Evening star., 1957-12-29

reasonable increase in funds made available to
universities for fundamental research and gradu-
ate fellowships Is also indicatedl"
Or. Beyis-"The list of things that could be
done Is long one. few are: Improvement of
youth and parent attitudes toward mathematics
science and engineering; status and recognition
for scientists and engineers: more adequate schol-
arships and loans to gifted young people; tre-
mendous expansion Of our educational plant:
up-dating Of course content: more two-year ter
minal courses. particularly OF the technical vari-
ETY.. Most important is the stimulation Of more
of our gifted youth to enter the teaching pro-
fession. :"
DIR. Derthick-". Our own best schools are
still unsurpassed. I'VE are confronted with how
to spread the good practices Of these best schools
to all schools. 1t Is not question OF regearing
but rather Of one Of adequate support to bring
the best to all
"our schools must continue to educate all
future citizens in a wide range and depth Of
subject matter This may require longer school
day and term. would put as the highest
priority a full supply of qualified teachers and
the necessary physical facilities. ..'
s. II we could, tomorrow put your ideos into effect
how long do you estimote il would be before this
would begin to show results'
DIR. Heald-"There are no quick solutions
What We need is a STRENGTHENING of the educa-
tonal system. and this win produce results slowly
Some improvement will occur Immediately. but
1t will take 10 years for full results"
DR.. Bevis-"In view of the complexities Of
our educational system, unfortunately these ideas
could not be put into effect Immediately How
ever ! am convinced that II a good proportion
of them were to be put into effect they would
show results within four years. !"
nr napthirk te M uov 7 kpow ~ IN
produce an educated man on a crash basis wheth-
er he be scientist or philosopher, but we are
losing precious time every day we postpone
major breakthrough in providing full support for
education"
T. In whot wcys do you think our present education
problems-wth porticulor reference to science
and mothemotcs-reflect the senerol develop
ment Of American society since. soy 1902
DR.. HeaId-"The demand for education for all
has led the schools TO accept more responsible
ties than they could meet. Students Of little
ability cannot take a rigorous high school pro-
gram successfully. but the schools must some
how take care Of them until at least age l6.
There is no possibility for a return to the
classical high school curriculum for all students.
but education can and should be made more
rigorous for all"
DR.. Bevis-". For the first time in almost
so years a slightly larger proportion took math
and science last year. To my mind this
change reflects new basic trends such as mechani-
zation Of job and home the trend towards urbani-
zation and the greater respect that these factors
and the Russian challenge have brought for the
technical man.
-. :. believe we are now reacting against
the sins committed in the name Of progressive
education" during the past three or four decades.
It seems to me there Is increasing emphasis on
course content, on individuality and initiative.
DR.. Derthick-"The early American high
schools were virtually prep schools, serving rela-
lively few boys and girls, most OF whom were
preparing for college. In my judgment 1t
is the increased enrolment in, and the wider
vocational and academic training expected Of,
the modern American high school which has
caused our problems rather than any general
development in American society"
g. Do you feel thot there have been any greet
changes in ethical voues held by Americans in
thot timer II 50. how moy they have shoped the
ottitude Of high school students toword subjects
like physics and odvonced mothemotics?
DR.. Heald-"Changes in general values held
by Americans do influence the attitudes Of high
school students, who reflect their parents point
of view to a considerable extent. am not i'm
pressed by reports that high school students
think Of scientists as evil but certainly many
of them can see no reason for making the extra
effort that proficiency in science requires"
DR.. Bevis-"I think that there have been great
changes. In a society where our heroes are
those who make million or are stars in foot
ball, baseball or Hollywood, 1t is no wonder that
attitudes have changed. The fast buck and the
gray flannel suit may be todays symbols Of this
change.
However. l am an incurabe optimist. .
l firmly believe that the tremendous shock of
Russian technical successes added to the empha-
sis placed on math, science and engineering in
the last four or five years. will succeed again in
focusing attention on professional careers"
DR.. Derthick-"I am certainly not one OF
those who believe that the ethical standards of
the American people have deteriorated.
Il am personally convinced that II the
need for science and mathematics is convinc-
ingy presented this generation will respond Just
as former generations responded to the particular
needs Of their own time"
g. How do you think any such change in voues hos
effected the teaching profession, particularly os
RECORDS science, mathematics and engineering
teoehers?
DIR. Heald-"One trouble with teaching Is that
1t attracts too few Of the best minds. The Amer
ican public is too ready to accept the fact that
teachers in general not the leaders in society
and pay them accordingly. As long as this atti-
tude continues, the prospects are not bright"
In torn of qta ruri-