Whipple Makes Strong Criticism Of American Educational System

Fred L. Whipple, professor of Astronomy, warned in a speech last night that teaching salaries must be raised if this country wishes to keep from becoming a second-rate nation.

The educational system in this country "is aimed at the lowest common denominator, the less than average student," Whipple said. "We have, in fact, developed a highly undesirable intellectual climate in which culture, creativity and even intelligence are scorned."

Whipple suggested that the way to improve education in this country is to improve teaching. This in turn is dependent on an improved attitude towards the teacher and education.

"Students defy their teachers and spurn learning because they have no respect for either." Paying teachers higher wages is one way of inducing this respect and of attracting individuals to the profession, Whipple declared.

Whipple's remarks were made to a conference of television and radio executives in Baltimore.