Mr. Coolidge’s Address on Secondary Education

'Mr. Coolidge’s Address on Secondary Education' is a profound reflection on the purpose and power of schooling in the United States, delivered by President Calvin Coolidge. In this speech, Coolidge articulates a vision for secondary education that transcends mere vocational training, advocating instead for a system that builds character and prepares students for the duties of citizenship. He argues that the strength of a republic relies heavily upon the intellectual and moral development of its youth, positioning high schools as essential nurseries of democracy.This work offers readers a unique window into the educational priorities of the interwar period. Coolidge’s characteristic brevity and focus on traditional values shine through as he discusses the necessity of discipline, the value of teacher dedication, and the public’s responsibility to support learning. For historians, educators, and scholars of the American presidency, this address remains a significant artifact of early 20th-century thought. It captures the transition of the American high school from an elite institution to a cornerstone of public life, framed by the conservative but forward-looking philosophy of one of the nation’s most distinctive leaders.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.