Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-12-10
.SUPT. THURSTON
TALKS TO TEACHERS
ON COOPERATION
Asks Aid in Solving the Prob :
lens Confronting the Pub
lie Schools.

lie Schools.
In heart-tO-heart talk to nearly
thousand of the teachers at Central
High School yesterday afternoon Su-
Thurston appealed for the co-opera
ton of the teaching force, the board
of education and the community in
guiding the public schools through
the crisis resulting from the record
breaking attendance of children this
year.
Supt. Thurston did not discuss de-
tails of the various plans which have
been suggested for reorga MIXING the
system. but referred to the general
question of reorganization.
That many of the teachers are con-
cerned over the possible effects OF
some of the reorganization plans was
evident from the manner in which
they received the superinterdents
statement that serious weight and
consideration should be given to the
opinions of the mass of officers and
teachers in the system.
Discusses Reorganization.
On the question of reorganization
the superintendent said:
General school reOrganiZa ion
seems to he in the air. interesting
many. disturbing some. unsettling
many. do not propose to develop or
discuss any general scheme here to-
day, although | shall touch from time
to time on certain details concerning
which | am largely on record. AS
rule | believe in evolution in 4 school
system: in adjustment as adjustment
clearly becomes necessary and in
logical development of educational or
luton.
There are a number of reorganiza-
ton schemes being proposed. | am
not familiar with all: perhaps | have
not even heard of some of them. 1t
IS for the board of education and not
for me to speak first of any plan it
has or may work out. / have read
carefully the so-called preliminary
survey of the bureau of education.
listened with many of you at the re
classification committee hearing to
presentations for grade and his h
school teachers. but none of the ma
terial then presented. except one pa
per by chance recently mas come to
my hands for study. Nor do l know to
what etent these represent the real
thought of the mass of teachers.
There are also many other PROPOSE
tions.
To Consider Real Efficiency"
| can say, however, that where real
efficiency demands a modification of
~
made. But reorganization is not light
" to be entered into. 1t must be based
on careful study. especially by those
intimately in touch with system.
And it should be made only after OPP
portunity has been given to throw
all possible light on the changes sus-
gested and to weigh relative values.
II may say that personally l would
give very serious weight and con-
sideration to the expression or the
real earnest thought OF the mass OF
officers and teachers. for I have strong
faith in this educational body ana IN
its professional spirit"
Gives Reasons for Calling Meeting.
In beginning his talk Mr.. Thurston
EXPRESSED a desire to resume the per-
sonal contact with the teaching force
which has been interrupted recently
nv the heavy burdens placed upon
him. :,
Il have called this meeting today.
he said. lin part because it Will heip
in the realization of my desire TO
keen more closely and personally &C
auainted with the teaching force.
During the stress of the last two
wears the burdens upon the superIn-
tendent of schools have been so neavy.
the problems SO tremendous. that MS
thought and time and energy nave
been given to them to the sacrifice
of that close contact with you which
means so much to him. This has been
the more unfortunate because during
the same perioj the t"acF =" fc-"t
has changed considerably. There are
many of you now who DO not really
know what the superintendent De
Iieyes. You do not know him-as he
desires to be known. And. OF course
az in all lare. or"a riZatlo"s- tHe
have been few who have sought 10
interpret the superintendent to you
by saving what he thought without
knowing what he thought; by saying
what he intended to do without con-
suIting him about the propositions IN
,,hIvad. nv saving what he had done
without being sure of the 1acts III the
case.
Ain, of the superintendent.
1.-THE superintendent desires to have
his reaching force know what he
really thinks concerning school ques-
lions. what he is striving 10 40 ioi
the school force and consistently mas
striven TO do He wishes TO De aoso-
Jutelv sure that what goes to the
,eaching body. as from him. is either
given personally or carried IN such
a wav as to convey clearly what ne
does think and propose. lie cssires
contact with committees. individuals
councils and organizations. TO get eA-
nressions of your views. and 10 give
at the moment viii permit
The superintendency of the DIS
,rict of Columbia schools is recognized
,ht country over as difficult position
Tnder ordinary conditions the PROP
lens are many and taxing AS
stated. for the last year or SO the
nrohlems have been and are ire
merdous and exactine-the duties eX-
centionally heavy. The superintend
emf Of schools is almost beyond any
other public official of the community
a nublic servant. and he is entitled
by right during his term OF once &c
70 Rim the opportunity to put 100 pei
cent of his energy on his JOB; ne
ought not to be obliged to waste en-
erev in these. critical times for any
; Causes-m INSTRUMENTATION. hidden 90
! nosjtion. or others. People may DIS
agrea as to policies or procedure
| These are matters os argument. Of
appeal, or correction. If necessary
Seeks Good of Community.
~ repeat. the superintendent for thu
eood of the community. and not Tor per
sonal adya ntage. is entitled to the op
I n