthography (Time, one hour)
1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymolo=
gy, syllabication?
2. What are the elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: Trigraph, subvocals, =
diphthong, cognate letters, linguals?
4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u'.
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e'. Name two exceptions un=
der each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: Bi, dis=
, mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, super.
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the=
sign that indicates the sound: Card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blo=
od, fare, last.
9. Use the following correctly in sentences:
cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, ray=
s.
10.Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by us=
e of diacritical marks and by syllabication.
Geography (Time, one hour)
1. What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America.
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Yuk=
on, St. Helena, Juan Hermandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S.
7. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude? =
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sour=
ces of rivers.
10.Describe the movements of the earth. Give inclination of the earth.
This gives the saying of an early 20th century person that "he/she only ha=
d an 8th grade education" a whole new meaning, doesn't it?
It also makes you wonder when we stopped getting an education in school!
Subject: Eighth Grade Education (Only An Eighth Grade Education ?)
Remember when our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and such stat=
ed that they only had an 8th grade education? Well, check this out.
This is the
eighth-grade final exam from 1895 from Salina, KS, USA.
It was taken from the original document on file at the Smoky Valley Geneal=
ogical Society and Library in Salina, KS, and reprinted by the Salina Journa=
l.
8th Grade Final Exam: Salina, KS - 1895
Grammar (Time, one hour)
1. Give nine rules for the use of Capital Letters.
2. Name the Parts of Speech and define those that have to modifications.
3. Define Verse, Stanza and Paragraph.
4. What are the Principal Parts of a verb? Give Principal Parts of do, lie,=
lay and run.
5. Define Case. Illustrate each Case.
6. What is Punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of Punctuation.
7 -10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you und=
erstand the practical use of the rules of grammar.
Arithmetic (Time, 1.25 hours)
1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
2. A wagon box is 2 ft. deep, 10 ft. long, and 3 ft. wide. How many bushels=
of wheat will it hold?
3. If a load of wheat weighs 3942 lbs., what is it worth at 50 cents per bu=
shel, deducting 1050 lbs. for tare?
4. District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy t=
o carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for inciden=
tals?
5. Find cost of 6720 lbs. coal at $6.00 per ton.
6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.
7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per =
m?
8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance around w=
hich is 640 rods?
10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.
U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)
1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
4. Show the territorial growth of the United States.
5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas.
6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, and=
Howe?
8. Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, =
1865
Orthography (Time, one hour)
1. What is meant by the following: Alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymolo=
gy, syllabication?
2. What are the elementary sounds? How classified?
3. What are the following, and give examples of each: Trigraph, subvocals, =
diphthong, cognate letters, linguals?
4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u'.
5. Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e'. Name two exceptions un=
der each rule.
6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: Bi, dis=
, mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, super.
8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the=
sign that indicates the sound: Card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blo=
od, fare, last.
9. Use the following correctly in sentences:
cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, ray=
s.
10.Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by us=
e of diacritical marks and by syllabication.
Geography (Time, one hour)
1. What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas?
3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
4. Describe the mountains of North America.
5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Yuk=
on, St. Helena, Juan Hermandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.
6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S.
7. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.
8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude? =
9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sour=
ces of rivers.
10.Describe the movements of the earth. Give inclination of the earth.
This gives the saying of an early 20th century person that "he/she only ha=
d an 8th grade education" a whole new meaning, doesn't it?
It also makes you wonder when we stopped getting an education in school!
Samantha Stopple
--- Nest4Robin@... wrote:
as an Urban Legend. Here's the URL that explains it
all...
http://www.snopes2.com/language/document/1895exam.htm
Samantha
__________________________________________________
Terrorist Attacks on U.S. - How can you help?
Donate cash, emergency relief information
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/fc/US/Emergency_Information/
> Here is a little food for thought!This was sent on another list I'm on and was exposed
> Subject: Eighth Grade Education �(Only An Eighth
> Grade Education ?)
>
> �Remember when our parents, grandparents,
> great-grandparents, and such stat=
> ed that they only had an 8th grade education? Well,
> check this out.
>
> This is the
> eighth-grade final exam from 1895 from Salina, KS,
> USA.
