The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1920-12-04


have to keep on doing as long as we
live"
It is gratifying to me to note the
progress that is being made in the
state TO. reach this goal II must be
az abdmi ,,is. that at NJ time before in
Texas. has there been such concerted
action against the forces of ignor-
rance and superstitution. 1t has cost
true educational status. 1t had to be
done If remedy was to be applied.
II must have been stupendous task
to bring the young men of Texas,
test that would enable us to find
ourselves. Three can be no doubt
that the expenditure in time and
money was exceedingly large, but It
- equally certain that large divi-
dends are accrueing from the under
taking.
The educational awakening which
has followed this disclosure in re-
gratifying in the extreme. When IL
became known that the destiny of
orr country was largely in the hands
of men who were unable to read in
telligibly or to write their name il
was recalled at the same instance
that patriot devotion to country and
flag develops in proportion as the
principles of government are known
and understood, and that the ideals of
American citizenship must be formed
through persistent study in the pub
lie schools, under efficient guidance
and instructions.
investigation has shown that the
rural districts are the most neglected
among our people. The short term,
SSn nest teacher schools, With small
lighted with no equipment, a third
class teacher with no conception of
the. mental growth of children. to say
q l. fasar 80 a Iii zw.I.w Il.
ing, constitutes q liability, rather
than the asset that II should be to
the state; for in these both teacher
and children, not infrequently become
| am pleased to inform you that a
new day is dawning for these schools.
Let us pause long enough. here in
association assembled to express our
grateful appreciation to the depart
ment of education for the creation
OF the office of State Supervisors of
Negro schools. and for the appoint
ment of the present encumbent, SUI
duties of the office. A wise and
comprehensive study of the conditions
obtaining In these schools constitutes
his first official act The informa-
ton gathered in this connection was
not obtained in his office at Austin,
nor is 1t the result of reported inves-
tigation of persons authorized by
him, but rather the result of his own
observation and experience, growing
out of sympathetic personal con-
tact with teachers and pupils at
work: Thus. he has been able to as
certain the conditions as they are, as
well as the view point of the teach
ers in charge. looking forward to the
permanent improvement of the large
number OF schools under his super
vision.
The problems of the rural schools
are many and varied. The problem
Of teacher shortage. and ] mean eff
ficient teacher shortage, not a more
shortage. Of licensed teachers for the
rural schools, but a deficit of teach
ers qualified for the work and conse-
1erated to the duties of profession.
NThis condition is being met by the
recommendation of State aid for a
large number of teachers who desire
20 take summer courses in our lead
ing institutions in the South. These
with much enthusiasm for their work
and a larger vision of community
better in its relations to life.
The high cost Of living which Is
an outgrowth of the war and which
has. persistently held on through the
period of reconstruction, Is out of an
proportions with the salaries paid
Colored teachers in this state. Some
ton of 100000, by the legislature
of the state, upon the recommended
ton of Miss Blanton, State supt. Of
Public Instruction. The Superin-
tendent's interest in ell for the
schools of Texas, has shown itself
in the administration of the school
laws OF the state, as well as in the
amount of constructive Legislation for
the schools, resulting from her
recommendation. Nothing can more
completely reflect the capabilities of
among the educators of the age than
the manner in which she has handled
the school system whose head she so
deservingly is. Her last great
achievement for the rural schools be-
ing the putting over of the better
school amendment which was voted
on Nov 2, and over whelming car
ried. This emancipation of rural
schools will stand out as a monument
Il y her achievements and untiring eff
mi for the schools of Texas for
III time to come.
II does not require philosopher.
nor statesman to discover that the
local school officials have never CIV
en- the Colored schools in their dis
tricts a just proportion of the funds
provided by the State for their main
flamenco. Perhaps, the most outstand-
ing breach of property, justice, and
equity in this regard, is seen in the
difference between the character of
school houses and equipment of
schools for Colored and white child
'ren, and the difference in salaries
paid teachers in the white and Color
ed schools for the same kind and
tamount of work.
"
fered for these discrepancies are no
longer tenable, nor reasonable in the
remotest degree. There is no double
standard in prices for the necessities
of life. The Colored teachers equip
ment and preparation for the work
costs practically the same as that of
the whites, as in many instances 1t
is obtained from the same shops, and
not infrequently is the training receiv-
ed in the same schools. The Colored
teachers desire the same living con-
ditions as other teachers and should
have them as far as equality of sal
airy for equal service will permit.
| would remind you, however, that
1t will take time to wipe out these
inequalities that have been growing
time to AK them; it represents a
gowth and hence. its undoing must
be evolutionary. rather than evolu-
tionary. Our orchards, our heards.
and our follSways and mores. are
products of long years of breeding
and training. Exercise patience, and
ultimately things will right them
selves. May l not add that already
day is breaking. These incidents will
illustrate to my point. Before the
committee on Standardization of High
Schools the question of minimum SAL
airy for colored high school teachers
came up, whereupon Supervisor Rog-
ers openly said: Make 1t the same
as that for whites" 1t was done. A
suggestion like this from the State
Department of Education was un-'
thinkable 10 years ago.
Only last week the United States
Commissioner of Education, DIR. Clax-
ton, called a citizens Conference of
governors, school presidents. princi-
pals and friends to meet In Atlanta,
Ga, to consider the education of the
Coiored people of the United States.
The Federated Council of Church
Women which recently held its meet
ing In Dallas, took q decided stand
in favor of justice and fair play in
the courts, in matters Of transporta-
tion, and in provisions for the educa-
zion Of Colored children.
These Incidents say, could not
have happened even year ago. They
are the outgrowth of a more friendly
feeling, a better understanding, lar
! rer conscience, and larger vision Of