Evening star., 1918-07-07
WHAT THE GOVERNMENT Is DOING

capable during. the war emergency.
They desire to know specifically
whether they can be most helpful by
shortening the daily or weekly or
annual school session, by closing
down entirely. by continuing as in
activities in various ways.
The entire spirit of the officials Of
the bureau of education here is. and
has been from the beginning. that
the war should in no way be used as
an excuse for giving the children Of
the country any less education, in
quantity or quality. than they other
wise would ha(e had but. on the con-
trary, that thel schools should do ev-
erything possible to increase their
efficiency. to the end that the chill
dren now in the schools may at the
conclusion of their course be even
better qualified than ever before to
take up the duties and responsible
ties of life.
In taking the stand that they do
the federal educational experts point
out that the Army and Navy do not
eighteen years of age, nor boys nor
men of any age who are not strong
and well developed physically. So
far as the Army and Navy are con-
cerned. there is nothing more tmpor-
tant that the schools can do than to
Keep BOlHs dI lull CdpdSlIys anu hs
;the same time to emphasize in every
possible way their work in physical
education. High school boys will rem
der the best service OF which they
are capable by remaining in school
until completion of the high school
course.
AS soon as the Army is able to an
nounce definitely its need OF men
possessing certain technical and trade
qualifications. it will be necessary for
large numbers of young men eighteen
years of age and over to respond by
taking the training courses that may
be provided to prepare them in the
shortest possible time. But. in the
meantime. nothing can possibly be
gained by boys doing otherwise than
to continue in school. laying the very
best possible Foundation for such
subsequent training. II they are
wanted they will be called.
Officials Of the bureau of education
have suggested that II the schools
will carefully select boys having
suitable physical development and
other necessary qualifications. pre-.
pare them for various branches OF
agricultural work and send them ou,
to service on the farms under proper
auspices during the vacation they
will undoubtedly be offering greater
relief in the present emergency thar
would be possible by attempting tt
carry on work Immediately under tRt
Army or Navy.
Vigorous physical training undel
discipline furnishes excellent prepara'
ton for civil or military usefulness
later on. Such value as formal mill
tary drill in the high schools may
have, however. is more likely to bt
through keeping the boys satisfied Il
remain in school than as contribu'
ton to the immediate militar!
strength Of the country.
In general. the officials Of thu
bureau believe, that wherever schoo
boards can find the means the presen
emergency is an opportune time fol
adjusting the schools on an an-year
round basis. with a school of forty
eight weeks, divided into four quar-
ters of twelve weeks each. Th'
schools would then, the officials poin
out, be in continuous operation, bu
individual teachers and pupils woult
have the option Of taking one Quartel
Off at prearranged periods for needed
change.
In view of the danger Of anothe
coal shortage the coming winter ofh