> �It was taken from the original document on file at
> the Smoky Valley Geneal=
> ogical Society and Library in Salina, KS, and
> reprinted by the Salina Journa=
as an Urban Legend. Here's the URL that explains it
all...
http://www.snopes2.com/language/document/1895exam.htm
Samantha
__________________________________________________
Terrorist Attacks on U.S. - How can you help?
Donate cash, emergency relief information
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/fc/US/Emergency_Information/
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/16/01 7:44:03 AM, sammimag@... writes:
<< This was sent on another list I'm on and was exposed
as an Urban Legend. Here's the URL that explains it
all...
<<http://www.snopes2.com/language/document/1895exam.htm >>
Eighth grade was truly more advanced then in some ways than 8th grade is now,
but on the other hand there were things they didn't touch then or have any
concept of that 8th graders now in school have.
Many things in the world are covered by the "six of one, half a dozen of the
other" rule.
In any case, modern American schools have problems.
And in all cases, critical thinking and checking sources is always, always a
good thing. If someone tells you something, check it out yourself.
Sometimes people just make a mistake for being stressed or in a hurry (as I'm
sure Dr. Chopra did about the "2000 years" thing), and then there are other
people who want quick easy answers and don't care much about the truthful
reality behind what they're saying.
Sandra
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
<< This was sent on another list I'm on and was exposed
as an Urban Legend. Here's the URL that explains it
all...
<<http://www.snopes2.com/language/document/1895exam.htm >>
Eighth grade was truly more advanced then in some ways than 8th grade is now,
but on the other hand there were things they didn't touch then or have any
concept of that 8th graders now in school have.
Many things in the world are covered by the "six of one, half a dozen of the
other" rule.
In any case, modern American schools have problems.
And in all cases, critical thinking and checking sources is always, always a
good thing. If someone tells you something, check it out yourself.
Sometimes people just make a mistake for being stressed or in a hurry (as I'm
sure Dr. Chopra did about the "2000 years" thing), and then there are other
people who want quick easy answers and don't care much about the truthful
reality behind what they're saying.
Sandra
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
David Albert
>I could care less whether students in 1895 could answer the questions or
> as an Urban Legend. Here's the URL that explains it
> all...
>
> http://www.snopes2.com/language/document/1895exam.htm
>
> Samantha
not. But the fact is the supposed expose of the test as an "urban legend"
turns out to be as dubious as the test itself! "Snopes" was unable to track
the "legend" to its fictitious source, nor come up with any evidence that it
was in fact falsified. So he relies on deductive reasoning, based on a series
of faulty syllogisms. Interesting, but....
--
[email protected]
<< "Snopes" was unable to track
the "legend" to its fictitious source, nor come up with any evidence that it
was in fact falsified. So he relies on deductive reasoning, based on a series
of faulty syllogisms. Interesting, but.... >>
Better evidence than those who claimed it was an 8th grade test had.
For those who don't want to go to the site, the copy of the original (the
library doesn't have an original) says "applicant," doesn't say student,
doesn't say 8th grade. It could be an application to get into college, or
for a job, or to teach. It doesn't say.
If the library is unable to produce their copy, or if there are no extant
copies found of something someone allegedly transcribed, then it is
reasonable to assume someone made up at least part of the info which is being
sent out as whole truth.
Such tests would be a matter of public record, with thousands of copies, not
all in one place.
People will not learn as much from a black and white sketch of something as
they will from a 3-D model, or from touching and seeing the real thing.
To cling to something from one piece of evidence (and electronic copy, not
even real, period paper copy) isn't sufficient for knowing or understanding.
There are different levels of belief, and I think it's important for
unschoolers to go for multi-faceted, multi-dimensional versions of ANYTHING
they want to believe or pass on to their children.
Earlier someone recommended *a* history series. If an unschooled child is
interested in any period of history or any incident, I think they parents
should scout around for at least five or six pieces of input--movies, videos,
historical reports (first-hand, eye-witness reports), photos or archeological
evidence--and never ever think that reading one version of something which is
the author's impression should be enough to begin to "know." It can spark an
interest, but can't constitute a body of knowledge.
Perhaps online in some history of testing areas there are documented 8th
grade tests from different states. Instead of defending something
questionable, it would be more useful to do the research to find something
more easily defended, if the material is of interest to you.
