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The First Latin Grammar School (Boston Latin School) (Inc. Analysis)
The first Latin Grammar School is established and are designed for sons of certain social classes who are destined for leadership positions in church, state, or the courts ANALYSIS: I believe that this has provided the foundations of what a school is like today. While, schools today are not limited to high social class boys, schools are still designed to ensure students are prepared to be successful in life and society. For more info
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Compulsory Education Law
Massachusetts Bay Colony passes the Compulsory Education Law, requiring parents to teach their children to read. -
The Massachusetts Law of 1647
The Massachusetts Law of 1647 is passed. It decrees that every town of at least 50 families hire a schoolmaster who would teach the town's children to read and write and that all towns of at least 100 families should have a Latin grammar school master who will prepare students to attend Harvard College. -
The Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance is enacted by the Confederation Congress. Specifically recognizes the importance of education, Act 3 of the document begins, "Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." -
The Young Ladies Academy (Inc. Analysis)
The Young Ladies Academy opens in Philadelphia and becomes the first academy for girls in the original 13 colonies/states. ANALYSIS: This is pivotal as it is the moment when girls are given specific attention and their unique schooling needs are identified. Within today's society, girls are given the same opportunities are boys and there are numerous private schools that are female-only. For more information
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Free Education for the Poor
Pennsylvania state constitution calls for free public education for poor families. Wealthy families are expected to pay for their children’s schooling. -
Horace Mann becomes Secretary of Board of Education (Inc. Analysis)
Horace Mann becomes Secretary of the newly formed Massachusetts State Board of Education.Mann worked tirelessly for increased funding of public schools and better training for teachers. ANALYSIS: I believe that Mann is extremely significant to the history of education. He played a major role in the Common Schools Movement and within this increased federal funding. Federal funding is still prevalent within today's society. For more info: Link text -
First School for Mental Disabilities Opens (Inc. Analysis)
The first school for children with mental disabilities opens in
Massachusetts ANALYSIS:This is a standout moment in American Education for it is the time when education became available to those with mental disabilities. I believe that disabilities should not limit one's opportunity in life,thus I am grateful that schools today support those with mental disabilities For more info
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First U.S Kindergarten
The First US kindergarten was founded by German Educator, Margarethe Schurz -
John Dewey's Democracy and Education
John Dewey's "Democracy and Education. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education" is published. Dewey's views help advance the ideas of the "progressive education movement." An outgrowth of the progressive political movement, progressive education seeks to make schools more effective agents of democracy. -
Mandatory School Attendance (Inc. Analysis)
All states have laws requiring mandatory school attendance for children through elementary school. ANALYSIS:This is an important moment in history as it is when school attendance becomes mandatory for all children.This ensures that all children get the opportunity to learn not only curriculum but important life skills.Elementary school attendance is still mandatory for children. For more info
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World War 2
The U.S. enters World War II after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor on December 7. During the next four years, much of the country's resources go to the war effort. Education is put on the back burner as many young men quit school to enlist; schools are faced with personnel problems as teachers and other employees enlist, are drafted, or leave to work in defense plants; school construction is put on hold. -
National School Lunch Act
National School Lunch Act expands access to school lunch by making available low-cost or free lunches for low-income students. -
Brown v. Board of Education (Inc. Analysis) - Most Important
The U.S. Supreme Court announces its decision in the case of Brown v. Board. of Education ruling that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." ANALYSIS:the MOST IMPORTANT moment in the history of education.This is the point where segregation is demolished and a step towards racial equality in schools is taken.This ruling is still referenced today and is an important reminder that education should be offered to all. for more info Link text -
Federal Funding
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 gives federal funding to schools while forbidding a
national curriculum. -
Head Start
Project Head Start, a preschool education program for children from low-income families, begins as an eight-week summer program. Part of the "War on Poverty," the program continues to this day as the longest-running anti-poverty program in the U.S. -
“A Nation at Risk”
The National Commission on Excellence in Education report “A
Nation at Risk” concludes that America’s educational system is
so poor that America’s competive future is threatenend,
prompting a wave of reforms in schools and teacher education. -
No Child Left Behind
Signed into law by President George W. Bush, No Child Left Behind
increases federal funding for education and ushers in standards-based reform. Proponents argue that it has increased schools’
accountability, while some opponents say it has made testing the focus of education, at the expense of critical thinking.
