Outline of Education Systems and School Conditions in Latin America. Bulletin, 1923, No. 44

This bulletin is divided into two parts: (1) South America; and (2) Mexico, Cuba, and Central America. The countries included under the term "Latin America" are so extensive and important, and the effects of the World War, direct and indirect, on all systems of education have been so disturbing, that one is at a loss to know how best to treat the subject of foreign education systems in the space at command. In the first part of the report the important countries of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile have been treated somewhat more in detail, and the other countries of South America less so, in order to avoid the unnecessary duplication of similar facts. In the second part of the report, the education systems of Mexico and Cuba have been stressed and the countries of Central America given less in detail. During the past few years there has been quite an educational awakening in the Latin American countries; and, notwithstanding the discouraging financial conditions, creditable progress has been made. In general, there have been marked tendencies toward standardization of instruction and centralization of authority, placing more responsibility in the conduct of schools in the Federal Government; giving less attention to the humanities, literary and classical education of the old regime, and more attention to the practical (natural and social) realities. Additionally, greater effort has been made to popularize education and extend its benefits to the masses. In many republics a new impetus is occurring in industrial, commercial, agricultural, technical and professional education. Special effort is also being made to create a more efficient class of teachers, to extend their preparation, and to increase their enrolment. In many States there is an effort to extend the courses of study leading to degrees and professional diplomas and to bring all private schools (church and lay) under Government inspection and supervision. In a number of republics the law requires that only citizens be employed as teachers in the public schools. (Contains 1 footnote.) [Best copy available has been provided.]