Sandra
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
the "legend" to its fictitious source, nor come up with any evidence that it
was in fact falsified. So he relies on deductive reasoning, based on a series
of faulty syllogisms. Interesting, but.... >>
Better evidence than those who claimed it was an 8th grade test had.
For those who don't want to go to the site, the copy of the original (the
library doesn't have an original) says "applicant," doesn't say student,
doesn't say 8th grade. It could be an application to get into college, or
for a job, or to teach. It doesn't say.
If the library is unable to produce their copy, or if there are no extant
copies found of something someone allegedly transcribed, then it is
reasonable to assume someone made up at least part of the info which is being
sent out as whole truth.
Such tests would be a matter of public record, with thousands of copies, not
all in one place.
People will not learn as much from a black and white sketch of something as
they will from a 3-D model, or from touching and seeing the real thing.
To cling to something from one piece of evidence (and electronic copy, not
even real, period paper copy) isn't sufficient for knowing or understanding.
There are different levels of belief, and I think it's important for
unschoolers to go for multi-faceted, multi-dimensional versions of ANYTHING
they want to believe or pass on to their children.
Earlier someone recommended *a* history series. If an unschooled child is
interested in any period of history or any incident, I think they parents
should scout around for at least five or six pieces of input--movies, videos,
historical reports (first-hand, eye-witness reports), photos or archeological
evidence--and never ever think that reading one version of something which is
the author's impression should be enough to begin to "know." It can spark an
interest, but can't constitute a body of knowledge.
Perhaps online in some history of testing areas there are documented 8th
grade tests from different states. Instead of defending something
questionable, it would be more useful to do the research to find something
more easily defended, if the material is of interest to you.
Sandra
Sandra
"Everything counts."
http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
http://expage.com/SandraDodd
David Albert
>Neither defending, nor interested.
>
> Perhaps online in some history of testing areas there are documented 8th
> grade tests from different states. Instead of defending something
> questionable, it would be more useful to do the research to find something
> more easily defended, if the material is of interest to you.
>
david
david
[email protected]
Good heavens there is so much faulty logic, incorrect information and
leaps from what was actually said/done to what is being "corrected."
I can now understand more fully why there are so many arguments and
misunderstandings on this list. A poster, an adult, responded to a
post I made with a request for suggestions. The request was for
something for this adult to read, a request for suggestions. Another
poster made a couple of suggestions. That would appear to come under
the description this list being a place to share information.
According to the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society, they, not the
library have the original document. Unless one can prove otherwise,
which deductive reasoning, based on faulty syllogisms does not do,
then there is no better evidence. Are you sure you went to their
site? The site specifically states "
EXAMINATION GRADUATION QUESTIONS
OF SALINE COUNTY, KANSAS
April 13, 1895
J.W. Armstrong, County Superintendent.
That certainly doesn't equate to there being a question of it being
an application for anything. At that point in time at that
particular school district you graduated in the 8th grade, therefore
it doesn't need to say 8th grade if it is "the" graduation exam.
Also the parameters of conduct for school districts of this century
are being applied to a school district in another period in time.
Many, many documents have been lost or were never saved. There are a
few genealogists on this list you can clarify for you just how many
records and documents have been lost or were never saved. Were all
those documents still available it would make a much easier job for
those that are tracing their ancestors. Unfortunately they are not.
I see no suggestions from this post. I only see jumping to
conclusions and misinterpreting other posts. A sharing of "I really
enjoyed," "I learned so much from," or "have you read" would go
further toward expaning horizons than a lesson in go find it yourself
and a dictate that one should not rely on only one body of work. I
am willing to accept that the requestor is an adult and would come to
that conclusion themselves and not criticise what hasn't happened
until it does happen.
There was no "a" source, there was no discussion of an unschooled
child's interest in history and it would appear that the person who
should have done more research or more accurate research is the one
giving the lecture.
Tery
leaps from what was actually said/done to what is being "corrected."
I can now understand more fully why there are so many arguments and
misunderstandings on this list. A poster, an adult, responded to a
post I made with a request for suggestions. The request was for
something for this adult to read, a request for suggestions. Another
poster made a couple of suggestions. That would appear to come under
the description this list being a place to share information.
