Evening star., 1924-06-28
TEACHER TRAINING
IN CLASSICS TOPIC
Better Method in Greek and
Latin Courses Urged by
League Head.

Better organization of Latin and
Greek courses and provision for train
ing classical teachers were asked by
Dean Andrew f. West of Princeton
University, preside mt of the American
Classical League, at the fifth annual
meeting of the organization held to-
day in the auditorium of the New
National Museum.
In reorganizing the course. we
propose to introduce easy Latin read
ing early and to reduce somewhat the
amount required in the classical au-
thors,' said Dean West. But the Sc
curing of better trained teachers in
much larger numbers is our chief
problem. All our researches converge
on this point
Reports Official Investigation.
Dean West presented the report on
the classical investigation made dur
ing the past three years by the
league with the co-operation of the
leading educators and educational or
gantzations of the country.
In presenting the report the presi-
dent of the Classical League pointed
out that 'all our researches. no mat
ter from what point they start, in
evitably converge on the improve
ment of our teaching as the one CEN
traI question.
We have exposed our faults and
failings without reserve" he con-
tinued. and we believe that this fact
will do more than anything else we
have done to command public con-
fidence. And Notwithstanding these
candid exposures We are happily able
to prove by incontestible evidence
that our pupils in Latin-and even
more in Greek-usually do better in
their other studies than the non
classical pupils do
I'VE are not Interested in the clas-
sizes as something isolated, but as an
integral part of the very best liberal
edueatioa ;,td yet yet. knoWn.a hs,sn De Dean ao IVES,
ill not be permanently satisfied
until this best type of education is
given the best chance to show what
it can do"
The general report on the classical
Investigation will make a book of
report will be published in the col
umns of The Sunday Star tomorrow
Chief Justice Taft's Message.
Dean West read a telegram from
Chief Justice Taft of the United
States Supreme Court, which said:
'It is great comfort to know that
you are carrying on successfully the
Ddttle IN 1dNOF OF making tne study
of the classics a necessary part of d
secondary and collegiate education In
our country.
Il gather from the statistics tha,
there is a reaction from the disposi.
tion to Danish Latin from high
school education and that many OF
those in authority are beginning tC
see from the sorry results of the ola
podrida of the high school curriculum
that less ambitious course of study
including Latin and mathematics
thoroughly taught, makes a much
better basis for the education for life
even though it is not continu &c
through a college training, than the
superficial smatter.ng of many sub
jects that is now given to high schoo
students"
Luncheon Follows Session.
DR.. John ]. Tigert, commissioner
of education, welcomed the delegates
to the convention. The session was
followed by d luncheon this after
noon at the New Willard Hotel. Last
night the council of the league met
from New England. New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana
Illinois, Tennessee and Mississippi
were present
The local committee on arrange.
ments was composed OF Pror. Mitcnei
| Carroll, Commander Lewis p. Gle
phane, Miss Mildred Dean, Prof. Roy
]. Deferrari. DIR. George s. Duncan
Mrs Mallie Murphy, Prof. Charles S
Smith and Rev. William I. Tallon.