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First Normal School Opened
The first normal school opened its door in Lexington, Massachusetts, but quickly spread all over the United States (Films Media Group, 2006). Education is a priceless possession and with the opening of normal schools, men and women, rich and poor alike, no longer had to fight for their right to be given an education. This was one of the first giant steps on the path to today's education system, where it is every child's birthright to receive a free education. -
N.E.A Committee of Ten was Established
The N.E.A Committee of Ten designed and established a standard curriculum to education systems (Films Media Group, 2006). This curriculum allowed schools to teach more practical lessons, rather than just solely be academic. Electives were introduced and allowed children to have a say in their education. Today's education system still follows many of the core ideas created by the Committee of Ten, including the practice of eight years of elementary and four years of secondary education. -
The Scholastic Achievement Test was First Introduced
The Scholastic Achievement Test was originally introduced to measure the academic level of students seeking postsecondary education (Films Media Group, 2006). This standardized test, or its equivalent (ACT), is still required by secondary education systems and by all colleges and universities prior to acceptance and admissions. The implementation of the SAT has ultimately shaped secondary education curriculums, so that every student has a fair chance of achieving an adequate score. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
The Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme court case ruled that separation of students based on their race is against the 14th amendment. Separate by equal has no place in education settings and rather are inherently unequal. Separating students generates feelings of inferiority (Films Media Group, 2006). Today, no child is refused an education at any specific school based off the color of their skin. All children are given the same birthright of free education, wherever they may choose. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Act was Amended
The Individuals with Disabilities Act was created to "ensure appropriate public education for students with disabilities and requires public schools to provide programs that meet the needs of these students" (Films Media Group,2006). This provides every child in the U.S. with the opportunity to receive education, and can not be denied despite any kind of disability. These programs help these students grow and learn in a number of ways, not only educationally, but socially and emotionally.