According to the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society, they, not the
library have the original document. Unless one can prove otherwise,
which deductive reasoning, based on faulty syllogisms does not do,
then there is no better evidence. Are you sure you went to their
site? The site specifically states "
EXAMINATION GRADUATION QUESTIONS
OF SALINE COUNTY, KANSAS
April 13, 1895
J.W. Armstrong, County Superintendent.
That certainly doesn't equate to there being a question of it being
an application for anything. At that point in time at that
particular school district you graduated in the 8th grade, therefore
it doesn't need to say 8th grade if it is "the" graduation exam.
Also the parameters of conduct for school districts of this century
are being applied to a school district in another period in time.
Many, many documents have been lost or were never saved. There are a
few genealogists on this list you can clarify for you just how many
records and documents have been lost or were never saved. Were all
those documents still available it would make a much easier job for
those that are tracing their ancestors. Unfortunately they are not.
I see no suggestions from this post. I only see jumping to
conclusions and misinterpreting other posts. A sharing of "I really
enjoyed," "I learned so much from," or "have you read" would go
further toward expaning horizons than a lesson in go find it yourself
and a dictate that one should not rely on only one body of work. I
am willing to accept that the requestor is an adult and would come to
that conclusion themselves and not criticise what hasn't happened
until it does happen.
There was no "a" source, there was no discussion of an unschooled
child's interest in history and it would appear that the person who
should have done more research or more accurate research is the one
giving the lecture.
Tery
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., SandraDodd@a... wrote:
> << "Snopes" was unable to track
> the "legend" to its fictitious source, nor come up with any
evidence that it
> was in fact falsified. So he relies on deductive reasoning, based
on a series
> of faulty syllogisms. Interesting, but.... >>
>
> Better evidence than those who claimed it was an 8th grade test had.
>
> For those who don't want to go to the site, the copy of the
original (the
> library doesn't have an original) says "applicant," doesn't say
student,
> doesn't say 8th grade. It could be an application to get into
college, or
> for a job, or to teach. It doesn't say.
>
>
> If the library is unable to produce their copy, or if there are no
extant
> copies found of something someone allegedly transcribed, then it is
> reasonable to assume someone made up at least part of the info
which is being
> sent out as whole truth.
>
> Such tests would be a matter of public record, with thousands of
copies, not
> all in one place.
>
> People will not learn as much from a black and white sketch of
something as
> they will from a 3-D model, or from touching and seeing the real
thing.
>
> To cling to something from one piece of evidence (and electronic
copy, not
> even real, period paper copy) isn't sufficient for knowing or
understanding.
>
> There are different levels of belief, and I think it's important
for
> unschoolers to go for multi-faceted, multi-dimensional versions of
ANYTHING
> they want to believe or pass on to their children.
>
> Earlier someone recommended *a* history series. If an unschooled
child is
> interested in any period of history or any incident, I think they
parents
> should scout around for at least five or six pieces of input--
movies, videos,
> historical reports (first-hand, eye-witness reports), photos or
archeological
> evidence--and never ever think that reading one version of
something which is
> the author's impression should be enough to begin to "know." It
can spark an
> interest, but can't constitute a body of knowledge.
>
> Perhaps online in some history of testing areas there are
documented 8th
> grade tests from different states. Instead of defending something
> questionable, it would be more useful to do the research to find
something
> more easily defended, if the material is of interest to you.
>
> Sandra
>
>
>
> Sandra
>
> "Everything counts."
> http://expage.com/SandraDoddArticles
> http://expage.com/SandraDodd
[email protected]
When in doubt, go straight to the source. From the Smokey Valley
Genealogical Society:
"I hope that I can answer your questions re: the 1895 School
Examination.
The original test was loaned to our society by Mr. R.L. Armstrong,
long time Saline County Clerk. The test was administered to county
grade-school students by his father, County Superintendent, J.W.
Armstrong in 1895. The test was included in a book that we
published, "Early School Records Saline County, Kansas 1875-1915" in
1989. The test was included in the book's "Introduction" merely as a
curiosity and to allow those who were researching their ancestors in
Saline County to experience some of the things their ancestors would
have experienced during their school years.
