The Bienville Democrat. [volume] (Arcadia, Bienville Parish, La.) 1912-1980, 1921-08-25
II. s. Department of Education

Although our progress; our clvlllza'
ton; the peace of our nation and the
countrys welfare in general depends
upon education, but little has been said
until recently, concerning the creation
by the federal government Of depart
ment of education. Other depart
ments, at least no more important, have
been created and successfully carried
on for years, and now bill is before
Congress, which if passed will create
a department of education. This bill
needs the support of the people. 1t is
true we all favor such a measure, but
do we always express our support for
the things we really stand for! Now
Is a time when we should openly eX-
press our approval Of measure that
Is designed to promote civilization and
deserves the most serious consideration
Of every citizen of the Union. The war
and the recent census brought out the
large percentage of illiteracy in the
United States today. the amount Ct
which is appalling. The measure that
Is now pending before Congress is
known as the Towner- Sterling Bill, and
provides for the creation Of a depart
ment Of education, with the Secretary
to be appointed by the President. The
purposes Of this department, among
other things, being the conducting of
studies and Investigations in the field
OF education. for research of Hitter.
acy, immigrant education, public
school education Especially rural edu.
cation, physical education. and thu
preparation and supply of competent
teachers.
An appropriation is authorized for
the instruction Of illiterates over IA
years OF age; for the instruction of
immigrants IA years of age and over
In the English language; in the Govern.
ment Of the United States and duties
OF citizenship. An appropriation is al.
so authorized for physical education
instruction in the principles of health
and sanitation. It provides and ex.
tends facilities for the Improvement of
teachers in service, and for the more
adequate preparation Of prospective
teachers-an increased number of
trained and competent teachers.
1t is further provided that all such
funds so appropriated shall be distri
outed and administered in accordance
with the laws of the State in like man.
ner as the funds provided by the State
and local authorities for the same pur.
pose, and that the State and local etlu.
cational authorities shall determine the
courses of study, plans and methods Of
carrying out the purposes of the Sec.
uon relative to the education of teach.
ers
The rights of the States are furth.
er safeguarded by the limitation that
the Secretary of Education shall exer-
else no authority in relation to the or.
ganlzatlon, supervision, or administra-
ton OF educational facilities, and that
the Act shall not be construed to implv
Federal control of education within the
states, nor impair the freedom of the
states In the conduct and manage
ment Of their respective school sys.
TENS.
A National Council on education is
created, to consult and advise with tn,
Secretary Of Education, with repre-
sentation for each State.
We feel that this Bill can be enact.
ed into law if our representatives and
senator's in Congress are made to un.
derstand the widespread interest of
Louisiana citizens in this particular
legislation. Write your congressman
and representative supporting this
measure.