Post-war Education
Addressing the National Union of Teachers last week, the President of the Board of Education rightly emphasised the need for making plans now for the progressive reorganisation of the educational system after the war. The system was ripe for reform before the war began, and but for that unforeseen interruption the last two years would surely have seen advances which have perforce been postponed. When peace comes it will be necessary both to make up the arrears and to accelerate the pace in accordance with the heightened expectation of democratic reform. Mr. Butler spoke of the establishment of a national minimum standard of education for all children of compulsory school age—a standard which should not
exclude diversity of instruction according to the " talents " of dig children. In the first place, there must be a levelling-up in treatment of children in elementary schools up to the age of good buildings, better equipment, smaller classes—and Mr. I3 looks forward to a closer assimilation of the non-provided to provided schools and "a form of Christian teaching univer agreed upon." It has been promised that the raising of the se age to at least 15 is to take place soon after the war ; but chil over ii will not all go the same way for their subsequent educa They should be allotted to various schools on principles of se not based severely on examinations alone. Mr. Butler suggests a child over it might go to a senior or a modern school secondary or a technical school, or perhaps to a boarding-se according to his or her talents ; but he appears to recognise those who are to be taught with a view to occupation in indu should be brought under the influence of general education. Ii not be overlooked that before any expansion can be serviceable schools must be ready, and the teachers.
Previous page