We have a copy of the original. The original was returned to the
Armstrong family after the society had copied it. I don't know which
urban legends site you refer to, but I had a lengthy correspondence
with the "snopes" site last year, and sent him a copy of our copy,
which is a copy of the original document (a copy with no one holding
onto the test.) They wanted to know if I had seen the original of the
copy, which I had not. However, I know members of our society who
have seen the original at the time it was copied, and also in a box
in the basement of our County Courthouse. Both J.W. and R.L.
Armstrong have since passed away. The original is now in the
possession of one of their descendants. R.L. Armstrong had several
children and we have not been able to locate the original as many of
them no longer live in this area. In searching the County
Courthouse, I found references to the test in J.W. Armstrongs own
hand in ledgers that were kept by the Superintendent, but did not
locate the test that was there when located in the basement. Since
that time the school records have been moved from the basement to the
2nd floor.
Even though I have not myself seen the original test (I wish I could
say that I had), I do know the women who saw it and copied it. Based
on the reputation and personal relationships that I have had with
these women, some of whom are also now deceased, I can honestly say
that I believe 100% that this is a copy of the original test. Even
the copy shows the age of the document. It appears to have been
printed on a printing press. Many think it could only be an
authentic 1895 document if it were hand-written. We did have
printing presses in 1895.
I put the test on our website in about 1995, again, simply as a
resource for those researching their ancestors, as I also put some of
our school records on the site. It sat there quietly and without
comment for all this time. About 2 years ago, the controversy began.
Lately, I have seriously thought about removing it, but stubborness,
I guess, keeps me from doing it. I think the test has been mis-used
by those who would use it to point fingers at the educational
institutions of today and say that students of today could not answer
the questions. That may be true, I can't answer the questions, but I
seriously doubt that students of 1895 could answer the questions that
students of today find quite simple. It's kind of like "describe
Monrovia, Hecla, Juan Fermandez and Orinoco" vs. "describe Iran, Iraq
and Bosnia".
You can only take a test on what you have been taught, and some of
the things that are in this test are no longer necessary for students
to learn.
I hope that I have helped you to put the 1895 test into it's proper
context.
If I can help further, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Shirley George Towner
Smoky Valley Genealogical Society
Salina, KS. 67401
Genealogical Society:
"I hope that I can answer your questions re: the 1895 School
Examination.
The original test was loaned to our society by Mr. R.L. Armstrong,
long time Saline County Clerk. The test was administered to county
grade-school students by his father, County Superintendent, J.W.
Armstrong in 1895. The test was included in a book that we
published, "Early School Records Saline County, Kansas 1875-1915" in
1989. The test was included in the book's "Introduction" merely as a
curiosity and to allow those who were researching their ancestors in
Saline County to experience some of the things their ancestors would
have experienced during their school years.
We have a copy of the original. The original was returned to the
Armstrong family after the society had copied it. I don't know which
urban legends site you refer to, but I had a lengthy correspondence
with the "snopes" site last year, and sent him a copy of our copy,
which is a copy of the original document (a copy with no one holding
onto the test.) They wanted to know if I had seen the original of the
copy, which I had not. However, I know members of our society who
have seen the original at the time it was copied, and also in a box
in the basement of our County Courthouse. Both J.W. and R.L.
Armstrong have since passed away. The original is now in the
possession of one of their descendants. R.L. Armstrong had several
children and we have not been able to locate the original as many of
them no longer live in this area. In searching the County
Courthouse, I found references to the test in J.W. Armstrongs own
hand in ledgers that were kept by the Superintendent, but did not
locate the test that was there when located in the basement. Since
that time the school records have been moved from the basement to the
2nd floor.
Even though I have not myself seen the original test (I wish I could
say that I had), I do know the women who saw it and copied it. Based
on the reputation and personal relationships that I have had with
these women, some of whom are also now deceased, I can honestly say
that I believe 100% that this is a copy of the original test. Even
the copy shows the age of the document. It appears to have been
printed on a printing press. Many think it could only be an
authentic 1895 document if it were hand-written. We did have
printing presses in 1895.
I put the test on our website in about 1995, again, simply as a
resource for those researching their ancestors, as I also put some of
our school records on the site. It sat there quietly and without
comment for all this time. About 2 years ago, the controversy began.
