Report of the Committee of Fifteen Read at the Cleveland Meeting of the Department of Superintendence, February 19-21, 1884, with the Debate

"Report of the Committee of Fifteen" by William Torrey Harris is a historical exploration of late 19th-century educational philosophies. It describes the core ideas and methods for connecting different subjects in elementary school. This report stresses the value of a well-organized curriculum that matches how kids naturally learn. The committee takes a look at subjects like language arts, math, geography, and history, promoting an all-around approach to learning. This report begins by laying out the committee's views on how subjects should connect, arguing that a good education should consider the order of topics and how kids grow and change. The authors present their ideas on the relationship between different subjects, suggesting that each subject should connect to a student's daily life and the world around them, while equipping students with skills for life and community involvement. The report lays the foundation for a more detailed look at teaching methods and subjects that create a well-rounded education.