The Professional-Standards Movement in Teaching-Its Origin,Purpose,and Future

Abstract

The Journal reproduces here the text of an address presented at the concluding session of the Palo Alto Conference, June 30, 1951. As America was emerging from World War II, Mr. McDonald conceived the idea of an official agency of the pro fession of education to lead the teachers of the nation to true professional status. After organizing the Chautauqua Confer ence in 1946 and authoring the resolu tion which was adopted unanimously by the NEA Representative Assembly at Buf falo establishing the National Commis sion on Teacher Education and Profes sional Standards, Mr. McDonald served as Executive Secretary of the Commission from the date of its establishment until July, 1951. At the time this address was presented he had submitted his resigna tion to accept the presidency of the Bowl ing Green State University in Ohio. It is thus as the originator, architect, and dur ing its formative years director of the dynamic program of the National Com mission that Mr. McDonald speaks to the profession through this printed version of his address.