Lately, I have seriously thought about removing it, but stubborness,
I guess, keeps me from doing it. I think the test has been mis-used
by those who would use it to point fingers at the educational
institutions of today and say that students of today could not answer
the questions. That may be true, I can't answer the questions, but I
seriously doubt that students of 1895 could answer the questions that
students of today find quite simple. It's kind of like "describe
Monrovia, Hecla, Juan Fermandez and Orinoco" vs. "describe Iran, Iraq
and Bosnia".
You can only take a test on what you have been taught, and some of
the things that are in this test are no longer necessary for students
to learn.
I hope that I have helped you to put the 1895 test into it's proper
context.
If I can help further, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Shirley George Towner
Smoky Valley Genealogical Society
Salina, KS. 67401
--- In Unschooling-dotcom@y..., David Albert <shantinik@e...> wrote:
> >
> > as an Urban Legend. Here's the URL that explains it
> > all...
> >
> > http://www.snopes2.com/language/document/1895exam.htm
> >
> > Samantha
>
> I could care less whether students in 1895 could answer the
questions or
> not. But the fact is the supposed expose of the test as an "urban
legend"
> turns out to be as dubious as the test itself! "Snopes" was unable
to track
> the "legend" to its fictitious source, nor come up with any
evidence that it
> was in fact falsified. So he relies on deductive reasoning, based
on a series
> of faulty syllogisms. Interesting, but....
> --
[email protected]
This thread so far has been a learning experience for me. Maybe there
will more to learn from it. I saw the "8th grade education test'
thing on a another list and was wowed by it. Then someone posted it
wasn't true. I went to the website and read the wasn't true part and
said to myself well they really aren't telling with real evidence its
not true either. I had forgotten that part but remembered that somone
directiong me to the possibility that it might not be true did effect
me. So when I saw it on this list I passed on the website that
suggested it might be false. I see know it might have been better to
say here's a link that suggests it might be false. Someone else has
almost gone to the source. Now we might be able to assume that the
original source persons are correct after all. Yet in my mind there
is enough doubt that as a good reporter(if I wanted to be one) I
would go to libraries and historical societies around my area and see
if I could find similar documents. The next thing would be to read
diaries, newspapers of the time period.
samantha
will more to learn from it. I saw the "8th grade education test'
thing on a another list and was wowed by it. Then someone posted it
wasn't true. I went to the website and read the wasn't true part and
said to myself well they really aren't telling with real evidence its
not true either. I had forgotten that part but remembered that somone
directiong me to the possibility that it might not be true did effect
me. So when I saw it on this list I passed on the website that
suggested it might be false. I see know it might have been better to
say here's a link that suggests it might be false. Someone else has
almost gone to the source. Now we might be able to assume that the
original source persons are correct after all. Yet in my mind there
is enough doubt that as a good reporter(if I wanted to be one) I
would go to libraries and historical societies around my area and see
if I could find similar documents. The next thing would be to read
diaries, newspapers of the time period.
samantha
David Albert
so much for "Snopes". Frankly, I don't care much -- like to see them answer
questions about the Internet.
david
mom2kaalande@... wrote:
questions about the Internet.
david
mom2kaalande@... wrote:
> When in doubt, go straight to the source. From the Smokey Valley
> Genealogical Society:
>
> "I hope that I can answer your questions re: the 1895 School
> Examination.
>
> The original test was loaned to our society by Mr. R.L. Armstrong,
> long time Saline County Clerk. The test was administered to county
> grade-school students by his father, County Superintendent, J.W.
> Armstrong in 1895. The test was included in a book that we
> published, "Early School Records Saline County, Kansas 1875-1915" in
> 1989. The test was included in the book's "Introduction" merely as a
> curiosity and to allow those who were researching their ancestors in
> Saline County to experience some of the things their ancestors would
> have experienced during their school years.
>
> We have a copy of the original.
Sharon Rudd
--- Nest4Robin@... wrote:
Sharon
__________________________________________________
Terrorist Attacks on U.S. - How can you help?
Donate cash, emergency relief information
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/fc/US/Emergency_Information/
>Well,no. Not in my family.
> �Remember when our parents, grandparents,
> great-grandparents, and such stat=
> ed that they only had an 8th grade education?
Sharon
__________________________________________________
Terrorist Attacks on U.S. - How can you help?
Donate cash, emergency relief information
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/fc/US/Emergency_Information/