Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-03-28
THE SCHOOL AND THE HOME

I'VE hear much OF cooperation
today. 1t Is an oycrworked and much
abused word, but can think Of no
cooperation more vital TO the well
fare OF society than that between
the parent and the teacher. This is
relationship based on a mutual de-
sire TO bring up the rising generation
and give 1t fair and wholesome
etart in life"
" ~ Governor Baxter did not over en-
phasize the much used word, "co-
operation" in these remarks about
the Parent Teacher Association. He
nowise exaggerated the importance
OF PROPER home control and guidance
OF the child. His wishes for the en-
deavor Of the Parent Teacher Asso-
citation to spread to every commun-
fly and to every home should find
response in the minds of all sensible
people.
others of like mind, that not only is
there need Of parent and teacher
working together in harmony but
that modern methods of education
slford the parent an opportunity, II
80 disposed, to shirk some of parental
responsibility. 1t has been the ex-
perience that whenever the commun-
ity, town, state or federal govern
ment assumes supervisory RESPONSE
bilities the individuals on whom
these responsibilities formerly rested
Immediately throw off all care about
the matter and pass it along to the
governmental agency. This happens
in all departments of endeavor, even
in the matter of bringing up children
and Notwithstanding the parental af-
lection supposed to exist and which !
usually does exist.
Without assuming to know all the
ms and outs with which the educa-
tors have to deal there are certain
features Of the present school situa-
tion which appear to be indisputable: !
the children and the teachers are
comes out Of school with knowl- /,
edge of the fundamentals generally |
found to be deficient; the teacher
from the kindergarten up is called |
upon to do for the child what once
was done in the home. the good !
homes. Now, not all children have
good homes. but why include with !
the instruction of those who do not
have the good homes those who do: I
why base the system on those that
lack instead Of striving to put that
class on par with the others?
In matters of health we have the |
district nurse going among the
homes. helping and advising. 1t has
been found that much may BIO done
for health in that way. Why Is 1t not
reasonable to suppose much might !
be done for education in the home !
under advice and direction. as well
as for health? The school is over !
loaded with responsibilities. the pa
rents of children have really been de- |
prived of their responsibilities In some
degree and should resent it. The
timo should come when parents
would take pride in doing for the
child that which can so much better /
~bes done in tho home than in the
crowded school-room by overtaxed
teachers. Not only should the school
authorities keep their hands off these
responsibilities. If it be possible for
the parents to assume them but aid
abe parents in fulfilling them.
Is a. saving too much TO state that
there may be done for the child in the
home. that which 1t is impossible to
do through any other agency? we
do not think so. or course this Is
rot done, will not be done In all
homes: but wherever possible 1t
should be done, school management
should not assume to do 1t ana
should encourage and help the home
to perform its duties.