UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY OF PUBLIC SCHOOL BY THOMAS EVERETTE COCHRAN A THESIS PRESENTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL in THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PRESS OF THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY LANCASTER, PA. 1921 1. E. P. DEDICATED TO THE FAITHFUL SCHOOL TEACHERS ADMINISTRATORS AND SUPERVISORS OF FLORIDA 500827 с PREFACE Since 1911, when I went to one of the colleges of Florida as professor of Education, I have been very much interested in the public-school system of that State. In 1916 I began a detailed study of its origin and growth, which has resulted in the preparation of this monograph. In making this investigation, my point of view has been that of a student of education and educational conditions; and my purpose, to give an account of what has been accomplished in such a way that it will lead to a better understanding of present-day problems. The work has been prepared with the hope that it may be of real service in promoting public education in Florida. If, in only some small way, it will do this, I shall be more than gratified. The material for a study of this nature is found in a wide range of sources, and I gratefully record here my heavy obligation to those-too numerous to mention by name. - who have aided me in collecting this material. I also desire to express my thanks and acknowledge my great indebtedness to Dr. Frank P. Graves, of the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. W. N. Sheats, state superintendent of public instruction in Florida; to the former for first stimulating my interest in the history of education, and to the latter for furnishing me with much valuable information, and to both for constant encouragement and scholarly advice given throughout the entire investigation. Finally, I gratefully acknowledge the many helpful suggestions from Professors Arthur J. Jones and Thomas Woody, of the University of Pennsylvania, who have read the entire manuscript and commented upon it to its betterment. They who have aided me, however, are in no sense responsible for the opinions expressed, nor for any errors that may appear. March 7, 1921. T. E. C. |