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Education in the Colonial Period
The schools were for upper class children to learn to read, write, do simple math and memorize prayers. The common text books were the Bible, a primer and a hornbook. -
Monitorial Schools, Charity Schools, & Infant Schools
Monitorial Schools were a school where one teacher taught a lesson to a group of older students, called monitors, who then each taught the lesson to a larger group of younger students. Charity Schools in colonial New England were designed for children who could not afford to attend other fee-charging schools Infant Schools were a type of public elementary school introduced in the US in the 19th century to prepare children aged 4-7 years for elementary school. -
Impact of Jefferson, Rush and Webster
Jefferson thought everyone should be educated and guaranteed 3 years of public education for all children. His views were considered radical. He argued that public education was essential to democracy.
Webster published American text books, his first text book had and taught new spelling, different than the British. Rush was a leader in the Revolutionary movement, and was a founder of Dickerson College. He produced a plan of education and wanted students to know about their country. -
Common Schools
MOST IMPORTANT: Horace Mann, the Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, wanted there to be good free schools available to every white child whether poor or rich. He decided these schools to be funded by taxes, and the State gained control over schools. He wanted school to be the place where they make the common American, which was the beginning of public schools. Link text -
Population Growth and Immigration in the 19th Century
Because there were so many people coming to America from different places, it was difficult for schools to standardize education that wasn't offensive to someone from somewhere. They were used to teaching with religion, and it was difficult for them to find a common ground to teach people from all different backgrounds. -
The Committee of Ten
They were a group of educators that encouraged American high school curriculum standardization. This was so that the philosophies being used across America in schools were similar, and students were learning similar things. -
Progressive Reform Movement
This movement focused on more hands on learning, and applying real world skills to education as well as Whole Child. It also focused on teaching students to be able to participate in politics in their society and teach physical training as well as academic training. -
Secondary School Movement
High School's were spreading across the country teaching life skills and preparing students for college. -
Growth of Standardized Testing
Standardized testing began to evaluate which students were ready to move on with material, and which were struggling. It started with the SAT, admitting students into college. It has grown past that into elementary and secondary education, evaluating both the students, and how well the teachers are teaching the required material. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
MOST IMPORTANT: The court case was about segregation in schools, how it can be "separate but equal." This was taken to court, where it was ruled that having separate public schools for black and white children was unconstitutional. This was the ruling that finally integrated schools, however it was very difficult for the students because of the racism that was still occurring in integrated schools.
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Civil Rights Movement
This act ended discrimination based on race, color, religion sex, or national origin. Because the Civil Right Act ended segregation in public places, there was now an opportunity to include public schools as public places, requiring there to be a desegregation in schools. -
A Nation at Risk
MOST IMPORTANT: This was a report produced by Ronald Reagan which had the effects of higher graduation requirements for students, as well as increased testing for students and teachers. It also pushed for longer school days, and requirements of excellence in students. This really pushed the reform of education and started structuring schools like how most of them are today. Link text -
The Standards Movement
MOST IMPORTANT: This event required there to be a way to measure students learning across the board. Curriculum, assessments and professional development are all targeted to these standards. This helps students know where they are at compared to where they are expected to be and gives teachers a goal for their teaching. These expectations started with the publication of "A Nation at Risk" in 1983 and continued to be modified Link text -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
This Act was passed to ensure that students with disabilities were provided with a way to learn that was tailored to their needs. This is so children with disabilities have the same opportunities to learn and succeed as those who don't have a disability. -
No Child Left Behind Act
MOST IMPORTANT: The No Child Left Behind Act signed by George W. Bush was created so that students at all levels had the resources to succeed in school. This included creating a space for disabled students to learn and progress, as well as understanding that some students learn faster and slower than others, and it's important to teach and help all students at their own pace. This started the push for differentiation in schools. Link text
