Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-10-28
Warns Of Ignorance
Continued from Page One)

The resolutions included the fol-
lowing:
Teachers Association go on record
as heartily favorinS the action of the
New England Educational associa-
ton, at it's meeting in Boston, in
sponsoring and aiding the progressive
steps leading to the enacting of the
Towner- Stirling bill, so-called, into
law. and that we, as an association.
aid in the wider discussion of the
forward looking program for Amer
lean education"
The closing session of the conven-
ton was held tonight in City hall,
when State Superintendent Thomas
spoke on Progress in Education as
Applied to Maine" and Thomas
Brooks Fletcher, editor Of the Mar
ion, Ohio, Tribune, delivered an ad-
dress on "The Martyrdom of Fools"
Address of State Supt. Thomas
We are not i'll contest with any other
state in the Union. We are struggling
to solve to the best advantage our own
school problems. We hope to succeed
equally we'll with our sister states.
1t seems entirely fitting that we
should review our progress in order
that We may more perfectly under
stand our problems to come. Our pat
rons and taxpayers also have a right
to know wherein we have advanced.
While we as school people of the State
have rendered valient service, not all
= h. ;e- :,
for all and I am pleased to attribute
praise to the public who have financed
our schools and have co-operated with
US. There exists in our State an un
usual spirit of cooperation and fine
regard for the value of good schools.
Educational systems have had an
intangibleness which has made it diff
cult to point 20 definite items of pro-
gress. While time does not permit
detail of all the points in which we
have advanced, there are some which
may well be mentioned as outstand-
ing. 1t it entirely fitting to say that
during the trying years through which
we have come Maine has had the good
fortune to have legislative sessions
in which the members have been
strongly interested in the educational
achievement of our State and Cover
nors who have co-operated to the full
est extent with the school people, two
highly important factors!
/. During the last decade we have
decreased our illiteracy 20fo and have
cy percentage.
=. In 1917 there were approximately
1900 work permits issued: in 1922
from the State Labor Commission, we
learn there are about 200.
8. Since the last normal year before
the war. we have increased our normal
school enrolment 4GIc
4. In 1916 there wero 1ccS high
school students pursuing Industrial
courses; in 1921 there were 500 /, .,n
increase of 44rt.
). In 1916 there were no vocational
schools; in 1921 there were &C.
6. In 1916 there were 122 courses
in industrial subjects; in 1921. ,179 or
an increase of 1910.
7. In 1916. IFS towns were taking
advantage of the Free High School
Act; in 1921 there were $50, an in
crease of 800.
s. Since the last normal year be-
fore the war. we have established a
Statewide physical education law in
which teachers everywhere are inter-
eStcd and are doing their part. We
also have over 100 school physicians
so school nurses and so directors of
physical education. with an increa Sod
interest in the physical wcll-being in
the rising generation.
9. In 1916 there were o0.GG3 stu
dents in high schools and academies:
in 1921 there were 25,379, an increase
of $50.
10. In 1916 there were 146 Class
a. high schools; in 1921 there were
IL, an increase of 49,.
II. We have established y rnrai
teaching profession which provides
employment for considerable number
of skilled teachers in country schools.
Il. In 1916 the average wage of
elementary teachers was sGS9.c1: in
1921 it was $4,000. High school
teachers from $74S06 in 1916 to
$13A3.02.
Il. Through the foresight and wis
dom of the people. school support has
advanced from S4,10S,493 in 1916 to ST.
S16.410 in 1921.
IA. Our buildings and equipment in
1916 were valued at $4,000 900; in,1921.
$4,000 000, which means better more
sanitary building in all parts of the
State. 1t will rot be long until every
teacher in Maine will have a clean.
sanitary. comfortable and attractive
school building in which to teach.
10. During the period we have in
stalled Statewide system of super
vision with an upright and progress
slve group of uperintendents-this in
itself is of great service to the schools
in improving school conditions.
1G. Our teachers also have beer
aftuated by high professional motives
and have advanced themselves in the
understanding OF technical phases con-
sistent with progress.
Yes. Maine has done tolerably VOL
and if we do our share. our progress
In the next 10 years will bring the
achievement of our great motto be-
queathed to us by the founders of the
Commonwealth. DIRIGO.