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The Boston Latin School, the first public school in the American colonies, was made to give boys an education on greek and latin. It set the foundation for the idea that education should be supported to help society. BLSF -
This law made towns of a certain size build schools that taught children to read and write. The goal was to have literate children so they could read the Bible. There was a religious and civic motivation for this school. MSL -
Thomas Jefferson proposed a plan for free public education in Virginia, saying that democracy was dependent on educated people. Even though this idea was not fully accepted by everyone, it influenced later discussions about state funded schooling. [TJB](Monticello.org) -
Horace Mann worked to make schools normal everywhere, improve teacher training, and speak up about education as a way to prepare citizens for democracy. His ideas made him known as the “Father of American Public Education.” HMBSM -
Massachusetts became the first state to make children attend school. This was the beginning of a new era of education in the U.S., setting an example that other states would eventually follow. MCAL -
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public places was constitutional under the acts of “separate but equal.” This decision segregated schools and education for decades until it was stopped. PvF -
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court said that segregated schools were unequal and unconstitutional. This case was a huge factor of the Civil Rights Movement and began the process of desegregation. BVB -
Title IX prohibited discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding. It opened doors for women in sports, higher education, and professional opportunities. TotEA -
This law gave children with disabilities the right to a free appropriate public education. It made schools provide services and resources, leading to better inclusion in classrooms. (EAHCA)[https://www.justice.gov/crt/title-ix-education-amendments-1972] -
NCLB showed accountability through testing and aimed to close gaps among students. While not fully accepted by everyone, it reshaped how schools measured success and moved around federal funding. NCLB