Each November, for the past 80 years, American Education Week has offered a perfect opportunity to renew and expand community support for public education. The goal is to make public education every community's priority. It was initiated after World War I draft boards discovered that about 25 percent of draftees were illiterate and about 29 percent were physically unfit! A series of conferences from 1919-1921 including the American Legion, the National Education Association and the U.S. Office of Education resulted in a plan for an annual observance with a theme of national concern.
The theme for 2000 is "Child - School - Parent: Helping Students Achieve." Parents must take an interest in the education of their children. Be aware of their children's academic progress and insist that the school respond to each child's needs. Attentive family members need to support learning at home so schools do not replace parents as teachers and role models!
Quality education is a community's responsibility. The American Legion Auxiliary, because of its commitment to America's children and youth, encourages everyone to visit our schools during American Education Week Nov. 12-18. Ask questions, get actively involved in the decision making process and pay attention to what is being taught and not taught. The changes in the public schools would amaze anyone who hasn't visited one recently. The 21st century is at hand - the children of today must be prepared to deal with a far more complex and precarious future than that which we faced. Our future depends on them, and their success tomorrow, depends on a quality education today!
Public Relations Chairman
Morris County ALA
American Legion Auxiliary