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Horace Mann and the First State Board of Education
Horace Mann led the charge for the first educational reform in young America. He convinced the American people that religion and state education should be separate. He also lobbied that education should be universally available and free of cost. Mann criticized the system of education in that era through his 12 annual reports. He brought about a widespread concern for the national status of schools at the time. -
The Cardinal Principles Report
The Cardinal Principles Report brought into light the inequalities of the high school curriculum. It suggested that, by bringing in liberal arts and more social studies classes along with physical education, students would be more prepared for a life outside of the classroom. This report happened to lay out the ground work for the high school curriculum that is most popular today. -
Brown vs The Board of Education
This case proved to be the most influential legal case in the educational field. It started the ideas of equality in schools for African Americans and became a staple for the civil rights movement. The refutation of the "separate but equal" excuse cornered American politicians to accept equality in all facets. After this case, African Americans started to advocate against segregated schools which soon blossomed into a nationwide movement for civil rights. -
A Nation At Risk
With a publication of "A Nation at Risk" came the global race for superior educational achievement. This impacted American education in good and bad ways. America became more concerned about their test scores, which prompted higher emphasis on teaching core skills like math and science. On the flip side, America became less concerned with abstract skills like art and music. It made America more introspective about their educational infrastructure. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was influential because of the funding it provided for schools. The No Child Left Behind Act was connected and impacted education in a different way. This Act made the schools responsible for the success of its students. It prompted schools to adapt to a child-centered curriculum and give each child equal opportunity. Another part of the ESEA was the Head Start program which prepared impoverished children from 3-5 before entering public schools.
