The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1922-04-19
Character Training in Public
Schools.

Washington. April 1.-The right
solution of the problem of de-
mocracy "can only come through
the school, according to a plan for
better developed character
training in the public schools" for
awarded under the auspices of the
Character Education Institution.
The winning plan was prepared by
the following research committee
in Iowa: Prof. D. Starbuck Of
Iowa State University, chairman; H.
E. Blackmar, superintendent of
public Schools, Ottumwa; C. D. Col
grove, president Of Upper Iowa
University, Fayette; Prof. F. d.
Cram and Prof A. C. Fuller Of
Teachers College, Cedar Falls:
Prof. E: Horn of Iowa State Uni
versity; F. H. Huskill, former SUI
perintendent of schools at Water
loo; Prof. Herbert Martin Of Drake
University, Des Moines: Prof. J..
D. Stoops of Grinnell College, Grin
nell.
The competition was conducted
between committees Of nine ap-
pointed by a committee of selection
which in turn was appointed by the
executive committee of the Insti-
tuition. The chairman Of the Win
ming committee receives $4,000;
each of the other eight collabora-
tors, $4,000.
The winning plan proposes ways
and means designed to obtain
greater moral results from the reg
ular studies rather than a moral
program to be added to the cur
riculum.
THE right organization of the
school can alone so far toward
solving the character training prob
lens. says the plan. ITO feel the
collective Judgment Of ones peers is
the heart of moral impulse" it
continues, citing cases where school
discipline was exercised by the
group viii rather than through the
mere authority OF the teacher. "a
nlodicunl Of student participation
Tin school government is saw
ing grace if it assures a feeling
Of membership in the school COM
munity and sets free pent up pow
ers that are wanting an avenue of
expression. The problems under
taken Gby student government)
should be mans size"
One chapter presents three rat
ing scales for measuring improve
ment in character.
The Character Education Insti-
tuition has just been reincorporated.
According to its certificate Of in
corporation it aims to include
maintenance of itself as an endow-
ed national institution with Spe-
cial faculty for the development
of character education of children
and youth, under the control and
leadership Of professional educa-
tors.
The membership is limited 70
the chairman of the institution, the
chief executive officers of education
of the several states, Ihe United
States Commissioner Of Educa-
ton, a member Of the staff of the
Federal Bureau of education, deS-
ignated by the commissioner. the
secretary Of the National Education
Association. the chairman of the di-
vision Of anthropolosy and psy-
choloSy Of the national research
council. the secretary of the nation
al congress of mothers. the dean
OF a school of education within
the District of Columbia or vicin-
ity, the superintendent Of public
schools. Of the District OF Colum-
bal, and a member of the staff Of
the public schools OF the District
Of Columbia, and the present life
directors Of the national institution
for moral instruction, the parent
orSa niZation of the institution.