# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1953_S964
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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144 SEMINARIES AND COLLEGES

1) to prepare well-trained professional leaders in isti
cation; 2) to provide for the further specialization in the phil
and the methods of Christian education that is most n

edu.
‘Osophy

the teachers in our elementary and secondary schools; anda) i

safeguard the doctrinal soundness of our educational :

TOgram
offering also graduate study under the auspices of the Chun ai
_ Wuereas, A preliminary study made by Concord} Teach
College, River Forest, has indicated that the introduction of grad.
uate teacher training is entirely feasible; therefore be it ~
Resolved, That Synod go on record as favoring the inaugura
tion of a program of graduate study at one of our teachers’ 1.
leges; and be it further “or

Resolved, That the faculties of our two teachers’ col]

. ges
the Board for Higher Education jointly continue the study of ihe
problem; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board for Higher Education be given the
authority, during the next triennium, to inaugurate a Program of
graduate work in summer school at one of our teachers’ colleges
should the joint study of the problem make this appear feasible:
and be it further : ,

Resolved, That the Board for Higher Education and the
faculties of our teachers’ colleges present to the 1956 convention
a recommendation on graduate instruction during the regular

school year. Tue Boarp For Partsa Enucation
Paut M. Bretscuer, Chairman
E. C. Gurz, Secretary

A similar matter came up through Memorial 123:

Concerning Graduate Work
at Concordia Teachers College, River. Forest

The report of the Board for Higher Education to Synod in
1950 concerning Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, stated:

“Since this institution is now fully accredited with the North
Central Association, the Church will need carefully to husband
and extend the values which can accrue from this preferred status.

“As soon as feasible a graduate school should be developed
so that the M.A.degree will be available (with majors in such
Specialties. as administration, youth and adult education, music,
etc.).” (Proceedings, p. 195.)

Since 1950 the signs have become more numerous and unmis-
takably clear that teacher certification is going strongly in the
direction of five-year training requirements, especially for certain

SEMINARIES AND COLLEGES 145

This is not only being advocated, but to’: some extent

, position’ despite the severe shortage of elementary teachers in the

; Is.
pubs Sot ceport from the U.S. Office of Education (A Manual
of Certification Requirements for School Personnel in the United
States, p.3) stated: _ _ _

“There is a definite trend toward establishing minimum re-
quirements for all teachers at least at the Bachelor’s degree level
initial certification and teaching; and toward the 5-year college
paration requirement for permanent or continuing certification.”
The report then lists seven States which have already planned
or taken action toward the five-year program. Our own teachers,
too, seem to feel a growing need for graduate study, and more
and more of them are enrolling for advanced work. at secular
universities.

The River Forest faculty and Board of Control have, since the
1950 synodical convention, given considerable attention and study
to the eventual establishing of a graduate course for teachers.
Many of our parish school teachers as well as educators in Lutheran
high schools, in other synodical positions, and on synodical boards
have evinced a warm and encouraging interest in these delibera-
tions. On February 11, 1952, a detailed report of the Educational
Policies Committee resolved “to recommend to the faculty that in
view of the need for a graduate program, Synod be memorialized
to authorize graduate study at River Forest as soon as careful
planning makes it feasible.” This report was adopted by the faculty
and by the Board of Control for recommendation to the Board
for Higher Education and to the delegate convention of 1953.

We fully realize that graduate work involves more than merely
adding a fifth year to the existing curricula. Before graduate se-
quences can actually be undertaken, it will be necessary to appoint
a director of graduate studies who, together with an advisory
council, will require as a minimum a full year of intensive study,
planning, and preparation.

It would be a mistake to embark on a graduate program with-
out such careful planning and without being fully aware of the.
costs and problems involved. We must be careful not to jeopardize
the accreditation of our undergraduate program. Housing must. be
provided if the program is to be carried on during the regular
school year.as well as during the summer sessions. Additional
staff will be necessary. Library holdings will have to be expanded.
Setting up graduate study will not be an easy matter, but we feel
that, under God, it can be done. Because of the time required to
work out all the problems involved, we are presenting our request
for consideration at this convention.

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