Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-09-01
Lesson for Educators

Lesson TOR Educators
Alarm was expressed recent
~ at q meeting Of the Board Of
Education over the apparent
failure of the administration
Of the public schools to pre-
pare the students to compare
favorably with other students
throughout the country in
scholastic ability. Surely the
Capital Of the Nation should
be q shining example in this
respect to other citizens and
our citizens should give some
thought to the situation. Could
1t be that crowded classrooms
and scarcity of teachers are
to blame? If Washington was
unique in this respect, this
would be q good alibi. But
practically the same situation
prevails throughout the entire
country, SO we must look else
where for reasons. I wonder
if modern educational proce-
dures are really an improve
ment on the old-faShioned
emphasis on the three Rs?
Is there too much emphasis
on extra -curricular activities?
Is there too much importance
placed on physical education,
athletics, thespian, terpischo-
rean and laryngeal develop
ment. to the neglect of English,
history, languages and mathe-
mates? Could not most of
these extra-curricular activi-
ties be performed at some time
other than 8 to 8? Classroom
discipline is unenforceable at
the present time, and the kids
know it.
Summer vacations could be
shortened by a month to the
advantage Of the students and
the relief of many harassed
mothers. thus providing time
for more instruction.
Students should earn their
grades and should not be pro-
NOTED until they are prepared
to advance. Parents should
Cooperate with teachers and
do their share in the educa-
ton Of their children by ex-
erting the proper amount Of
home discipline. They should
be penalized by law for failure
to do this.
Parents should all take an
active, interested part in the
PTA and personally inform
the Board Of Education of de-
fects they have noticed. ANY,
one who wishes to address the
board may do 50 by applying
for time 48 hours before any
meeting.
A forum should be provided
where teachers can freely dis
cuss their problems at regular
intervals with higher officials.
without fear Of reprisal. The
superintendent should be &C
cessible at all times to hear
directly the complaints and
suggestions Of his subordinates.
At the present time all COM
plants and suggestions must
Ego through channels" where
they frequently get lost" and
do not reach the officer who
should consider them. School
officers should personally visit
classrooms regularly and in
form themselves Of what is
being taught and how, and
make helpful suggestions to
the teachers.
The high schools should not
be little principalities, con-
Quoted by each principal with
out regard to the others and
with no definite effort at uni
formity. They should be CO.
ordinated and responsible OFF,
GERS should plan and supervise
the activities Of each.
The object Of public school
education is to prepare stu
dents for the responsibilities
Of good citizenship. Certain
necessary facts should be
learned. The character must
be developed, so when gradu-
alton day occurs the student
can enter the adult world
equipped to take his place
intelligently, morally and
physically. The school, the
church and the home have
equal responsibility in this en-
terprise.
lanes A. Cannon. M. u.