A survey of the educational system of the Philippine islands by the Board of educational survey, created under acts 3162 and 3196 of the Philippine Legislature.

SECONDARY EDUCATION

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schools, where equipment can be provided, the subject of chemistry
should be offered.
MATHEMATICS.-Regarding the mathematics program, little need
be said. At present three units of the general course are drawn from
this field-algebra in the first year, geometry in the second, and advanced algebra and arithmetic in the third. That algebra and geometry, occupying their present position because of historical accident
and the strength of tradition, should be required of all pupils is without justification. In the life of the ordinary individual there is practically no need for these subjects. A few scientists and engineers find
them useful, and a small number of other folk think them interesting,
but the great masses of educated persons can make no use of them.
Most of those who have pursued these subjects in school, unless they
seek refuge in vague and unsupported generalizations about the development of mental faculties which no psychologist can discover, must
admit that their chief value is to serve as a form of intellectual impedimenta which marks them off from other persons.
Algebra and geometry should be made elective; and only individuals
who are planning to enter the College of Engineering or who possess a
special talent for mathematics should be encouraged to take them.
Even for the former, perhaps, if the engineering courses were differently
organized, some other form of mathematics would be preferable. For
the great majority of pupils in the high school there should be offered in
the first year a course in general or composite mathematics. This
course would include those practical phases of arithmetic, algebra, and
geometry which are of some use to ordinary men. The textual materials for such a course are already available. In one of the upper
years, for those who desire a type of advanced mathematics possessing
large social value, a strong course in accounting should be given. This
program should take care of the mathematical needs of the high-school
population.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION.-The present emphasis on physical education is highly commendable. Boys are required to take physical education five days a week and girls three days a week throughout the four
years. In the case of the boys two of the five periods are devoted to
military drill, the remaining three to group games and exercises. Military drill as a form of physical education is ineffective and should be
abolished. A portion of this time, perhaps one period a week, should
be devoted to a study of hygiene and sanitation. But the major criticism is that in so many schools the present program is apparently