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Separation of Church and State
Starting with the establishment clause in the Declaration of Independence, the shift to secular education was a big change from the beginnings of education in the colonies. It has been important to keep schools from teaching children what they should believe and focusing on the importance of cultivating informed citizens of a free republic. This has become especially important today with the diversity of religions and cultures that share common schools. -
Horace Mann and the State Board of Education
Sometimes called “The Father of American Education”, Horace Mann’s creation of the first State Board of Education in Massachusetts was a turning point in the history of education (p 127). Mann's vision of the common school, meant to be open and equal for all to learn is the basis of our current system in which we still strive for the equality he hoped to attain. Mann’s vision set in motion the educational standards, professional standard and national public school systems of today. -
Brown v. the Board of Education
Building on the idea of a common school started by Horace Mann in the 1800’s, the Brown case moved the public school system away from “Separate but equal”. Although this decision came nearly 100 years after the civil war and the abolition of slavery, it was difficult to desegregate schools. We still strive to make schools equal and avoid segregation in an effort to attain free and equal education. Today our struggle has become to create school equality that is colorblind. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142)
Inspired by the success of the Brown decision, parents of children with special needs began to fight for legislation that would provide opportunities for their children. This act has helped define disabilities, develop individualized education programs (IEP), and provide the least restrictive learning environment (LRE) in free public education. PL 94-142 has changed the lives of millions of children and families and has changed the face of public education. -
No Child Left Behind
Aiming to raise American students to the level of higher preforming nations, No Child Left Behind ultimately put accountability and testing at the forefront. Rather than pushing children to achieve at a higher level, the standards used fell flat. No Child Left Behind is another connection to Mann’s goal of equalizing the education of students no matter of race, social status, gender, or sexuality. Success or failure, it was a step forward in the evolution of the public school system.
