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UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN, LAWRENCE, KANSAS
APRIL 16, 1947
"Come In! Come In!"
Kansan Comments.
Our Vital Need For Teachers
During the past six months the shameful plight of American public schools and school teachers has been brought out in the open and has made American citizens sit up and take notice.
Newspapers, magazines, the radio, and the film industry have all combined to bring home to the people a disgraceful picture of our public school system. In fact, the campaign has been brought to the attention of the public so often and so forcefully that some people are beginning to weary of the story.
One is beginning to hear such remarks as "Yes, I know all about that. I've heard it a dozen times. It's all too bad and someone should do something about it, but I'm getting a little tired of hearing about it so often."
But this is no time to rest. There is still too much to do before we can say that we are doing our full share to provide suitable education for the children of the state.
It is this type of tired inertia that we must continue to fight. Many states have finally been awakened to the conditions that exist and are taking action to improve them. In Kansas, the legislature has passed school aid bills, that will provide additional state financial aid and will also make it possible for school districts to get more money from local taxation.
A major problem still to be solved is how to entice more persons into the teaching profession. In 1920, about 22 per cent of all college students prepared themselves for the teaching profession. Today it is estimated that only 7 per cent of the students in our colleges intend to become teachers.
While the number of teachers is declining, our school population is steadily increasing. There will be five million more elementary school children in 1950 than there were in 1940. At the present rate, it will take 10 years to turn out the estimated
500,000 teachers who will be needed in the next three years.
It is true that with many states taking action to increase the pay of teachers we may see more persons preparing themselves for this profession. But such a process is entirely too slow for today's needs. Some further vigorous action needs to be taken to supply the number and kind of teachers we need today
In Georgia, a system of subsidies has been instituted to provide the state with more doctors. Why could not a similar plan be set up to secure more qualified teachers?
Americans traditionally dislike subsidy systems. They look upon them as an encroachment of the government upon segments of our society that should be essentially free. Nevertheless, in an emergency it is better to take a disagreeable medicine for a temporary period than allow a sickened condition to persist until decay results or conditions are rectified by a long and painful process.
The plight of America's teachers is not the only factor involved. A democracy depends for its very existence on the intelligence of its citizens. We can help to insure the continued greatness and freedom of America by vigorous action now to improve our system of public education.
The New York bus driver who drove his bus to Florida for a change of scenery is probably a fan of John Steinbeck. Steinbeck's latest book is entitled "The Wayward Bus."
South America is at it again. Scientists have tried to explain these recurring outbursts of disorder in relation to the tropical climate. We disagree. It's not the humidity—it's the humanity.
The rising tide of American divorces suggest that the hand that once rocked the cradle is now rocking the boat.
If Congress goes after the "Reds" in government, how about curbing some governmental red tape too?
A happy medium is a fortune teller who guesses right.
Dear Editor---
Explains Operation Of Union Library
The letter published April 10 concerning purchase of the Student Union library requires some clarification.
The remark of the writer about the flush state of the Union Activities budget caused a flurry of laughter among the members of the Student Union executive board. While all bills are being paid, we are wondering if by June we will be able to buy stamps for the June correspondence. This is not anyone's fault but is due mainly to increased costs since the budget was drawn up.
However, the Union Operating Board has allotted a special fund of $346 to buy a book case, a fifty dollar beginning supply of books, a two dollar weekly allowance for new books, and a fund to cover evening and week-end wages for operating the library.
Thirty-three members of the Union Public Relations committee donate one hour a week to keep the library functioning during school hours, beginning at 11 each morning.
The results of the recent book drive (which is, incidentally, still on) conflict with Mr. Marshall's prediction that only "ancient, dog-eared, and decrepit" books would be given. More than 65 up-to-date volumes in excellent condition and of superior quality have been donated through the good-hearted generosity of students, teachers, and townspeople.
Last week a board composed of four student leaders and a faculty chairman chose $52 worth of books which will be added to the library in two weeks. Mr. Woolley of the Student Book store says that we should receive the book case in a few weeks.
Everyone has co-operated admirably toward the library. Many successful and permanent things have meager beginnings. We hope the library will continue to be a real convenience for the students for many years.
Mistakes may be made at first, but everyone is attempting to do the job right.
The success of the library will depend upon continued interest of the students. The Executive Board appreciates the interest of Mr. Marshall, and we welcome any and all suggestions in effecting an efficient Union library.
Otis Hill
Public Relations Chairman Union Activities
The University Daily Kansan
Student Newspaper of the UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
Member of the Kansas Press Assm, Na-
Assm, and the Associated Collegeg
Press. Represented by the National Ad-
vertising Service at Jackson Ave, New
Wark City
Managing Editor...Marcella Stewart
Editor in Chief...LeMoyne Frederick
Asst. Man. Editor...Martha Jewett
Asst. Man. Editor...William S. Abbey
City Editor...Wallace W. Abby
Telegraph Editor...Marlon Minor
Art Editor...Elise West
Art Manager...John D. Emmett
Advertising Manager...Calvum Arnold
Circulation Manager. Thomas S. Caden
Administrator...Calvum Arnold
National Adv. Mgr. Frank R. Schultheiss
Promotion Manager. William K. Brooks
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