-
Education in the American colonies was not as strict or standardized as it is today. Schools taught anyone who could afford it. This article more indepthly describes schooling during these times. -
This law passed in 1827 in Massachusetts required all town with populations of 500 or more families to provide free public education. This led to the creation of free public high schools across the country. -
Massachusetts passes the first law requiring attendance at school for children aged 8-14. The law mandated at least 3 months of schooling with at least 6 consecutive weeks. 16 states also passed this legislation by 1885.
-
This monumental court case upheld the idea of "separate but equal," keeping segregation legal for many years. -
This act provided federal aid to any high school teacher wanting to teach trades. Schools were able to provide training for these teachers through federal grants. The Federal Board of Vocational Education was also created under this act. It led to organizations like Future Farmers of America and more emphasis on agriculture and CTE classes.
-
This video from CBS Sunday Morning talks about the reason we have the G.I. Bill and its benefits towards veterans and the rest of America.
-
This court case overturned the ruling of Plessy v. Ferguson in 1954 saying that by definition, having separate facilities for education was unequal. This legislation paved the way for the desegregation of schools. -
Engel v. Vitale ruled in 1962 that holding prayers in public schools was unconstitutional. In 1963, Abington v. Schempp declared the use of the Bible unconstitutional when used in public schools.
-
This act established the Office of Indian Education and National Advisory Council on Indian Education. It helps fund the education of Native Americans and Native Alaskans at any grade level and empowers their parents to be involved in their education.
-
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has been amended and modified many times since its first appearance as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975. This video details its progression through the years.