The New York herald., 1921-11-27
BETTER EDUCATION
WEEK ARRANGED
Every Community Urged to
Participate From Decem-
bcr 4 to 10.

INDIANAPOLIS. Ind, Nov. 26-Because
the schoolroom is the cradle of the ma
tlon. because the foundation of every
State is the education OF its youth. the
National Americanism Commission of
the American Legion and the National
Education Association have Joined hands
to promote and foster education and
thereby strengthen and perpetuate bet
ter Americanism. build more intelli-
gent and better citizenry, and withal,
equip the youth of the nation mor~ ade-,
quately to cope with life snd forge
ahead the interests and achievements OF
the entire United States. as
The initial effort is to be made with
the Inauguration Of "American Educa-
tion Week." December to 10, which is
to be fittingly observed in every State
In the Union. every city and every COM
munity. Governors of States. Mayors
Of cities and towns In every section of
the country have already issued procla-
nations. urging the citizens to observe
this week In a fitting way and bend
their energies toward the successful ac-
complishment OF its detectives.
This is but the initial step in the elab-
crate plan Of the two organizations
working together for the accomplish
ment of their joint objective-better
education and better Americanism. Each
year this week is to be observed As
progress is made. situations clarified.
definite plans will crystallizc and SO
lidify into perfected programme for this
accomplishment. t,'r
Sermons Requested.
Throughout the nation on December 4.
Sunday, ministers will preach upon the
urgent need for better education. From
all over the country come eager ac-
ceptance of the invitation to preach upon
this subject. And throughout the week
the press, pulpit. educators, patriotic
bodies, national clubs, community clubs
and other civic bodies will cooperate to
make the plan q success. 4,
The main purposes OF the week are
to inform the public of the accomplish
ments and needs of the public schools,
particularly of the urgent needs, and to
secure cooperation and support of the
public in meeting these needs and to
teach and foster good Americanisn.
mo service has suffered more from
unintelligent criticism than the schools"
DR.. Charl Ormand Williams. president
Of the National Education Association.
and Alvin NJ. Owsley National Director
of thev National Americanism Commits
sion, have said after a thorough pre-
liminary survey of the educational situa-
tion in the United States. 49,.
The average citizen does not read
educational literature or accounts OF
teachers meetings or visit schools to
learn what they are doing or how the
children are faring," the statement con-
tinued
First Hand Knowledge.
The average citizen has a conception
OF school only as he knew it in his own
school days. American Education Week
should give the taxpayers who furnish,
the funds for the public schools first
hand knowledge of the service for which
they pay. Educators cannot afford to
neglect this opportunity to advertise it's
aims and purposes.
1T Is the duty OF all the friends OF
education TO think seriously and work
hard on the problem OF keeping the
idea Of public education before ali the
people all the time
I'm every possible way tho public's
attention should be centred on educa-
tional problems" the Joint statement
continues 1T should be centred upon
the need OF better buildings, lbraries
and equipment Fairgrounds. better
school attendance, better paid teachers.
longer school term, better vocational
education. better understanding OF the
form and fundamental principles oil our
Government and better and universal,
use OF the English language. Special
emphasis should be placed on the sing
ing OF patriotic songs salutes to tfe
flag, the flying Of the flag from every
school house every school day the
weather permits. and upon short, inter-
esting accounts Of essential facts IN
American history"
Among the topics already selected by
communities In every quarter OF the
United States for the observance of this
week are these american Ideals and
Americanism," National Contributions
to Our Immigrant Citizens Their Pride
In Our Country and Its Principles Of
Government" American Patriotism"
civil and Military Heroes; the School
and the Nation" Education. the Great
est Investment for Community, state
and Nation" How Education May Be
Promoted" "The Community's Respon-
sibility Toward the School and Ways
and Means for Promoting Better Educa-
tion. Better Americansm."