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Massachusetts Act of 1642
This first American education related law was significant in shaping modern day American education by making education compulsory for the first time (Films Media Group, 2006). It was the beginning of American governments control over the education of children in American, and the end of parental freedom of choice in regards to the education of their children. -
Horace Mann Named Secretary of Massachusetts Board of Education
Horace Mann, the "Father of Education", was instrumental in making education in America available to all children (Films Media Group, 2006). He did so through the establishment of common schools, as well as in setting curriculum and teaching standards through teacher training at normal schools. This led to the advancement of free, readily available public education throughout America. -
Kalamazoo, Michigan Court Case of 1874
This was beginning of free public education being extended beyond the elementary level though the means of property tax funding. This led to the opening of the first public high school, and many would follow. Films Media Group, 2006). This event was instrumental because it opened up the door for all children to receive a higher level of education than ever before through the means of public funding. -
Brown vs Board of Education
The desegregation of American schools through Brown vs Board of Education (Films Media Group 2006), led to furthering the efforts towards providing an equal public education. This court case was instrumental in providing students from all races and ethnicities equal opportunities for success by providing all children with an equal education. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act significantly changed the American Education System by creating changes to federal funding for public schools, accountability, teacher professional development, federal standards for schools through mandatory testing, and changing the primary focus of teaching on to the areas of reading, math and writing (Films Media Group, 2006). This act has tried to further equalize public education by means of standardization of curriculum and testing in schools.
