A FINAL WORD

The teaching of English will become effective only as the conditions under which it is taught improve. Present programs for preparing English teachers must be reassessed and new programs developed to assist many practicing teachers. School libraries must be expanded; teaching loads, reduced. Research must supply better answers for some of the English teachers' urgent questions. A national reawakening of interest and activity in English is long overdue.

Our political democracy can provide our youth with the conditions of liberty-abundance, freedom of action, an accessible system of schools. But the ability to think and write and read, and an intimate contact with ideals, beauty, and morality-all central in English studies-are needed to equip our citizens to use their freedom wisely. America is now a major world power. As never before our country must think about its responsibilities to mankind and about its need for citizens to meet these awesome responsibilities. Tomorrow's leaders must learn today whatever truth and beauty and wisdom our culture can provide. Only a quality education will prepare our youth for the test; only a balanced education will assure the quality needed. National interest demands vigorous leadership to improve all educational programs.

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