The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1923-03-04
HIGH
SCHOOLS WILL
TEACH BUSINESS
Allan Davis, Principal of Com.
merciaI High Here, Pre-
diets Growth of the Course
OLD TRADES ARE PASSING
Faculty Head Thinks Educa-
tional institutions Should
Have Self Support Curriculum

"The next addition to our
American high school system will
be broad and well planned busi-
ness course, serving as the best
means of general education for an
increasingly large number of stu
dents" predicts Allan Davis, prin-
cipal of the Business High School.
is PIONEER.
Mr.. Davis, one Of the pioneer edu-
Gators along business and CONNER
cial lines, and one of the foremost
figures in the Washington public
school system, was born in Ohio IN
1866. He received his elementary
education in the graded schools of
the town of Minerva in that state,
and in the Wallach School, this city.
In 1885. Mr.. Davis started teach.
ing in The Washington High School,
the only institution of secondary edu-
cation in the city at that time.
Physics was his subject. Upon
graduation from the National Law
School, the degree Of L. M. was con-
ferred upon him.
Mr.. Davis is not only a prominent
figure in the educational circles of
the District, but is more than ordi-
narily known among those of civic
interest. He is a charter member
of the Federation OF Citizens Asso-
Citations, and did mor1> perhaps, than
any other single man to put that
organization upon its present firm,
and powerful basis.
LABORED FOR CITY.
During his many years Of affilia-
4
Davis has had an active part in the
solution Of the many difficult civic
problems laid before it, and has done
much toward advancing the worthy
causes which the Federation has
fostered.
Besides being vitality interested In
matters affecting the city as a whole,
Mr.. Davis takes a keen interest in
community affairs, and is an active
and enthusiastic member Of the
Southeast Citizens Association. He
has served a number of years as
chairman Of the schools committee Of
that organization, and in that
capacity has done much toward
retirement Of public school condi-
tons here
AS chairman Of the Teachers
Council, Mr.. Davis is at the head
or an organization representing
practically every school teacher in
the District of Columbia, and the
honor conferred upon him in his
election to this office is no small one.
Mr.. Davis also is chairman of the
Board of High School Principals.
That his splendid reputation is
not merely local is proven by the
fact he has been treasurer of the
National Education Association sew
eral years, and also has been presi-
dent of the business education sec
ton Of that organization.
WOULD TEACH SELF.SUPPORT.
In commenting on the nature and
value of the business course, Mr..
Davis yesterday said
With the average boy or girl
who elects a business course, the
chief motive is undoubtedly to be-
come self-supporting Nor do I
believe that such a thought is a
low or unworthy one as is some
times suggested. Today when in
dustrial and commercial organiza-
ton and inventions virtually have
destroyed the old trades, it is we'll
to fit the citizen who would, under
old conditions, have chosen a
trade. When it is perceived that
such training can be given hand
in hand with all that is best in
modern education, the oft-iterated
fears for the educational we'll be-
ing of the commercial course.
student are seen to be groundless.
Another great gain results to the
community from the practical
character Of such education, in
that 1t causes a large increase in
high school attendance. The bust
ness course, like the technical, will
retain boys in school beyond the
primary grades, who otherwise
would have received no secondary
schooling. Thus will be secured
peaceably what a compulsory edu-
cation law could never accomplish
by force.
TO BECOME FEEDER.
At present the high school Is a
finishing school as far as CONNER
cial education is concerned. How
ever, 1t is only a question of time
when the commercial high school
will be the feeder for the CONNER
cial course of the college. One Of
the results of such an extended
course will be to supply specially
and broadly trained corps of teach
ers in sympathy with the ideals,
and able to give a standing among
it's competitors in the field of Sec
ondary education.
To teachers in other high school
courses, the commercial instructor
always will stand as an example,
in that he is In close touch with
those who practice what he
teaches. If the commercial public
school shall lead teachers to visit
business houses, to get in touch
with those who actually are doing
the worlds work, to combine
theory with practice. 1t will have
conferred a lasting and needed
benefit upon our common school
nducatiOnu