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The first school in America was established in Boston, Massachusetts. It set the foundation for free, public education and academic preparation for leadership. -
Required towns to establish schools, emphasizing literacy so citizens could read the Bible an early step toward compulsory education. -
Jefferson proposed publicly funded schools to educate all citizens, highlighting the link between education and democracy. -
Known as the “Father of American Education,” Mann pushed for public schooling reforms, teacher training, and standardized education. -
Legalized “separate but equal” schools, reinforcing racial segregation in education for nearly six decades. -
Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional a major civil rights milestone. -
Guaranteed free and appropriate public education for children with disabilities, marking a turning point for special education. -
This landmark report warned that U.S. education was failing to prepare students for global competition, leading to major reforms in accountability and standards. -
Introduced standardized testing and accountability measures to ensure all students met academic benchmarks. -
Replaced NCLB, giving states more flexibility while maintaining accountability. Focused on equity, innovation, and supporting all learners.