New-York tribune., 1920-07-02
The High School Crisis
Reasons for the Prompt Re.
election of DR.. Tildsley

10 the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: John L. Tildsley, associate su.
perintendent assigned to high schools
an enthusiastic schooman, by an en-.
lightened and constructive program Of
educational betterment has enlarged
and improved the teaching personnel
and has inspired real teamwork in the
schools. The Board of Education at
recent meeting failed to reelect DR..
Tildsley to succeed himself, postponine
action avowedly as matter of courtesy
to an absent member. This action Ia
not without precedent. 1t does not
necessarily indicate a. failure to reelect
ultimately. 1t does, however, bring into
the high schools an element of uncer-
tainty, indecision and doubt. and to tha.
extent is blow against efficiency.
DR.. Ettinger, Superintendent Of
Schools, committed his administration to
policy of supervision through "pyra-
miding" of responsibility from the
higher officials down. This method was
sufficiently elastic to inspire initiative
develop resourcefulness and at the same
time secure definite control DR.. Tilds-
ley with enthusiasm built upon this
plan a broad constructive program Of
high school administration by which
each principal and teacher was set to
work as an expert upon the problem Of
the professional upbuilding OF the
schools
What elements predominant in this
educational structure erected by Dr.
Tildsley during the disturbances and
distractions of the war?
They are many. Teachers secured and
assigned by methods bus!ness;ke and
up to date, principals selected from can
dldates who have surveyed and reported
constructively upon the schools for
which they have applied, courses Of
study elastic and adapted to local re-
qulrements, pupils in lower grades ex-
amlned as to intelligence by modern
methods, money expenditures economi-
cally controlled-in each individual
high ideals as to citizenship and serv-
lce-everywhere the spirit Of inquiry
and trial and the determination TO
faithful work.
During the war and since DR. Tildsley
used all his influence to require on the
part of every teacher certain standards
of respect for and obedience to the
government In this he carried out
faithfully the requirements Of the law
and the instructions of his superors,
ard in everything he did he was backed
by the superintendent and the board.
This task he pursued fearlessly in his
own way without thought of himself,
and in certain quarters here he
met opposition and aroused com
plant Even recently has Dr. Tilds-
ley been publicly assailed by
resigning principal who, while re-
linqulshing his post to accept a more
remunerative job, nevertheless saw TT
~ Pubi4oi a ioiiR CDiupldiUt dS " %
legged restriction Of thought and action
"a complaint which at least before the
board of superintendent failed to b
convincing.
AT this time. when public education
at low ebb through neglect to pay
teachers adequately, shows promise Of
healthy revival, a temporary delay II
the reelection by the Board Of Educs-
ton Of New York City of an associate
superintendent who has performed ex-
cellent service is merely passing Incl
dent.
II, however, this delay portends fai!'
ure to reelect at all. then the incideh'
will have become grave emergency
Then will the high schools be face 70
face with a crisis indeed-and the
progress of reconstruct on through sec
ondary education in New York Cl'y
Will be gravely imperiled.
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
New York, June so, 1920.