The Detroit times., 1915-10-01
Build Hospital Schools
BY II. ApplNGToN BRUCE,
Author Of The Riddle of Personality"
Psychology and Parenthood." etc.

Our schools are now in full running order
again and, in most cities, with increased proyi'
sion for the education of all types Of children.
More and more clearly the school authori-
ties recognizing the need Of special schools and
classes for the mentally retarded. for stammer
ers, and other children who for various reasons
find il difficult to keep up to grade.
But there IL one innovation not generally
adopted that is indispensable to really efficient
school system This is the establishing OF what
have been aptly called hospital schools-that is,
schools in which children in need of special med
ical observation and treatment can receive this,
and at the same time can receive the Dement'S OF
education.
In the few years that have elapsed since back
ward children became the subject Of really scien'
tifc investigation, it has been found that the
causes OF mental retardation are many and com
plex They are many and so complex that
IL often Is impossible to tell from few test
ings Just way child is an intellectual laggard
Often, experience has proved. children who
seemingly should be sent 10 institutions for the
Predetermined are naturally bright enough In
tellectually they have developed slowly not be-
cause OF brain deficiency, but because OF acci-
dental and remediabe influences
Sometimes these influences are wholly exter-
nal and are TO be found in the environment in
which the child has been brought up. Some
times they are internal. and consist OF such de
fects as eve or ear weakness, adenoid growths
and dental diseases.
Sometimes environment and internal troubles
have acted together TO retard the child.
On the other hand, IT may turn out that, in ad
diton 10 such accidental Influences, there really
is an underlying brain weakness (the degree OF
which can be determined only by patient In
vestigation.
II goes without saying that II will do little
good TO put child into any regular school or
class for the retarded until the cause or causes
Of his retardation have been definitely ascer-
tanned
The proper place 10 send him is a hospital
school. where, besides being studied and treated
by experts. he will receive the often sorey need
ed benefit Of change from unfavorable home
surroundings.
II was his appreciation OF this phase OF the
problem OF the backward child that led PROBES.
sor Ditmer, director OF the psychological clinic
in the University Of Pennsylvania. 10 establish
a pioneer hospital school in Philadelphia eight
years ago.
This school may well serve as model for
similar schools that ought 10 be established in
every city of the United States.
As organized by Professor Wilmer It's staff
included teachers trained in the education Of
backward children, and nurses who had special
lied in handling mental cases. Provision was
made for the examination Of the little inmates
by psychologists, psychiatrsts. and specialists
In eye, ear, nose, throat and dental diseases
Thoroughness and enthusiasm were the watch
words of the school. No child was sent from II
until IL known beyond question what train
ing was best for him.
The conservation OF children is one OF the
foremost duties and needs OF every people. To
this end no expense should be spared. no f,.ving
agency overlooked. Let US not delay In king
u hospital school national institution.