Which educator developed one of the first guidance curricula in Grand Rapids, Michigan, schools in 1907?

• A. Jesse Davis
• B. Eli Weaver
• C. Frank Parsons
• D. Anna Reed

Answer: (A)

This question focuses on who first put a formal, schoolwide guidance approach into practice in the early 20th century. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, around 1907, Jesse B. Davis led the development of one of the first formal guidance curricula within public schools. He treated guidance as an organized part of the school program, introducing structured lessons and activities aimed at helping students with decision making, career direction, study skills, and personal development, rather than leaving guidance to chance or individual conversations alone. This move to embed guidance into the curriculum helped establish the model for future school counseling services, showing that counseling could be systematically integrated into daily schooling. While Frank Parsons is recognized as a pioneer in vocational guidance more broadly, his groundbreaking work was centered in Boston and laid the foundation for vocational guidance rather than implementing a Grand Rapids curriculum in 1907. The other names are not tied to this specific milestone in Grand Rapids.