Dr. John F. Thaden. professor emeritus of Michigan State University. testified that 75 percent of the migrant children in Bay County. Mich.. were in grades 1 to 6 years behind normal. according to a study made in 1954 A1593 Februqry 25 by the Michigan Department of Public Instruction. In Wisconsin. Dr. Thomas stated that in the 195152 school year. it was found that nearly twice as many migrant children were not enrolled in school as were. I think these studies demonstrate very conclusively that a serious educational problem exists for these children. And. I think it is equally. as the midAmerican conference on migratory labor concluded not too long ago in recommending a program of Federal assistance. that "the influx of large numbers of children in some school districts -places an unusually heavy burden on school budgets." As Governor Meyner of New Jersey so well said. in his statement to the subcommittee: Local school districts. which usually have overcrowding difficulties of their own. are hard put to accomodate this influx of migrant children. "In addition. the local schools may not be able to provide the unique educational services required by children who may be slow learners or misfits because of their unfortunate economic and social backgrounds. The cycle of the migrants work season Is such that a child may lose time from both ends of the normal school semester. Because of the Interstate character of the problem. Federal assistance for educational facilities for migratory workers in various States is obviously essential.
Keywords matched
migrants migrant