Lituanistinio ugdymo JAV raidos aspektai
Some Aspects of Development of the Lithuanian Language Teaching and Promotion of the National Cultural Tradition in the USA

Summary/Abstract: This article is about the development of the Lithuanian language teaching in the USA, which was implemented by a group of emigrants from Lithuania. The beginning of this is the second half of 19 century. Several authors indicate that, when Lithuanians managed to escape from the oppression of czarist governance and came to the USA, they began to read primers (or prayer-books in order to protect young people from denationalization because they were the most valuable wealth they brought from the native land. Several printings (Kantičkos, 1864 and many others) write that namely families were concerned about the promotion of national cultural tradition in the USA. The more advanced education began from 19 century, when A. Zaicevas established the first Lithuanian school and after one year some parochial schools were established in all Lithuanian parishes in the USA. The most significant change of the Lithuanian language teaching happened in the 20th century when approximately 30 000 Lithuanians immigrated to the USA after World War II. The new immigrants were not satisfied with the present condition of the Lithuanian language teaching in the USA and began to establish more advanced Lithuanian schools. Lithuanian teachers union (established in 1951) played a major role in the establishment and development of Lithuanian schools. The most active members of this union were M. Kriščiūnas, D. Velička, S. Rudys, Dr. P. Jonikas, Dr. A. Šešplaukis, P. Maldeikis, J. Kavaliūnas, S. Jonynienė and many others.They created the system of the Lithuanian language teaching, began to publish various newspapers and literary works, organized Lithuanian radio broadcasts. Soon was established the USA Lithuanian Community’s Central Council of Education, which was concerned about study plans, curricula, textbooks, teachers’ training and their refresher courses. In 1967–1969 there were even 44 Lithuanian schools in the USA.

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