Platform of the National Education Association

THE CHILD—Every child, regardless of race, belief, economic status, residence, or physical handicap, should
have the opportunity for fullest development in mental, moral, and physical health, and in the attitudes,
knowledge, and skills essential for individual happiness and effective citizenship.

THE TEACHER—Teachers, regardless of position pr title, are professional workers in a common cause,
and, as such, have certain responsibilities and rights. The interests of the child and of the profession
require: Teachers of sound character and good hdalth, with high civic ideals, who have been effectively
trained. Teachers who have the professional attitude in regard to selfimprovement and who are guaran-
teed the Constitutional rights of freedom of speech, press, and assembly. Teachers who are protected,
in case of disability or old age, by means of retirement plans. Teachers who are protected from discharge
for political, religious, personal, or other unjust reasons by effective tenure laws.

THE, ADULT—Ikt is essential that the adult be schooled in the fundamentals of education, be made re-
sponsive to the demands upon him as a citizen, and be enabled to give guidance to youth. The Association
advocates concerted local, state, and national efforts to attain these ends through adult education.

ADMINISTRATION—A combination of national, state, and local support of public schools is necessary
to provide adequate educational opportunities in all sections of the states. For maximum effectiveness
the Association believes that: The national government should study, stimulate, and support education
in the interest of a high type of citizenship. The state government should organize, direct, and support
education within the state. The local district should organize and administer its school system in con-
formity with the standards set by the state.

RELATIONSHIPS—Education should prepare each generation to meet the social, economic, and political
problems of an ever-changing world. To establish through education closer relationship of people, the
Association advocates: Programs to interpret tothe community the aims, practices, and achievements
of the schools; national movements among parehts and teachers to safeguard the welfare of children
and to bring school, home, and community intp closer cooperation; a World Education Association
that will encourage systematic interchange of professional knowledge, visits, and conferences; teaching
children the truth about war, its costs in human life and ideals and in material wealth, the value of
peace, and the need of international cooperation; the teaching of history in such a manner that will
emphasize the achievements of all nations and increase international goodwill.

Excerpts from platform adopted by Representative Assembly, Detroit convention, July 1, 1937.