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Massachusetts Act of 1642
Beforehand, the Plymouth colony's children received their education at home or from church. Most townships did not provide schooling for their children so the state decided to take action. Each town had selectmen who would go to each house and investigate how they were educating their children. Children were to be able to read and understand religious and town laws. This event helped shape the idea that the state will be responsible for its children's education. -
Separation of Church and State
While drafting the U.S. Constitution, America was becoming a diverse country composed of many different religions. The framers decided that secular rather than religious education will be state-sponsored. The idea was that children would be educated to function in a democratic society rather than the church. This effects Education today in that public schools are still not religiously motivated which includes a whole range of different students. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
A lawsuit on the behalf of African American elementary school students in Topeka, Kansas allowing them access to attend white public schools. U.S. Supreme Court ruled that separate but equal schools were unconstitutional and did not offer African Americans equal protection under the law. This is an important event because even though the law changed, there was resistance and public schools didn't integrate for a long time. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act: PL 94-142
This act passed by congress ensured that children with a range of disabilities would be eligible for educational services from the ages 3-21. These services include a free and appropriate public education, an individualized education plan, and the least restrictive environment. The act started the process for other legislation and amendments to be passed that improved the lives of handicapped children. This eventually led to handicapped students being able to learn alongside their typical peers. -
No Child Left Behind Act
No Child Left Behind was passed in order to close the achievement gap for minority, low-income, and English language students. Federal funds were used to hold states and their school districts accountable requiring student groups to pass 100% of standardized assessments and hiring highly qualified teachers. This act is important because it demonstrated how reform can go too far. "Failing" schools had to restructure and the positive results didn't transfer to the higher grade levels.
