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Separating Church and State
The separation of Church and State is widely supported. However, the clear line between the two has been shaded. As President Trump "defended students who feel they can't pray in their schools," (Ordoñez, 2020) the controversy continues. At one end there's the First Amendment. And on the other, there's the law of separation. This isn't safe for public schools and their students' rights and that's why it's an important mark in educational history.
Figure: Killenbeck, M. -
Land-Grant Colleges
Land-grant colleges started as "agriculture and the mechanic arts, a purpose almost . . . practical" (Ferleger, Lazonick, 1994). This word, practical, was used to describe the type of education received at these colleges. Although it didn't provide broad degrees, these schools started a movement of funding for higher education. Without the support of the federal and state governments, higher education wouldn't be as accessible as it is now.
Figure 2: Massachusetts, U. -
Committee of Ten
The Committee of Ten paved the pathway for all future generations of schooling--including us today. The standardized curriculum provides a sturdy foundation and expectation for students, teachers, and districts; the curriculum "laid down by the Conferences will, if logically carried out, make a great simplification in secondary school programmes [sic]" (National Association of the United States, 1894).
Figure 3: Wolk, S. -
Vocational Education
Without the schools of vocational education and the overall acceptance of the trades, many students would be forced into careers they don't want (standard 4-year careers), or they would fight for a job without a degree. With 16.9 million students in trade school (St-Esprit, 2019), the support and push for vocational education was a significant milestone in educational history. Without vocational schools and curriculum, the variety of degrees wouldn't be there for students.
Figure 4: Admin. -
Virtual Education
Nearly 300,000 students are in full-time virtual education, with 132,000 in hybrid classes (Tate, 2019). The use of virtual education can provide education and degrees to those who otherwise couldn't make it to college. Without online school or individual classes, many wouldn't be able to continue their educations. The acceptance of virtual learning is a huge mark in the history of education and for the future of possibilities.
Figure 5: Cornelius, S.
