It is not suggested that the development in the United States be
identical with that in England. It is true that there are two
specialized agencies referred to under which such work could be
developed. Should a United States Department of Education or of Health
be created, conceivably such functions could be assumed by either; and
it is most interesting to notice that, with reference to this very
problem, the method is already recognized as important and embodied in
the educational program of the state of Massachusetts. Under a statute
enacted in 1919,[68] the State Board of Education is authorized to
co-operate with cities and towns in promoting and providing for the
education of persons over twenty-one years of age "unable to speak,
read, and write the English language."
The subjects to be taught in the English language are the fundamental
principles of government and such other subjects adapted to fit the
scholars for American citizenship as receive the joint approval of the
local school committee and the State Board of Education. The classes
may be held not only in public-school buildings, but in industrial
plants and other places approved by the local school committee and the
board. In the words of the Supervisor of Americanization,[69] "this
provides for ... day classes for women meeting at any place during
any time in the day. The establishment of such classes is especially
urged."
The development of the Federal agencies will probably be most
efficiently stimulated if a considerable amount of such work is
attempted by local authorities and such social agencies as have been
described. If not only local educational bodies, but schools for
social work, organizations like the Immigrants' Protective League and
the Department of Home Economics, the State Immigration Commissions,
and the Young Women's Christian Association, could train efficient
visitors, prepare and try out lesson sheets on the essential topics,
and develop teaching methods, the different branches of the Federal
service would undoubtedly be able to avail themselves of such material
and of such personnel as would be supplied in this way.[70] The plan
outlined earlier in the chapter for educational work for foreign-born
women would be a step in this direction.