Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1902-07-25
N0IiOIOI Educational
Association.
A Report of the Proceedings at
Minneapolis.
BY w. f. HANSON.

In submitting report OF the pIOOcVu-
irgs of the National Educational Assocl-
alton TO the public do it believing that
twill not only present to the minds OF
the school patrons the latest educational
thought but it will stimulate a greater
interest in our educational institutions
The National Educational Association
il divided into several departments
Each department holds its meetings sep
aratelv and at different hours during the
dav. The Council is the most select
body of the organization, its membership
being limited. 1t is here where the
great lights of the educational world
meet and discuss theories. AT this time
l will report their proceedings while
later will make you acquainted with
some of the work of the other depart
ments.
Nathan O. Schaeffer, State Supt. OF
Public Instruction of Penn read paper
on Taxation as 1t Relates 70 School
Maintenance. He said that taxation
for school purposes is now the accepted
policy Of every civilized country. Inc
state is in need of educated physicians,
LAWYERS, chemists, engineers. Ii the
welfare of the people demands govern
mental assistance in the establishment
of such institutions, the night OF the led
eral and state governments 10 levy the
necessary taxes should no more be ques'
TONED than its right 60 raise money Tor
the military academy of West Point ana
the naval school at Annapolis. The ar
puments that should rule out taxation
for university purposes would also De
valid against taxation for the MAIN
tenance Of free schools \ good method
for aiding the schools out OF state funds
is by a special levy letting the taxpayer
know for what purpose he is giving his
money and stimulating his pride IN the
institutions which he helps 70 support.
Again the nature and purpose OF tax
alton should be taught in connection
with history and civil government
one OF the highest tests of patriotism If
found in a willingness to pay just
share of tax for the support Of the
government and the education Of the
people.
The directors or school boards who are
responsible for the running of the
schools should have power up 20 a fixed
limit to specify the amount Of tax TO be
raised for school and building purposes |
Money raised for educational purposes
should be expended honestly and wisely |
otherwise a limit of taxation will be
reached beyond which it viii be impos-
sible TO raise money for the improve
ments Of our systems of education.
Albert c. Lane, District Superin-
tendent Of Schools, Chicago, had most |
timely topic on"Taxation and Teachers |
Salaries"
Advance in education has brought
forth the professional teacher Educa-
ton is now regarded as the right and |
the essential need Of every child AID the |
foundation 10 citizenship. Cities and |
villages have made many demands and |
in response of the people in voting tax
alton has been prompt and willing 1t /
is safe 70 say that a tax from two 70 three F.
mills on all property at its cash value |
would produce sufficient revenue TO pay |
teachers salaries Most states have in
some degree assumed the responsibility /
OF levying state tax for the main
tonance of the schools. The wealth Of
the whole state should contribute to the
education Of al the children and thus
aid districts unable to sustain schools.
AgainState and CountyS superintendent
report that if effective instruction is
impaired to all children more generous
provision must be made for the ample
compensation Of teachers and for per.
manency in their work. Teachers should
always be retained during efficient ser.
vice and good behavior.
DR.. Butler, president Of the Columbia
University, discussed the papers pre-
sented and said that the state should
collect from indirect taxation sum
sufficient to defray the cost of teachers
salaries and that the money should be
distributed among the local commun
tiles to be expended by them; the com.
munities to bear only the cost Of the
building, Improvements, etc.
THE Function of knowledge in
Education was the subject Of a paper
given by Superintendent o. b. Gilbert,
Rochester, \ Y. He said that social
efficiency was the end Of education
No better way can the child be made
good and intelligent creature of society
than to be brought in contact with such
studies as will touch every side Of his
nature. The three RS have been supple.
mented by new studies-music, draw.
ing, art, manual training, etc, not so
much for their direct value as for the
purpose of developing his whole nature.
O. II. Lang, editor of School Journal