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Roxbury Latin School Established. Image: (Boston Latin School).
The Puritans' establishment of the Roxbury Latin School is significant because it was the first structured school to be founded and was free to all children (Promedion Productions, 2006). The opening of this school influenced society in that the colonial children all had access to education and could learn and grow together in the uncertain times of our country's birth. Today, the foundational principle of free education for all is still the goal for our children. -
Land Ordinances of 1785 and 1787. Image: (Grose, 1785).
The Congressional Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Land Ordinance of 1787 were significant to early American education. These ordinances separated religion from public schools. They made sure churches and schools were built in different parts of town, and teaching was free from religious bias. (Promedion Productions, 2006). In public schools today, we can still see these events' influence, making learning open to children of different faiths. -
National Teachers Association Founded. Image: (Johnston).
The founding of the National Teachers Association brought to light teaching as a respected profession in the United States. The organization of teachers influenced education by bringing standards and acknowledgment to the occupation. This group of educators worked to standardize curriculum for students and expectations for the position. Today the organization has a teachers union that lobbies the government for better working conditions. (Promedion Productions, 2006). -
Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. Image: (Kansas Historical Society, 1954).
The Supreme Court decision Brown vs. Board of Education was significant because it called for the end of segregation of black and white children in public schools. The ruling had a major impact on school systems and communities across the nation. All-white schools had to allow black children admittance. In the South, some states had to be forced to comply. (Promedion Productions, 2006). Although segregation no longer legally exists today, it still negatively affects black and minority students. -
Common Core State Standards. Image: (McElspeth, 2018).
The Common Core State Standards initiative is significant because it takes students past rote into evidence-based learning in preparation for graduation. This initiative gives the states standards in the form of goals or benchmarks for students to reach specific times in their education. States have the freedom to choose how to get their students to those goals. After ten years of Common Core, it is found that it may have negative impacts on teacher evaluation and assessment. (Riek, 2020).
