Finding Aids: PVAMU Special Collections and Archives : The Prairie View Training School Collection

Creator: Barbara Martin

Title of Collection: The Prairie View Training School

Dates: 1946-2006, undated

Extent: 0.50 Linear Feet (1 box)

Abstract: The Prairie View Training School was an education program held at the Prairie View Normal & Industrial College during the 1918-1968 period.

Biographical Note: For many years Prairie View realized the need of a training school for teachers. This movement, like many others, took years to materialize. In 1918, under the direction of Miss M. J. Simms, who was appointed supervisor, the classes were moved from old Kirby to The Spence building.

In 1920, Ms. M. C. Walker became a director and guided the would-be teachers and classes into the new building. Before they entered, the Nautilus club rooms were painted, and some equipment was furnished so that the facilities would be brighter, inviting and impressive to the children. some very effective teacher training and instructions were conducted. Another teacher, by the name of Mrs. M. J. Davis, was hired to assist the workload.

From 1933 to 1936, there was an entirely new staff in the training school. The high school was moved back to the Rosenwald building with a printable of the elementary school in the high school, along with three supervisory teachers. Two of the three teachers were added by efforts of the parent teacher Association and by superintendent white of Waller, Texas. The enrollment group was from 74 to 82 pupils. no permanent records were kept before 1933 However, inadequate and incomplete workers were kept before 1933 and as far back as 1927 to 1928 and only teachers' registers were used for Elementary grades until 1942.

The textbook division declared peer review and independent textbook District in 1934. in 1934, it was found that about 75% of the training school students went to college in the largest class to graduate then was the class of 1934 to 1935, which was the period of development during the days of the academy. During this time period, principal w r Banks awarded the highest-ranking student a scholarship.

From 1935 to 1940, the training school had an enrollment of 85 and was accredited high school with a principal and six part-time teachers from a regular College staff. in addition to those teachers, the student teachers received a portion of their training under the supervision at the school.

By 1946, the enrollment grew to 200 students under the principalship of Dorothy I. Burdine. The curriculum was designed to meet the nature, needs and interests of childhood and youth. in addition to training in the fundamental skills through functional experiences, Democratic techniques which provided for self-direction and solution of vital problems or included in the program. This enabled the student body to know, appreciate and serve their respective communities. Miss Burdine believed that the primary function of the school was to produce citizens who could face and solve their own problems. Many programs were developed to meet the needs and abilities of the students.

Sources: "Prairie View Training School Reunion” (1990). Prairie View A&M University

Arrangement: The collection is arranged in the original order as received by the creator of the donation.

Identification: UA 0095

Repository: Special Collections/Archives Department, John B. Coleman Library, Prairie View A&M University

Complied by Evelyn Davis, December 2023