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Northwest Land Ordinance
Designated how townships would be organized in the U.S. westward expansion. Set aside one parcel of land for education. -
Catherine Beecher, 1840s
Encouraged teacher training with a focus on encouraging women to go into teaching as a profession. -
Horace Mann, 1837-48
Introduced state governmental oversight into education, with a focus on school facilities. Mann also introduced the idea that citizens should pay taxes to help fund the schools. -
Morrill Land Grant Act, 1862
As one of the most significant events in educational history, it set aside land to fund universities, which were intended to be agricultural/technical schools that included classical studies. Many public universities in operation today are land-grant colleges and continue to provide excellent educational opportunities for adults, not only in agriculture and technical fields, but also teaching, business, and other fields. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/content/morrill-act.html -
Immigration, early 1900s
Parents came to the U.S. for better educational opportunities for their children. They viewed education as a step to achieving the American Dream, not a training ground for their kids to work in factories. This pushback was instrumental in the NYC schools rejecting the Progressive movement. -
Gary, Indiana schools, 1910s
Schools began espousing the Progressive movement, with a goal of integrating immigrants into American society and providing all the life necessities that their poorer parents couldn't afford, including hygiene, health screenings, sports, and etiquette lessons. -
Brown v. Board of Education, 1954
One of the most significant events in U.S. edcuational history, the Supreme Court desegregated schools throughout the country. The ruling resulted in more integrated schools, especially after ESEA was passed and attached federal dollars to integration. The ruling also resulting in many black teachers and administrators losing their jobs, an impact still being felt in today's schools where a majority of teachers are white. http://www.civilrights.org/education/brown/?referrer -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), 1965
Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, the law established funding for schools in poorer areas, as well as attached federal money to schools in return for integrating. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 1975
One of the most important events in U.S. educational history, the IDEA mainstreamed students with physical and intellectual disabilities with all other students. It mandated a free, appropriate public education for all students in the least restrictive environment. Federal dollars were promised to meet the needs of these students, which have never completely been delivered to states. Integrating students of all ability levels is a benefit to students and teachers. http://idea.ed.gov/ -
A Nation at Risk is Released, 1983
A Nation At Risk said the U.S. is failing students, especially when compared to other countries. The report used militarized language to discuss education, epitomizing the culture of the Cold War. One of the most important events in educational history, this is where the negative public opinion surrounding schools started. Americans began labeling their schools as failures, while in reality American schools had been steadily improving for 200 years. http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/NatAtRisk/index.html -
The Standards Movement, late 1980s
An increased focus on standards, and implementation of high-stakes tests to see if students have met the standards. An adoption of the capitalistic business model in schools. -
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), 1990
Provided equal access to public spaces for people with disabilities. Under section 504, students with physical or other disabilities can be given special accommodations to ensure they have the same access to education as abled individuals. -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB), 2001
One of the most important events in educational history, NCLB mandated that by 2014 100% of US students would meet grade-level standards. Schools who did not show adequate yearly progress were labeled as failing. The bill did not provide funding for schools to meet its mandates, and increased focus on testing led to stressed students and teachers. The bill had a negative impact on schools, the teachers, and the public's perception of education. www2.ed.gov/nclb/overview/intro/execsumm.html -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), 2015
The new horizon for education in America, the bi-partisan bill signed by President Barack Obama is the newest iteration of the ESEA and an overhaul of the NCLB act. Its impact is unknown now, but I am hopeful the bill will have a positive impact on students and provide educators with a more effective framework to truly educate American kids.
