The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-10-17
Life Membership In
 Unit Given Teacher
Testimonial to Daisy Lord at N E. A. Convention Fea-
 lures Report of Local Associations Delegate

the radio program in the N. E. A.. made the introductions. In intro ducing Miss Lord, Miss Hale re- ferred to her as Baby Daisy" Miss Lord received her life-mennbership as a tetirnonial from the resClu- tions committee of the Glass Room Department contributed largely to accomplishing these resolutions.
 Among the noted speakers was, Dr. William H. Fitzpatrick of Co., 1umbia university. Speaking on the subject of Academic Freedom" he said: T have come to the conven- ton to see if it will do the things 1t ought to do, and can do. First of all 1t should take a stand in favor of free discussion of econom- ic problems in the schools, in order that we may bring up a generation more intelligent on economic and social matters than we are. The course of study provided for chil- dren all over this land is too con- ventional, too remote from life. 1t does not prepare the children for 9 good job at clear thinking"
 He said: "It's seay for the reac- tionaries and super patriots to yell, Red when someone in a position to command attention points to sore spots on our national body. They don't know the difference be- tween constructive criticism and advocacy of violence. propose that the high school and college students shall be permitted to study the structure of our govern ment and learn how it may be im- proved. Change is the basis of civ- ilization. We've got to be prepared to steer it intelligently or head for a smash-up. -. Few of us live where we were born, but the corn- try is our common heritage. Whether a child lives in Georgia, Colorado, Alaska or New York, he is entitled to the best education that can be provided for him. Oth- erwise he'll grow up and perhaps be classed as an undesirable citizen"
 FaVOrS CnIlOrcn
 ' In his discussion on Federal Aid in Education, pr. Fitzpatrick be- lieves the money of the people should be used for the benefit of the children of the people"
 One more topic of much interest to-day was "What Shall the School Do About Radio and Mo- tion PiPctures?" Dr. Irwin A. Will son said in speaking on this topic: "The most powerful. most valuable and most dangerous educational agencies in existence are the movies and the radio. The schools re- sponsibility lies in the expression of Judgments on programs and mov- ies, which are presented. They should organize to demand the abo- litioh of block booking of films, and should embark on a nation wide program of building both radio and film programs for children"
 To add one more topic from the varied program cannot be arniss To briefly note, Ben G. Graham superintendent of Pittsburg schools and president of the Superinten- dents Department in the N. E. A.. on the subject of Social Studies" he said, "The Social Studies" have the most to contribute to the en- lightenment of youth, for they are the studies-that beyond all others develop those understandings and attitudes that make for better liv- ing together, in societal relation ship" He stressed the need for i'm pressing upon school children of the nation the governmental sys- tems followed in the United States the duties of the various officials and qualifications for public office Once this has been accomplished our governmental bodies in the fu- ture may prove to be less incom- petent than they sometimes have been in the past. How our pupils think is far more important than what they think and great polit- ical controversy challenges the best thinking of our country for its so- lution."
 Recreation Enjoyed
 Friday during convention week was set aside for recreation. Several fine trips were arranged and lunch prepared. Teachers indicated their choice and all provision for trans portation was arranged by the Denver people.
 A Denver teacher, whose mother was born in Naugatuck, Connecti- cut, invited me with three other Connecticut delegates to visit her cabin in the mountains. She was pleased to play hostess to folks from her mothers birthplace. II was, very enjoyable day and unique treat for us.
 The Class Room Teachers ban