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"Old Deluder Satan Law"
The Massachusetts Law of 1647
This law was passed in 1647. It said that every town of 50 households or more must appoint and pay a teacher who could teach reading and writing. This law spread throughout New England. This was how the very first schools with paid teachers were formed in the United States. -
Franklin Academy
In 1751, the very first academy was opened by Benjamin Franklin. This was the first school established free of religious influence. It offered a variety of subjects such as mathematics, astronomy, athletics, drama, and bookkeeping along with other subjects. This academy accepted both boys and girls. It gave students the choice of some of their courses. This academy sparked the establishment of 6,000 academies in the century that followed. -
Horace Mann
Horace Mann played a huge role in why our Education system is the way it is today. He became a leading advocate for establishment of a common school that would be open to all. This is now known as elementary schools. In 1837, Mann helped to create the Massachusetts State Board of Education. He worked as the secretary which would be similar to today's superintendent position. Mann fought for free and public education and schools. -
IDEA
In 1975, the Public Law 94-142 Education for All Handicapped Children Act was passed. This Act was later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This act provides financial assistance to local school districts so they can provide free and appropriate education for the nation's millions of children who have disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21. -
A Nation at Risk
In 1983, the National Commission on Excellence in Education called for a change in the American Education system. They said that America needed to keep up with other countries. In response, states increased the number of course requirements needed to graduate and required more testing of students and teachers. To this day there is even more importance given to these tests.