Evening star., 1948-09-15
Parents Yearn for the Three Rs
Five Readers State Their Views of Progressive Education
In Response to Protest
To the Editor of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
communication which appeared in last
Saturdays Star, signed Parent" was think
worthy OF being printed on page l, in black
type, and am of the opinion that even yet
The Star would be doing its patrons a signal
service if the editor would do just that
reprint that letter in a box on page L.
I wonder If the editor, or his brother, or his
sister, has children of school age If so, I
wonder if he or any Of them has the time to
spare really to investigate seriously the nature
of the education" his or their children are
getting
couple of nights ago I was visiting in
near relatives home and one of the children,
Just starting the third year in high school, had
been given some words for which he was to
find definitions Let me say here that my
criticism does not necessarily extend to the
failure on the part of the student to be able
to define these words.
The point is this: The words were 'compii-
Gated" intricate" "prejudiced," and few
others about like that. For "compllcated'
gave involved" as definition; for "preju-
diced" gave unreasonable opposition" Now
that young person could not spell single one
of those words, nor could he pronounce those
which he had written himself and for which he
was to find definitions
We hear quite lot of demand on the part
OF parents for the Three RS OF course that
expression is intended to cover reading, writing
and arithmetic. What would be glad to learn
is in what school in what Stale does any
teacher undertake to teach writing? 1t hasn't
been neard of in generation, unless 1t may
possibly be taught in some private or church
schools.
But they have plenty Of time to teach them
mythology and ancient history and tatting ana
crochet work-and then they the children)
can't intelligibly or intelligently read the eve
ming paper ALBERT D. RUST.
To the Editor of The Star:
I want to say "Amen!" to all the things set
forth by an exasperated Parent in The Star
for September H. She is to be commended for
taking the time to make this lengthy report to
her fellow citizens.
Schools. whether good or bad should be
everybody's business, for we all are affected
by them.
BY the time our own youngsters are through
the process, we have only brief recess before
our grandchildren start in the age-old quest
for knowledge.
I came to Washington as an employe OF
uncle Sdm CURING Ine IcCeIlb Wal, III WiAiCli OH
my four sons went overseas and my three
daughters did their bit in defense work at
home.
Being in the tenant class, had nothing to
draw me back to my native State and. having
fallen in love with our friendly city, remained
here.
Now, that I have a grandson who soon will
be ready ior kindergarten, all this talk about
inadequate schools. faulty teaching, etc. is
alarming have wondered II 1t is deliberate
move to get rid of some of our remained on"
citizens or is it really that bad.
At any rate, Parent has expressed my opin-
ion of the fault in the schools. The teachers
are handicapped by too many duties unrelated
to teaching ..,.'~..
Also, wish to say that I enjoy The Star
every day, which is another reason Why like
Washington.
Thanks. EX-SCHOOL MARIN