The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-20

EDUCATIONAL metnodS OF to-uiy
r as compared with those of yes
- terday and long ago show radical
changes. all in the line of progress.
There are people who claim that the
acme of improvement has been reached;
that no further progression Is possible or
necessary. Ono can hardly wonder at
this false claim when the methods Of to-
day are viewed in the light Of methods
carried on in the little red school
house" of many years ago. But all
the same the tide of progression must
not be held back It must flow onward
revealing our mistakes and pointing out
the remedies.
The intelligent practical thinker has
no difficulty in discovering defects when
he observes and probes existing condi-
lions in our school system he has great
difficulty In awakening those who should
be most interested In the progress OF
the educational train.
1t Is obviously the duty of every clti-
zen to Interest himself in tho educational
training of the rising generation. We
should see to 1t that our schoolhouses
are fit: that our highways are clearly
and safeguarded that our modes Of
transit are sanitary, safe and comfort
able, besides being dependable.
Even the homes of school children
should be contributory TO not only their
comfort, but to their educational well
fare. So few parents realize their obl
cation 10 provide the best conditions for
the development Of their children in the
home life. II once the general public
could be aroused to the Importance OF
h, me life training under favorable con-
ditions during the years when parental
care brings, or should bring. the father
and mother III close confidential touch
with their children, the rise in progress
would become marked and the world
would become nationally progressive.
Not only would home life. where edu-
cational methods first hold with our sons
and daughters, become usefully and
probably educational; our school sys-
tens would be illumined; our educators
stimulated TO more interested and more
intelligent endeavor in their work, so
highly important; and our offices would
become more efficient in their allotments
and appointments in their rulings as
to methods finance, equipment, &c. al
ways with an eye to the better way.
We have much sympathy for the con-
scientious teachers who try TO meet the
needs OF those placed in their care for
instruction they sense the lack OF time
for so great achievement as seems neces-
sary; they behold physical tendencies,
| calling for careful handling, for the
| child must be awakened to the dire con-
| sequences II not reformed by correction =;
and only by patient and firm treatment
can any real progress be made in reform.
| Then there are the habits Of careless
| ness, the trial of bare faced indifference
| other conditions which space will not
allow mention add to tho difficulties Of
| tho faithful scrvitors in our wonderful
| school system,
Many OF our educators could NY their
superior intelligence. their reasoning
powers, their light Of experience give
valuable points to the trainers of edu-
catIonal methods it seems quite pity
that they cannot serve as committee
| of references for those upon whom rests
the responsibility of evolving and fixing
! plans TO carry forward the education OF
| young America
When the public mind can be
| aroused To the facts that fine school
| buildings, fully equipped, roomy, light
| and comfortable, as well as sanitary
| and safe that our teachers should be
! we'll paid for giving so much time and
| energy tho best years of their life, to
! the faithful fulilment OF their calling
| that these instructors should be Sc
! leCted with great care as 10 ability, TEN
permanent and character; when the pub
| lie mind Is thus aroused TO realize that
| these important factors in llfe's adjust
ment are a higher and more imperative
| need than many objects upon which
| large sums OF money are expended, VIC
shall mark high tide in progressive edu-
cational methods, and the world vii
! grow better in proportion.
How can we awaken the public mind
| "There's the rub" Must IL stu he Zine
upon line rrccept upon precept'