Evening star., 1936-04-26

does, constitute form of "indoctrina-
ton" Everything depends, it is
stressed, on the spirit of the instructor.
Says the report: Some persons
fondly imagine that they can exclude
controversial questions from considera-
ton in the school room. This insula-
ton is impossible If anything is taught
in the school room. Even the question
whether there should be any schools
for the masses Of people still is con-
troversial issue. Whether natural
science should be taught in the schools
is a controversial question, or involves
controversial questions when the issue
Of what scientific facts on sex, evolu-
tion, etc, is faced. When the persons
who are anxious for non-controversial
subjects really mean at the bottom Of
their hearts are subjects presented in
a way satisfactory to their own settled
prejudices.
Debatable Subjects Inevitable.
THE business of the social studies
cannot be fixed up like the multiple
cation table, beyond debate, good for
all times and places. 1t may be trou-
blesome and unfortunate that this is
so, but the stubborn facts remain.
There are, no doubt, many simple
minded persons who imagine they
can make a non-debatable scheme Of
social instruction for the schools, but
they are persons who know little or
nothing about the subject matter of
the social sciences. Willy-nilly, the
social studies deal with debatable
and debated issues.
''They also deal with changing is
sues. This element of change in
wolves emerging questions and prob
lens. The social studies, if realistic
in conception, cannot be confined to
reciting past phrases, traditions and
events. They must come to grips
with new thinks-a new act of Con-
gress a new executive order. a revo-
luton in Germany, war in Man
churia and so on forever and for
ever.
Julius Caesar cannot rise from
the grave and write new chapter for
his work on the Gallo War, but new
chapters in economics, politics and So
ciology are being written by changing
events. 1t may be too bad that this
is true, but it seems to be so. And
teachers must select few items from
among millions for consideration in
the class rooms. What responsible
ity.
IF teachers are to have freedom ir
dealing with controversial and shift
ing issues, they also must have widt
and accurate knowledge of the differ.
ences of opinion and the nature o.
community processes in settling them
Each particular situation must b'
viewed from different angles and II
a judicial spirit, and mere persona
opinions excluded as far as possible.
Under Solemn Obligation.
| "At all events, the schools as publi'
institutions are under solemn obliga'
ton to maintain the freedom of teach
ing necessary to prepare pupils TO
taking part thoughtfully and intel
ligently in the various phases and con
fiicts of family and community life
And communities are under obligation
to be fair and impartial in consider
ing the function of the schools in thi
respect. To be sure, absolute fair
ness and impartiality are seldom, i
ever, vouchsafed to human nature, bu
| all of US can attain a certain degree
of self-control in this respect. If th'
schools were more effective In thi
phase of their work, many Of ou
conflicts in society might be settled
with less bitterness and waste"
The final way out, as the superin
tendents see it, is to raise the stand
ards of scholarship and social respon
sibilities of the teachers until ther'
is no question that they deserve tn
confidence of the public-and then II
protect them from meddlesome inter
/ ference. They look forward to a Sc
we're scholastic and character disci
pline for the teacher in any field O
social relationships.
1T is difficult for the teacher" con
cludes the report, ito have grea
knowledge, power, humility and hu
manity. The point is conceded. Per
haps, in strict truth, there has beel
only one Christian in the world. Ger
tainly, there has been no perfec
teacher in the world. But, unless W
have some ideal before us, where ar
health and guidance to be sought?
"Or, as Heine once put the argu
ment, we keep on seeking, until
handful of earth stops us at last
How can it be otherwise, unless W
sink down into the routine of bees ant
ants or the sloth Of the hibernatinl
bear"
Whatever happens, the superin
tendents conclude, the teaching pro
fession cannot surrender responsible
ity to q mob If universal education
long the glory of America, is to serv
its original purpose of creating an in
telligent, independent minded citizen
ry. If that end no longer is desired
the school officials want to have som
authoritative instructions in tn
matter.
For . few years yet they do not ex
pect any.