Top 12 pioneers in education scaled

A Study of American Education and Historical Events That Shaped It

  • Civil Rights Movement

    Civil Rights Movement

    The Civil Rights Movement enlisted the federal government in the effort to equalize educational opportunities for children of color. Brown vs. Board of Education led to segregation in schools, which was later accompanied by protests.
    This has influenced our profession's history because we have equal opportunities for all children no matter the color or culture. We welcome equality in our schools and we welcome a variety of cultures in our classrooms.
  • 1954 Brown v. Board of Education

    1954 Brown v. Board of Education

    The decision reverses Plessy v. Ferguson, ruling that separate is not equal, and outlaws segregation. The decision held that the racial segregation of children in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Although the decision did not succeed in fully desegregating public education in the United States, it put the Constitution on the side of racial equality.
  • 1957 Sputnik

    1957 Sputnik

    The Soviets make history by being the first to launch a satellite into orbit, the Sputnik. More than $1 billion was poured into public schools for new science and math curriculums.
    For more information: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/space/sputnik-impact-on-america.html
  • The Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    The Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    As part of President Johnson's war on poverty, the ESEA started Head Start, gave free lunches to those and need, and gave greater attention to special education. This allowed the continued opportunity for education.
  • Title IX

    Title IX

    Title 9 stated that no person can be excluded from a school program on the basis of their sex. This gave rise to more women athletics and other opportunities which previously were not granted. For more information:
    http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/tix_dis.html
  • 2002 No Child Left Behind Act

    2002 No Child Left Behind Act

    This Act set new government test standards that students must reach or the school district may face federal assistance money. This program was set in to help disadvantaged students reach the same goals as advanced students. Some people believe teachers are now teaching to strictly meet those standards.

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