Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Kent State University School records

Inclusive Date(s):

1914-1986

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Penny White

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Penny White using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2012

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS

Origination:

Kent State University School

Extent:

5.5 cubic feet (4 record storage boxes, 2 half size record storage boxes, 2 slim document boxes, 2 oversize folders)

Physical Location:

11th floor

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0145

Abstract:

This group of records, dating from 1914 to 1986, document the history of the Kent State University observation-based student teaching program known as the Kent State University School. Materials included consist of administrative records, photographs, student and staff publications, yearbooks, commencement programs, and organizational records.

Revision(s):

March 2022 - Revised by Anita Clary
June 2022 - Updated by Cara Gilgenbach

Language(s):

The records are in English.

History of Kent State University School

At times referred to as a "laboratory school," the Kent State University School was maintained on Kent State University's main campus from 1914 until 1982. Not a typical primary school, the University School provided individualized education to kindergarten through 12th grade students, while offering student teachers the opportunity for practical classroom experience. Additionally, the University School provided the University's College of Education with an opportunity for research, observation and experimentation in curriculum and practice.

The University School began as Kent Normal High School in 1914. The idea for a high school originated when eighth grade students from the existing Teacher Training School expressed their interest that a high school be formed to continue their studies. As a result, Kent State Normal School launched a high school program consisting of a single freshman class. The program proved successful and additional grades were added over the next three years. In 1918, the first class of seniors graduated Kent Normal High School with a total of 14 students.

Kent Normal High School became the William A. Cluff Training-School on March 23, 1929 with the dedication of a new building, the Teacher Training Building (now Franklin Hall). Previously housed in portions of Merrill Hall and Science Hall (now Kent Hall), the new building offered the school, comprised of kindergarten, elementary, junior high school and senior high school students, much needed space. Named for the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, the new building included a gymnasium, rooms for music and the industrial arts, home economics, locker rooms and showers.

A final move in 1956 relocated the school to the University School building (now the Michael Schwartz Center) and the observation-based teacher-training program became known as the University School. This new facility provided even more space for the growing school population as well as the addition of classrooms for hard of hearing and special education classes.

By 1972, the University School had closed the senior high school division, grades 10 though 12, due to financial and educational concerns. Nearly 300 students were affected by the change, leaving many to find new school districts for the following year. The closing of the upper three grades roused protests from parents and students alike, having enjoyed the individualized education provided by the school. One of only two on-campus student teaching programs left in the state, the University School found that it was no longer a significant part of the educational trend. On January 25, 1982, the Faculty Senate formally recommended that the program be ended after 68 years. For the first time in Kent State University's history, a major academic program was terminated.

Scope and Content

The Kent State University School records span from 1914-1986 and are organized alphabetically by series and chronologically within each series and subseries. This group of records documents the history of the Kent State University School through administrative records, photographs, student and staff publications, and organizational records. Records also document student life through commencement programs, event materials and yearbooks.

Statement of Arrangement

This group of records has been arranged into the following series and subseries. Please note, Subseries 3: Y-Teens was acquired as a scrapbook and has been disassembled for the purpose of preservation. As a result, these records housed in Box 3 maintain the original order of the scrapbook; page numbers have been noted in the scope and content section of each folder.

• Series 1: Administrative Materials, 1922-1982
• Subseries 1: Course Materials, 1956-1978
• Subseries 2: Guides and Handbooks, 1922-1967
• Subseries 3: Proposals and Reports, 1960-1982
• Series 2: Commencement Programs, 1918-1972
• Series 3: Event Materials, 1933-1980
• Series 4: Organizations, 1961-1973
• Subseries 1: KSUS Foundation, 1971-1973
• Subseries 2: Pro Musica Society, 1961-1972
• Subseries 3: Y-Teens, 1964-1965
• Series 5: Photographs, 1936-1979
• Series 6: Publications, 1914-1979
• Series 7: Subject Files, 1931-1986
• Series 8: Yearbooks, 1914-1974
• Series 9: Artifacts, 1946

Restrictions on Access

The Student Publications found in folders 15 and 17 of Box 4 require the use of reading room copies due to the fragile nature of the originals. Reading room copies can be found in folders 16 and 17 of Box 4.

Preferred Citation

Kent State University School records. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

Materials donated by Thomas Smith, Elinor Miller, R. Thomas Myers, and the Pro Musica (Society) have been added to this collection based on their relationship to the Kent State University School. Henry A. Raup (class of 1951) donated photographs, the handkerchief map, and other items collected by his wife Ann Harbourt Raup (1933-1999), who was a member of the class of 1950.

Controlled Access Headings

The following are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Kent State University School -- Archives.
• Kent Normal High School -- Archives.
• Kent State High School -- Archives.
• Kent State University. Child Development Center -- Archives.
• Teachers, Training of -- Ohio -- Kent.
• Teaching -- Ohio -- Kent.
• Schools -- Ohio -- Kent.
• Nursery schools -- Ohio -- Kent.
• Elementary schools -- Ohio -- Kent.
• Middle schools -- Ohio -- Kent.
• High schools -- Ohio -- Kent.
• Laboratory schools -- Ohio -- Kent.

Organizations/Corporations:

• Kent State University. College of Education.

Functions:

• School management and organization

Places:

• Kent (Ohio)

Occupations:

• School administrators
• Teachers
• Students

Material Types:

• Annual reports
• Brochures
• Clippings (Books, newspapers, etc.)
• Correspondence
• Handbooks, manuals, etc.
• Minutes
• Photographs
• Programs
• Proposals
• Publications
• Reports
• Scrapbooks
• Yearbooks
• Manuscript maps
• Maps

Detailed Description of Records