Willard Grosvenor Bleyer
The high school course in English
"The High School Course in English" by Willard Grosvenor Bleyer is an educational guidebook written in the early 20th century. The book outlines a structured curriculum for teaching English in high schools, covering essential elements such as composition and reading comprehension. Its main focus is to provide practical methods for educators to effectively teach the subject across various academic levels, aligning with educational standards of the time. The opening of the text introduces readers to its purpose: to offer practical suggestions for the organization of English courses in high schools, particularly for those in Wisconsin. It emphasizes the importance of enabling students to understand the expressed thoughts of others and articulate their own ideas clearly. The introductory sections further outline the correlation between reading good literature and improving writing skills, highlighting the interconnectedness of these disciplines in achieving effective English education. The author proposes a framework for a four-year high school course that balances composition and literary analysis, aiming to cultivate students' appreciation for literature while developing their writing abilities.