10. To enable the pupil to interpret the present in terms of the past and to view intelligently the functions and the value of existing institutions.
Discussion of General Principles and Special Aims
In order to give a clearer and more definite idea of the scope and intent of the general principles and special aims formulated by the Committee we submit herewith a discussion of said general principles and special aims.
A. The Primary Problem in Writing a History Textbook Is Propriety Of Selection of Material
... As the pages of a textbook are limited, no material should be used unless it is essential and of the highest educational value. The child’s time must not be taken up with facts which do not measure up to this standard.
B. The Textbook Writer Is Not A Historian
Strictly speaking the textbook writer is not a historian. The historian writes for the open market. He has the privilege of selecting and organizing his material in accordance with his own views. He may be an impartial writer or he may be a partisan. The textbook writer has not this freedom. He is subject to the limitations imposed upon the teacher....
It is for the teacher to determine what material is needed. It is for the textbook writer to supply it. Unfortunately, an examination of the prefaces in various textbooks shows that some textbook writers do not take this view....
We believe that a textbook writer who seeks to influence our international relations is a propagandist. Under our constitution it is for the federal government, in the first instance, to determine what our foreign relations shall be. The children in attendance in our public schools must not be used directly or indirectly to influence official action in such matters.