of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 285

Supervisor of Guidance assists counties in developing within their schools sound
programs of occupational "information and guidance.

During the past two years in order to determine the strengths and weak-
nesses of the county high schools and to plan a program of improvement, the
State Supervisors of High Schools arranged to have studies made of these
institutions. The schools surveyed comprised 40 per cent of all the high schools
in the counties and all the largest high schools. Each school following up
the findings of the survey to correct the weaknesses which have appeared.
This program of high school evaluation, probably the most comprehensive on
a State-wide basis ever undertaken, has had a most stimulating effect on
those who have had an opportunity to participate.

TRANSPORTATION OF PUPILS AND SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION

An increase in the number of elementary pupils transported at public ex-
pense has accompanied the reduction in the number of one-teacher schools
through consolidation with larger schools, in which children may benefit from
better instructional opportunities.

Teachers and supervisors of white and colored elementary schools have
labored to adjust the schools to needs of individual pupils more closely. - Prob-
lems of retarded pupils have been analyzed with a view to special remedial
follow-up work, with the result that the number and percentage of failing and
over-age pupils have shown progressive reduction.

Analysis of the scores made by pupils tested in the fundamental subjects
through State-wide tests financed by State funds has shown that standards
have been maintained and raised.

Since 1939 the number of children in special classes has been increased
from 768 to 1, 126. The State Department approves the organization of these
classes if a sufficient number of eligible children is found in a school having an
enrollment of at least 200 pupils.

AID FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN

The State plan for the education of physically handicapped children pro-
vides for instruction in hospitals and convalescent homes, visiting teachers for
the home-bound, special transportation of children who cannot ride on regular
school buses or who cannot walk the distance to school, and special orthopedic
or other equipment wherever necessary for proper school adjustment. The
course of study provided for these children is the same as the regular school
curriculum, and standard tests given to the home-bound children by the Super-
visor show that they make normal progress for age and grade. The number
of physically handicapped children aided through the State program has been
increased from 148 to 316, thanks to an increase in the State appropriation in
1940 from $15, 000 to $20, 000.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Service acts as a clearing house for all the
efforts expended in behalf of disabled persons, and works with the various
welfare, health, and educational institutions and organizations of the State.
To this end cooperative agreements with the State Department of Health, the
Industrial Accident Commission, the State Employment Service, and the Balti-
more Goodwill Industries, have been strengthened and improved. In general,
these agreements provide for an interchange of reports on disabled persons