History of Education

  • 1st English Settlement in North America

    The first english settlement was at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. The people that came during that and after (Puritans that came to New England) had a huge impact on religion and education. They viewed education as a very necessary thing for religious instruction and good citizenship.
  • The Massachusetts Law of 1642

    This law ordered certain men of each town to make sure parents or masters were providing the education for their children. This established the principle of compulsory education.
  • Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

    Franklin was influenced by John Locke's writings and was a huge proponent in practical education. He outlined the plan for a school in English which was to be the medium of instruction in 1747. He helps establish the first "English Academy" in Philadelphia.
  • Jefferson's Bill (More General Diffusion Of Knowledge) Most Important

    Jefferson's Bill (More General Diffusion Of Knowledge) Most Important
    This provided for the establishment of a system of public schools that would provide them the basic education necessary for good government, public safety, and happiness. This event was so important because it was the start of having certain curriculum being taught in the classroom in all counties. That curriculum is still being taught in the classroom today and is crucial to our education. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson
  • Benjamin Rush

    He was a big advocate for education and women and he found one of the first female academies in the United States, the Young Ladies Academy of Philadelphia. He was also a huge advocate for the education of Blacks and wanted them to have the same principles taught to them.
  • First Monitorial School

    The first monitorial school was opened in NYC and the system spree quickly throughout the united states. They taught the basics of writing, reading, and arithmetic.
  • Noah Webster (1758-1843) Most Important

    Noah Webster (1758-1843) Most Important
    He had the greatest influence on education in the new republic. He supported the concept of free schools in which all american kids could learn the necessary concepts. He is significant to education because he had a big part in the common schools movement which changed education forever. If it wasn't for him the idea of free schools, women education, and the common school system might not be around today.
    Link text
  • Common School Movement (1830-1865) Most Important

    Common School Movement (1830-1865) Most Important
    Our school system today began to form during this time. The common school movement was the product of a variety of economic, social, and political factors. It huge impact on education because it is what started the schools that we know of today. If it wasn't for this movement we would not have the educational system that we have today. It was the start to one of the most important things in our lives as Americans today. (https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-02-02-0132-0004-0079)
  • First American Comprehensive High School Est.

    This offered both english and classical courses of study and was opened in Lowell, Massachusetts. Boys and girls were starting to go to secondary schools and be able to learn more past elementary school.
  • Horace Mann (1796-1859)

    Horace Mann was known as the "Father of American Education". He was the boards first secretary and campaigned to increase public support for education. He fought for the professional training of teachers and established three normal schools.
  • Progressive Education Association

    The Progressive Education Association as established in 1919. It had seven guiding principles. The child's freedom to develop naturally, interest provides the motivation for all work, the teacher as guide in the learning process, the scientific study of pupil development, greater attention to everything that affects the child's physical development, cooperation between the school and home in meeting the natural interests and activities of the child, progressive school school should be a leader
  • Brown v. Board of Education Most Important!

    Brown v. Board of Education Most Important!
    A supreme court ruling that segregated schools have no place in public education because it makes children feel inferior which makes them unmotivated. It was significant because it gave other races the chance to feel equal, go to the same schools as white kids, and get the same education they deserved without feeling inferior. It still has an impact today because anyone of any race can attend any public school and get the same rights as white children.
    (https://www.nps.gov/brvb/index.htm)
  • Sputnik Most Important

    Sputnik Most Important
    This single event had such a big impact on education in 1957. It confirmed the growing fear that the U.S. was losing the Cold War technological and military races with the Soviet Union because of a shortage of trained teachers, engineers, and students. It had an impact on the technological part of education and technology is a huge part of our education today and where its going.
    (https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2007/10/how-sputnik-changed-u-s-education/)
  • Goals 2000 Educate America Act

    This was a plan administered by the clinton administration that adopted six national goals articulated by the National Governors association and they added two goals related to parent participation and teacher education and professional development. This formalized education goals and the development of standards and assessment.
  • No Child Left Behind

    This said that all states are required to have standards for what every child should know and learn in math and reading and that 95% of all students in grades 3-8 be tested annually and the once in grades 10-12 to determine their progress in meeting these standards. If schools don't make (AYP) adequate yearly progress they are put on a list that tells them they need improvement and is required to make a plan for that.