South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-08-11
LEGION TO ASSIST
EDUCATORS WITH
THEIR PROGRAM
To Foster Closer Relations
Between Posts and Institu-
tons of Learning.

a definite program ~ CCOpera-
tion between the American Legion
and .hp educators of the country 70.
the advancement Of the cause OF pa
triouc citizenship was outlined at
Des Ioines. Ia. last month az
Joint meeting Of the board OF direc-
tors az the National Education assO-
citation and o committee represent
INK tbe American Legion headed bg
Henry r. Ryan. national director OF
the huer.carism commission. Tn
Joining hands with the educational
forces of the country the legion is
carving OUT the resolutions passed
30 .lo Minneapolis and Cleveland
conventions JIM the interest Of educa-
tim
The program outlined by the le-
al0n and unanimously endorsed by
the National Education association
contains the following important
features.
All teachers i'm public private and
parochiaI schools must be American
citizens end must take the oath of
allegiance.
Engiish 10 bc spoken.
English must be the medium. OF
instruction I'm an schools whether
public. private or parochiaL There
is no objection 20 the teaching OF
foreign languages as subjects
Greater emphasis must be aid up
on the teaching Of American history,
civics. and the constitution Of the
United states. More time should be
devoted 10 patriotic exercises and
the flag should be displayed in all
school houses when school Is in ses-
sion.
school attendance must be com
pulsorv through the high school
age. nine months ~ each year.
The legion representatives as
sured the educators Of support in
their efforts to raise the standard Of
the teaching profession by requiring
"a high school education and two
years professional training for all
teachers. Realizing that economy
i'm education is false economy. the
legion viii attempt TO combat the
agitation for rctrenchment in ex-
pendiWrc for education. both i'm sal
aries Of teachers and ~ extension of
schools.
Meetings Are Planned
The Rational Education associa-
hon pledged its support 10 the le-
rion's proposal to hold an Education
day i'm every city and town of the
country. ON this day meetings viii
be held in local schools 10 empha-
size the fact that education Is che
foundation Of representative gov
eminent. An educator and a mem
her Of the legion viii be among the
speakers.
Following IS part OF the MESA &c
OF cooperation which the legion eN-
tended to the teachers of America
through Mr. Ryan:
II wish it were possible for me K
acquaint every teacher OF America
with the fact that the American le-
Cion has no more sincere desire thar
that Of defeating itself 10 the wei.
fare of the teacher, the student and
the school The school Is the fOun
datiou OF the nation. IF the Amer.
lean school fails America will fail
Education is the mother OF civiliza
ton. civilization has come dOwT
through the ages IN a chariot bull
by the forces Of education. The old
world failed because IL lacked &
proper system Of education. and
America viii fail II # does not di
rect its attention 90 its schools an,
determine that a policy Of stint II
education is false economy.
'The American Legion propose,
TO preserve and safcsGard this gov,
eminent. it means 20 see 20 il thai
an the people are given a greater
opportunity 10 learn of that govern.
meut and its history s0 that wher
the citizens OF tomorrow stand forth
falthful 20 Americas cause. read,
10 serve her and 20 sacrifice for her
they will be able 70 say. We Learned
az school 70 'ove our country"