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Period: Feb 10, 1492 to
Colonial Education
The primary education of upper class white children in colonial days included reading, writing, simple math, poems, and prayers. The three most commonly used books were the Bible, a primer, and a hornbook. Their schooling prepared them for their eventual roles in plantation life. More information -
Northwest Land Ordinance
The Northwest Land Ordinance was a system set up by the government for land in the west. Each six by six mile square was considered a township and each township had a designated plot for schools. Many townships still have their schools on these plots, and some have been sold to help fund public education. More information -
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Common Schools
Horace Mann began the establishment of teacher training schools in Massachusetts and state supported Common Schools which became the model for the United States. More information -
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John Dewey
John Dewey was a professor of philosophy that had a large impact on education during the Progressive Era. He believed that students must interact with their environment in order to adapt and learn. He placed the emphasis of learning on the needs of the child. More Information -
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The Progressive Reform Movement
Prior to the Progressive Reform Movement women, minorities and lower class men were only educated through elementary school. During the Progressive Era many high schools were built, and people from many walks of life were being educated up through high school. More information -
The Committee of Ten
Due to disagreement about the purpose of American high schools, the NEA appointed a committee of ten to establish a curriculum. The committee decided that students should attend eight years of elementary education and four years of secondary education. They also added alternatives to the classic curricula. More Information -
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Secondary School Movement
In 1874 it was ruled that taxes could support secondary schools. During the Industrial Revolution, people realized that secondary schools were necessary to prepare students for this industrial world and began sprouting up all over the country. More information -
Post WWII
The end of WWII lead to a baby boom causing a the need for more schools to be built all across America. To help with costs, larger schools were being built and students were bussed in from rural locations. Teacher requirements were also lowered to help with the teacher shortage. More Information -
*Brown vs. Board of Education*
A unanimous Supreme Court decision that racial segregation of children in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The decision did not succeed in fully desegregating public education, but it put the Constitution on the side of racial equality. More information -
National Defense Education Ace (NDEA)
NDEA was federal legislation signed into law by Eisenhower to provide more funding to improve American schools. The main concern was ensuring that America could compete with the Soviet Union in science and technology. More Information -
*Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)*
President Lyndon B. Johnson signed ESEA to represent the federal government's new commitment to equal and quality education for all. It offers grants to underserved districts, federal grants for textbooks and special education centers, as well as scholarships for low-income college students. More information -
*Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)*
President Gerald Ford signed IDEA into law. It focused singular attention on children with disabilities—and required all schools receiving federal dollars to provide disabled students with an appropriate public education designed to meet their needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. More Information -
*A Nation at Risk Report*
A report issued by then US Secretary of Education Terrel H. Bell stating that the public education system was in serious disarray and needed to be reformed. The report recommended change in content, standards, time teaching, and quality of teachers. More information -
*No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)*
An act which was signed into law by George W. Bush as an update to ESEA. Its main focus was by close the achievement gap between poor and minority students and their more advantaged peers by holding schools more accountable for student outcomes. More information -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The ESSA was signed by President Obama, reauthorizing the 50-year old ESEA. It focuses on annual statewide high standard assessments and preparing students for success in college and careers. More information
