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The American Colonial Period (1600-1776)
These were the early stages of education as it was many Europeans immigrated to have better educational opportunities. Most education was taught at home by a parent or schools that existed majority elementary and some colleges like Harvard University. Older children tend to work on farms or learning apprenticeship. -
The Role of Teachers (1600-1776)
In these times teachers were ranked right below religious leaders in importance. Both groups were expected to teach and to act as examples of moral behaviors. Teachers were also not allowed to drink, smoke, date, or marry. They also had to always attend church and be a good example of how a person should be. -
School Curriculum (1600-1776)
Most schools focused on basic reading, writing, simple math, and religion. -
The American Early National Period(1776-1840)
The second period of education began with the American Revolution People of the time. During this time, educators came to believe that people could improve their lives and society through the use of reason. -
Thomas Jefferson
Many consider Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, one of the most brilliant individuals in history. He wanted to make sure elementary schools were available without cost. -
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was one of the most important early leaders in the colonies, urging independence from England. Curious about everything, Franklin experimented with all sorts of scientific concepts, from electricity to the common cold. Because of Benjamin Franklin's influence schools to this day teach good citizenship. -
The American Common School Period(1840-1880)
Throughout the 1850s the country moved closer to the internal split of the Civil War. Towards the 1860s, the Civil War claimed many lives in both the North and South. Ultimately, the freeing of slaves and the triumph of the union. With that the American Common School Period, American children received minimal schooling. -
Horace Mann
Horace Mann served as the first secretary of the State Board of Education in Massachusetts. He made an impact on education nationally, as well in his state. Horace Mann tried to improve and standardize school. Many of his ideas are still part of today's educational system. -
School Curriculum(1840-1880)
The American Common School Period brought many more changes in how subjects were taught than in which subjects were taught. Significant changes included the establishment of kindergartens in public schools, the use of McGufffery's readers, and the passing of the Morrill Act of 1852. -
Education of African Americans 1861
The Civil War ended legal slavery in the United States, but the policy of separate but equal replaced it, formalizing the segregation of African Americans in education, transportation, and other aspects of public life. This policy justified segregation by claiming that African Americans were receiving different but equal treatment under the law. In education, the policy was implemented by creating separate schools with different curricula, teaching methods, teachers, and resources. -
The American Progressive Period(1880-1921)
The American Progressive Period in education bridged the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It was a time of business expansion and reforms in the U.S. By 1920, all states had laws required children to attend elementary school. -
Segregated Education(1880-1921)
Schools during the American Progressive Period were still highly segregated. African-American children attend separate public schools that received less funding. Educational materials were scarce and inferior, often the castoffs from the white schools. -
The 1920's and the Great Depression Era(1921-1940)
Following WW1, many Americans turned away from concerns about political reform. America was the most industrialized country in the world, and economic prosperity and growth were strong. The influence of the Progressive movement in education, however, continued throughout this period. -
The War on Poverty and the Great Society 1960
The War on Poverty, a general term for federal programs designed to eradicate poverty during the 1960s, emphasized education as its major thrust. During this period, the federal government’s involvement in education increased significantly. Initiatives included
