School and Community Summer 2024

1920 1934

Recommendations for Improving Educational Conditions in Missouri SAM A. BAKER, STATE SUPT. OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS T he one phase of legislation that more nearly touches every individual in the State regardless of age, sex, or

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Much has been accomplished in the

schools during the past by the introduction of physical exercises and training in forming proper health habits. This effort, however, has not been as general throughout the state and especially in the rural schools as it should be. The results thus far obtained are sufficient to warrant the continuance of this meritorious work. It should be organized in a definite and systematic way and regular training given which will contribute to a healthful, strong body. Therefore, we should have a law providing for either a state or county Physical Director whose duty would be to organize a system of physical training for the rural schools especially. Many preventable diseases may be practically eradicated by proper and systematic exercises and drills which a Physical Director would be able to give. The health of the children is paramount and should not be neglected. MINIMUM WAGE FOR TEACHERS In view of the fact that teachers must spend much time and money in preparation, there should be a minimum wage law enacted establishing a scale of salaries based on training, experience and efficiency. No teacher in the State should receive less than $100 per month. The Legislature should pass a teachers’ minimum wage law guaranteeing to every teacher a living wage.

occupation is that relating to the schools. That State will prosper and flourish whose chief concern is the proper education and training of its youth. Wise legislation for the schools should therefore be enacted forming broad constructive policies which will advance the general welfare of the citizens of the future. Reflection on the past reveals many excellent school laws. These have been placed on our statute books as the result of a need. They have served their purpose well, but as new needs arise, we cannot be content with the achievements of the past. We must form new laws to meet our present and future needs. ... The demand for better schools is growing by leaps and bounds and, in my opinion, the time has come for the Legislature to act by revising the administrative agency pertaining to the country schools. That our school system needs improvement is admitted by all; that Missouri is financially and otherwise able to make the needed improvements is also granted. It therefore remains for the Legislature to provide the legal machinery, and it seems that enactment of a county unit law, such as I have indicated above, will be a long step in the right direction. HIGHER QUALIFICATIONS FOR TEACHERS As the law now is, a third grade certificate may be secured without any high school training. This should be changed. In order to safeguard the teaching positions, the law should provide ample time for applicants to secure the necessary amount of academic training. To illustrate, after 1922 to secure any sort of license to teach, the applicant must have completed the equivalent of a two year high school; after 1924, a three year high school; after 1926, a four year high school course. An important stone in the foundation of the educational structure is the one labeled, “Qualification of Teachers” and is the one which deserves our careful consideration. Therefore, the urgent need at this time of a law requiring higher academic training for that great body of our teachers now holding third grade certificates.

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