American Education Week will be observed here during the week of November 7‑13 as well as throughout the nation.

"The main purpose of American Education Week is to focus public attention on the needs and achievements of the nation's schools," said Mr. Paul McKinnis, coordinator of American Education Week at Maine West.

A.E.W. is sponsored every year throughout the nation by the National Education Association, The American Legion, the National Congress of Parents and Teachers, and the U.S. Office of Education. It was formed in 1921 when the problems of illiteracy and poor physical fitness were at their height during World War I. This program has been prominent in schools and churches and approved by the President of the United States year after year.

Although the degree of illiteracy has decreased, the program has been continued because its sponsors feel that education, the prime source of their purpose, not only enhances the mind, but promotes personality, citizenship, and the good use of resources in the students' minds.

This year's theme will be "Invest In Learning" and will be used in clubs, societies, and churches. Parents will be asked to visit classrooms and lectures will be provided. Schools have given this program a great deal of importance because statistics show that it is worthwhile for a child to continue in school for as long as necessary to have a definite career for himself.

The average graduate of elementary school only earns $3,544 per year, the high school graduate $5,946 per year, and the college graduate $9,817 per year. This is dramatic proof that something such as American Education Week can be helpful in developing a better American and eliminating the "unskilled workers" category.

President Johnson called education a "prime investment" and said that it was "the guiding genius of democracy." Therefore, what American Education Week is trying to represent through the schools is that not only the three "R's" are taught in American schools, but also the equally important moral codes, responsibility, understanding of democracy, civilization, and personal goals in preparation for a better society.