New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-13
DON'T DELAY SCHOOL REFORM
Writ Plan Solves the Cys Present Difficulties and Should Be Adopted
Without Inteminablc Debate

and create natural situations in which older
children can exercise, under wise superyi-
sion. their instructive desire for leadership.
Too much supervision of play by teachers
would tend to limit the possibilities for the
development OF such qualities through carry
ing over to the playground the rigidty Of
the classroom. This answer TO the third ped
agogical objection raised seems reasonable 10
those of US who have played under such con-
dtions.
A further criticism raised by the educa-
tional authorities is that outside instruction
in the home or in the church is permitted,
but that no means is provided for seeing that
such instruction is the equivalent of regular
schooling Il would be very unfortunate
if the school undertook to insure that such
instruction should be the equivalent OF reg
uar schooling, for in that case the school
would be supervising religious instruction,
which the Gary plan. in consonance with the
law, expressly prohibits. The programme
simply provides that the child can be excused
during the day to take private lessons at
home or attend religious instruction if the
parent so desires. These periods are never
taken from the academic work, and there
fore do not detract from the regular work Of
the school. As in the case of play and audi
forum, IL IL simply time WHICH, IN tne tIa-
ditional school, the child would spend upon
the street. What is taught in these outside
classes and how it is taught is not, and
should not be- the concern of the School.
From press reports Of the conference yes
terday between the Board of Estimate and
the Board of Education, it would seem that
despite these pedagogical difficulties way
may be found to extend the Gary plan at an
early date TO the schools in which children
are suffering from part time. II is to be
hoped that action in this direction by the
school authorities will be taken promptly. In
taking such action, however it is important
that the workstudy- andplay schools provid-
ed be organized this time along the lines
worked out by Mr.. Writ.
IL has been customary for those who have
been opposing this progressive policy TO pref
ace their remarks with expressions OF I'M
bounded admiration for the Gary plan. The
public is not interested, however. in these
reiterated professions of faith, for il Is too
conscious Of the fact that there are nearly
one hundred and fifty thousand children re-
cciving less than five hours instruction
daily II desires action. II looks with APP
prevail upon the disposition of the financial
authorities TO appropriate S6,000,000 TO make
the necessary changes to alleviate this con-
dtiOn. 1t recognizes the futility Of expect.
ing to receive In the rear future thirty or
forty millions OF dollars for new buildings.
even if the reserved seat basis of organiza-
ton offered the best type Of education. Il is
anxious that the children Of the city shall
not be sacrificed through undue delay in
beginning a programme that will handle the
situation within the cty's financial ability.
HOWARD W. NUDD,
Director Public Education Association of the
City of New York
New York, Oct. 70, 1915.