Date of Award
1940
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
First Advisor
Ralph A. Fritz
Abstract
This survey is undertaken to secure from the alumni of the Booker T. Washington High School information that will be serviceable in the counseling of the undergraduates and in the reorganization of curriculum methods and educational procedures.
Questionnaires, supplemented with interviews and data from the cumulative records of the school, were used (1) to obtain first-hand information concerning the occupational problems encountered by the graduates after leaving school,
(2) to secure from the graduates their appraisal of the courses and activities offered while they were in school, and (3) to determine the economic status of the graduates.
The questionnaires were sent to five graduating classes of 1930 to 1934 inclusive. These classes represent fairly well the total alumni population during the changing economic order. Thirty members who reside in Tulsa were taken from each class by selecting every third name alphabetically. In order to secure replies from 150 graduates, the writer substituted the next alphabetical name for each deceased subject and for each individual who had moved from the city.
Occupational problems common to the majority of the graduates were (1) placement, (2) lack of specialized training, (3) use of money, (4) discrimination on account of race, (5) inadequate training, (6) inadequate personality adjustment, (7) home and family relations, and (8) ill health.
Although the questionnaire and interview presented a good opportunity for the individual to express his grievance or to voice criticism of the school and its program, only a few took advantage of the opportunity. That not enough emphasis is placed upon the fundamental tools - reading, writing, and arithmetic - was the opinion expressed by 53 percent of the group studied. An equal number believed that the school offers everything that could be offered by any school of comparable size. About 43 percent expressed the opinion that too many people are allowed to get by, and 42 percent suggested that more specialized training of the type that will fit the Negro youth for the work available to him be offered. Forty percent believed that too much emphasis is placed upon athletics; 37 percent, that pupils are permitted to enroll in too many activities; 35 percent, that class work and activities are well balanced; and 15 percent, that pupils should be taught to do many common things uncommonly well.
The graduates ranked English, public speaking, typewriting, American history, physical education, and Negro history as the high school subjects most helpful in solving their occupational problems after graduation. They checked chorus, dramatics, Girl Reserves, Hi-Y, band, and orchestra as the most worthwhile extra-curriculum activities.
Recommended Citation
Hughes, Horace Sumner, "OCCUPATIONAL PROBLEMS OF ONE HUNDRED FIFTY GRADUATES OF THE BOOKER T. WASHINGTON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (NEGRO) TULSA, OKLAHOMA" (1940). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 491.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/491
Comments
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