New Britain herald., 1923-03-15
THE SCHOOL PROBLEM.

The statement of Superintendent
 Of Schools, Stanley H. Holmes. pub
 lished in this newspaper Tuesday and which is to be circulated among the members of the school commit tee and others interested, is com
 mended to everyone for careful perusal and thought. Full apprecia- ton Of the problem may not be gained without much more than a casual reading. Its comprehensive ness and its; evidence of deep study of the problem which it presents will bring at least faint understanding of the compexity of the problem to those able to grasp not only what the statement says but also the fields which it opens up.
 Of especial significance is the man. ner in which Mir. Holmes discusses, not only the city's duty but the "city's opportunity many-sided as it is. The Superintendent of Schools does not look upon this matter as q task to be performed as a burden; he sees in it an opportunity to be grasped eagerly. This is the viewpoint of one passionately interested in his work. not as duty" which he is paid to perform, but rather as privilege granted to him.
 Of special interest is the impor- tance given in the statement to the work of those who may leave school after being graduated from Junior or Senior Hgh--those who are obliged, or who choose. to go to work rather than to college; the importance given to consideration of those not thor oughly familiar with the English language, and the thought of those who, because of mental or physical defects or ina bility to attend school regularly. need more careful instruc- ton. There is an indication in the statement that it is the intention to keep the schools of this city alive to the needs of all, the especially fortunate and those for whom educa- ton is more difficult. Without prot estation of democracy it is evident | that the statement is inspired by the | conviction that the public schools of | city, this city must meet the needs | of al without partiality, by assist ing the backward up to the plane of l the more favored, if the great task | is to be accomplished.
 The suggestion of the need of q | psychologist for children who are | difficult to classify is q matter de- l serving of extended comment entirely | aside from this discussion. As the | need of education in every line of en- deavor is more generally recognized, so will the need be recognized of the | use of the science of psychology in all problems having to do directly | with the human mind, not only of mental deviates'' but also of the normal individual.
 As fools rush in where angels fear to tread many of us criticize those whose understanding of the matter of which they have charge makes our own ignorance seem shameful. This presentment Of the problem of broad ly educating a great army of some 16,000, more or less, children and adults of varying degrees of mental and physical strength, should bring some conception of the magnitude of the task and the manner in which that task is being approached. New Britain is fortunate in having as Superintendent of it's schools an eff cient educator who considers his work an opportunity to be seized an elevatng life work, rather than a duty which must be performed grudgingly.