"IT'S BEEN SAID..."

 STUDENTS today can't prepare bark to calculate their problems.  They depend upon their slates which are more expensive.  What will they do when the slate is dropped and it breaks?  They will be unable to write.
~ TEACHERS CONFERENCE  1703

  STUDENTS today depend on paper too much.  They don't know how to write on a slate without getting chalk dust all over themselves.  They can't clean a slate properly.  What will they do when they run out of paper?
~ PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION  1815

  STUDENTS today depend too much on ink.  They don't know how to use a pen knife to sharpen a pencil.  Pen and ink will never replace the pencil.
~ NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS  1907

  STUDENTS today depend upon store bought ink.  They don't know how to make their own.  When they run out of ink, they will be unable to write words or cipher until their next trip to the settlement.  This is a sad commentary on modern times.
~ RURAL AMERICAN TEACHER  1929

  STUDENTS today depend upon these expensive fountain pens.  They can no longer write with a straight pen and nib (not to mention sharpening their own quills).  We parents must not allow them to wallow in such luxury to the detriment of learning how to cope in the real business world, which is not so extravagant.
~ PTA GAZETTE  1941

  BALL POINT PENS will be the ruin of education in our country.  Students use these devices and then throw them away!  The American virtues of thrift and frugality are being discarded.  Business and banks will never allow such expensive luxuries.
~ FEDERAL TEACHER  1959

  STUDENTS who are continually allowed to do word processing on a computer are not given enough handwriting practice.  Without practice using pencils and  pens, students' handwriting will become illegible.  Handwritten work should continue to be an essential part of a student's education.  What happens when there is no computer available?
~ SOME TEACHERS  TODAY - THE 21st CENTURY

It helps to keep your perspective.
Used with permission - The Oneida County Historical Society

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"School Days"