Feb. 29, 1945

Dr. Forrest C. Allen
Director of Physical Education
University of Kansas

Dear Dr. Allen:

In regard to the program of physical education,
I agree with Henry Shenk that our program should be planned
in accordance with the best current thought and practices.

It seems to me that to be consistent we should
pattern our program on the basis of principles taught in our
course "Principles of Physical Education".

In the field of educetion there are two
important factors involved in the success of any program,
namely: (1) Interest on the part of the participant, and
(2) knowledge of progress toward the goal or aim of the
individual or individuals.

I feel that many programs of physical educ-~
ation are too autocratic. We are too prone to set up a
program prescribing it for the able masses with little regard
to the individual's needs, both present and future. e

know what isbest for them. Therefore, if left to decide

@ course of/activity, at their present level of knowledge,

many would make inadequate choices. I feel that our physicel
education program should be one that would give each indi-
vidual opportunity to discover his meeds, as nearly as possible,
in regard to growth, development and adjustment both mentally,
physically and socially.

sb Many, perhaps most, college students do not

— Only with the aid of a testing program does
this seem possible. I realize there are many weaknesses of
a strictly testing program. On the other hand, there are
values to be gained, not the least of which would be the
gaining of insight through a program designed to help ind-
ividuals discover their specific needs. Insight into a
situation is recognized as one of the greatest forces of
motivation.