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Colonial Period: New England Puritans
The start to education in America began with the Puritans in 1635. The Puritans created the Roxbury Latin School and were the first to write books for educating children. They offered this opportunity to all children for free which paved the way for education to be expanded across America. This was the beginning of the schools and education we have today. Although school looks much different today, it gave us a starting point in creating classrooms, books and a learning environment for kids. -
Early National Period: Ordinances of 1785 & 1787
The Land Ordinance of 1785 separated church and state, which is important so that students could learn more about school subjects and separately practice religion at a church. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 made it so subjects at school were no longer taught with religious bias. It was important that all students could learn about subjects without the root of it being religion. Now students could learn about math, science, language and social skills to use their entire lives. -
Common School Period: Mary Lyon & Mount Holyoke
After years of hard work Mary Lyon succeeded when Mount Holyoke Female Seminary opened. This school served as the first way for females to gain an education. Now females could be independent and work for themselves by gaining an education that was just as demanding as at the all men's schools. Without Mary Lyon, females could have went on for generations not gaining an education. This was the first step at creating more equality in the real world by giving females a chance at an education. -
Progressive Period: Dubois and Washington
W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington made it so African Americans could receive an education in society. Now they could gain the same knowledge as white men had been receiving for years. This serves as an important part of educational history because it gave African Americans the chance at an education and a brighter future with more skills in work areas. Without this they were learning by doing, now they were able to gain more knowledge and think about things more abstractly. -
Modern Period: I.D.E.A
The IDEA made it so students with disabilities could have access to an education. There has been a lag in the education system where equality is not met for those who need it most. Children with disabilities need a learning structure that suites their needs and learning styles and at a pace suitable for them. Placing some special ed students in a regular classroom may be more damaging. It is a necessity to give these students a unique curriculum that suites them and their learning abilities.
