Syracuse State Institution for Feeble-Minded Children Pupil Evaluation Reports

Arranged by pupil, then chronological by date of evaluation.

The series consists of registers that provide brief narrative evaluations of cognitive and skills development of pupils of the New York State Asylum for Idiots, later the Syracuse State Institution for Feeble-Minded Children. The remarks shed light on diagnostic techniques used to assess mental ability and learning progress (e.g., sorting colored beads, walking a ladder, using an iron) as well as early techniques used in educating the mentally retarded. The registers were apparently kept consecutively, and types of information vary slightly between the two volumes. Multiple evaluations per pupil are given chronologically.

The first book (labeled "School Register No. 1") includes evaluations dating ca. 1860-1887. Identifying information includes name, age, number on register, and residence (city, sometime county) for each pupil. Beneath this main heading, entries appear by date of evaluation. There are usually two evaluations per pupil, sometimes more. Remarks occur under the headings: habits; language and speech; forms; colors; pictures; drawing and imitation; writing numbers; words and reading; conduct; and capacity for occupation. There may be as many as ten years separating evaluations of the same pupil.

The second volume includes evaluations on those admitted 1890-1903; the assessments date ca. 1901-1909. Identifying information includes name, age, number on register (or more often, the date admitted), and residence. As in the preceding volume, entries appear by date of evaluation, but they occur yearly and most often several evaluations are provided per pupil. Remarks occur under the headings: habits; language and speech; forms/colors; pictures; drawing and imitation; calisthenics; writing; numbers; industrial capacity; and remarks.

Restricted in accordance with Mental Hygiene Law, Section 33.13, relating to confidentiality of clinical records. Access is permitted under certain conditions upon approval by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.