The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1922-11-22
WOULOMAKED.C,
SCH00LSPLAN
A MODEL
Congressman Reed Proposes
Conference of Educators
to Consider Needs.

Educational leaders. who in the
past have regarded the Washing
ton school system as a Congress
sional stepchild. today are optimistic
and confident for the future of the
National Capitals schools.
They are in whole-hearted accord
with the hope of Congressman
Stuart F. Reed Of West Virginia
that conference of educators be
called in Washington to perfect n
standardization system of education
for the District Of Columbia, that
plan to he followed as a model by
schools throughout the country.
That the Washington schools
should be a model for the public
school systems of the United States
has been a desire expressed not
only by Congressman Reed. but by
more than 10000 members of the
National Educational Association.
which met in Washington last sum-
mer.
Frank w. Ballou, superintendent
of schools is receiving letters from
all sections of the United States.
asking for information on the local
school situation and advocat ng the
plan which Congressman Reed has
brought to national notice.
Whole Nation Interested.
THE feelings of the Washington
school administration as to educa-
ton here are expressed in the Pres
dents proclamation on American
Education Week." said Superintend-
ent Ballou.
THE whole nation is interested In
the schools Of Washington and in
the plan to make them the model
for the nation. The national senti.
ment was well displayed when su-
perntendents Of many cities at
tended the conference on Ameri-
can youth called by Secretary Of
War Weeks.
1.-The questions that were asked
Of me and Of my associates in school
administration were innumerable.
Every out of town educational
authority with whom I talked voiced
the opinion that the schools of this
city should head the list for prog
ress."
One Of the most quoted para
graphs in the American educational
world today Is one from the annual
report of Superintendent Ballou,
which has aroused wide comment
among those who have mistakenly
thought the schools Of Washington
were practically perfect.
The paragraph follows:
Educational progress in Wash
ington is- slow because under the
present system of educational con.
troll and financial support, the
needs of the school system are al
lowed to become acute before con
sideration is given to improvement.
and relief then comes altogether
too slowly. The present needs Of
the school system are numerous
and pressing. The shortage of
schoolhouse accommodations is
acute. The need of constructive
legislation is likewise urgent"
To Eliminate Politics.
The National Educational Asso-
citation has proposed, among other
changes in the local system, to
make the Board of Education a
body Of Congressional appointment,
free of politics, and with wide
authority.
When this proposition was pre-.
scented to the members of the Sen.
ate and House committee on the
District of Columbia. every mem.
Der in writing expressed approval
but of action there was none.
While the Washington school
heads feel that they cannot afford
to give free rein to their opinions
on improvements in the school sys.
etem, they consider relief can come
only through the plan outlined by
Congressman Reed and by crystal.
lization of sentiment for the su.
premacy of education in Washing.
tnv