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Colonial Schools
More info here. From the moment the pilgrims began to settle this continant, colonists wanted to create places for learning for their children. School had previously only been for the rich, but in America anything is possible. -
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History of American Education
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Horne Books
Teachers used horne books to teach students in schools. These consisted of the letters of the alphabet as well as a simple prayer. It was thought that these were the basics for becoming a good citizen. -
Thomas Jefferson
See more here. Jefferson drafted a law to guarantee 3 years of public schooling for children, with a select few given scholarships to continue on in their schooling. Women were only allowed the 3 years. Slaves were never included. It never passed.
Public Education was essential to democracy. -Jefferson -
Horace Mann
Horace Mann used many of Jefferson's ideas to create a public school system. He was asked to be the first Secretary of Education. He traveled to many of the schools in the area to asses their valitity, most were not in good quality. http://www.pbs.org/onlyateacher/horace.html -
Noah Webster
Read more here.
Noah Webster created a spelling book that was quickly adopted as a text book for schools all around that country. This was the predicessor to the Webster's Dictionary. -
Immigration
In the 1900's there was a flood of immigrants into America. This meant not enough school for the amount of students that needed education. It also created an new environment for public education: suddenly there were many different faiths in a classroom where it used to be almost exclusively protistant. http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/publication/2008/03/20080307131416ebyessedo0.6800043.html#axzz3yzRWQ200 -
WWI
This created a large gap in students when the army recruted young men from ages 15-18. It also created much animosity towards immigrants during these times. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This law suit rose all the way to the Supreme Court. It was there that "seperate but equal" was not equal at all. Segregation was outlawed and slowly black students attened previously white schools. This was a major event in the American Public School System. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/supremecourt/rights/landmark_brown.html -
Sputnik
The beginings of the race to space created a push in education for more math and science. Most children were inspired by these great movements and began working towards future space careers. http://history.nasa.gov/sputnik/ -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This was enacted by President Lydon B. Johnson to help level the playing field for students in poverty. This was very helpful to many in low income area to gain more support for their children's education. http://www.socialwelfarehistory.com/programs/education/elementary-and-secondary-education-act-of-1965/ -
Standardized Testing
Here we see a huge growth in required standardized testing. There are many mixed veiws on this action. Some say that it puts too much pressure on students and teachers. Some argue that it is the best way to evaluate how we are doing as a school system. -
No Child Left Behind
This was a very impactful event for Education. It attempted to streamline education between the states as well as give extra help to schools in need. While it did help to accomplish some of its goals, it has gained a poor image for increaed testing and standards. http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/no-child-left-behind/
