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The N.E.A. and Committee of Ten
The establishment of a standard school curriculum consisting of eight primary years and four secondary years was so profound that it is still the standard in education today. Offering students elective courses aside from a fixed curriculum avoids narrowing the educational spectrum and broadens the opportunity for effective, expansive learning. -
American Federation of Teachers
It is vital to the success of both the students and the teachers that those who set policies and curriculum are listening to what the teachers have to say. Having teachers banded together improves school and nationwide quality of education by organization and collaboration. The AFT defining teaching as a true profession was a monumental step in recognition and appreciation for educators. -
Brown v. Board of Education
"Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal." The SCOTUS ruling that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional and unjust paved the way toward the end of racial inequality and injustice in education. It is imperative to student success that all students are treated equally and not discriminated against, especially for the color of their skin. All students should feel welcome and safe in educational spaces where they can learn without worry. -
A Nation at Risk
In an effort to promote literacy in students, the Department of Education recognized room (and need) for improvement. The establishment of a more structured secondary curriculum around ELA, math, science, and social studies did and continues to provide students the necessary knowledge for further education. Continual teacher education aims to ensure effective educators and instill desire for lifelong learning, while also acknowledging the necessity of increased pay for educators. -
No Child Left Behind
The reinvention of accountability, the reinforcement of strict structure, and the beginning of education's downfall? The US public law NCLB aimed to ensure all children receive equal opportunity to quality education, however said quality diminishes if schools cannot perform to standards set and gauged by test scores. Nearly two decades later, students continue to take standardized tests where their results can cost them their access to the education they need and deserve.
