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Education in the Colonial Periiod
During the Colonial period, larger towns in New England were required to build schools. Students were usually given a horn book containing information linked to the protestant bible. At this time education was neither free or public. Towns could pull together resources and pay for teachers. -
The Impact of Jefferson, Rush, & Webster
(1787-1809)
Thomas Jefferson's interest in education extended to establish the University of Virginia. Benjamin Rush was an advocate for blacks and women when it came to education. He also wanted towns with more than a 100 families to have a free school built in that town. Noah Webster published the "blue-black speller", which sold over 75 million copies nation wide. -
Secondary School Movement
Education offered beyond elementary school did not become an established part of American Education until the last quarter of the 19th century. The first Secondary School was an all-boy school built in Boston. It was a practical education with the option to Latin grammar schools. This school was seen as an English Classical School. -
Common Schools
Common Schools (1830-1865)
Common Schools were used for survival of democracy, which meant people must be educated. Thomas Jefferson believed if students had common knowledge then they would have an equal chance of life. Education was free, public, and had no discrimination. -
Impact of Horace Mann
(1830-1840)
Horace Mann was the secretary on the Board of Education and would hold a series of meetings for common schools. He would ride from district to district evaluating school facilities, and then reported on their conditions. Horace Mann also suggested that people pay taxes on school, but for that people tried to oust him. -
Population Growth and Immigration in the 19th Century
(1830-1860)
Between 1830 and 1860, the population exploded from 13 million to 32 million. Of this growth, 4 million of the population came from immigration. To help immigrants adjust, many urban schools created special courses to teach English and political/civic values. Also, the high number of immigrants caused schools to change their curriculum. The curriculum before was based off American values from several decades, so with new views it needed to be changed. -
Fredrick Douglas's Role in Education
Fredrick Douglas was a voice for blacks in education. He encouraged blacks to obtain the best school houses in the best neighborhoods. There was a petition signed under Douglas to end segregation because it costs more and it does less. He pointed out how the Smith school that had black students was in dangerous need of repair. -
Legal Case Concerning Sarah Roberts
(1840-1855)
Sarah Roberts was a young black girl who was assigned to the Smith School. Benjamin, tried to enroll her in a better school, but she was denied. At one point Sarah was even physically ejected by a teacher. Her father, Roberts, tried to sue the city of Boston but Sarah was ruled against. -
The Growth of Education After the Civil War
(1870-1890)
There was a big growth in education after the Civil War. Nearly 4 million slaves were now free to become literate. States were required to hold non-segregated schools. This was a huge opportunity for slaves to become educated. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
The Supreme Court: Brown vs. Board of Education
**Most Important
Brown vs. Board of Education was a landmark case for integration. Changes were slow in coming, but over several years progress was made bit-by-bit. The Supreme Court ruled "separate but equal" is unconstitutional, and that education should be an equal opportunity for all. The Plessy vs. Ferguson case of 1896 was overturned by this decision. -
Sputnik and NDEA, 1957-58
Sputnik Spurs Passage of NDEA
**Most Important
Sputnik was the first Earth orbiting satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957. After this advancement, Americans felt like they were lagging behind and needed to improve their education system (especially in science). Sputnik caused an increase in educational funding, and a focus in science and math. -
The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Act of in 1964 dramatically increased the pace of desegregation by banning discrimination of sex, color, religion, race, and national origin in the public places, the workplace, and reinforced desegregation in the school system. This act was a strong enforcer of desegregation! It did not end segregation however. Whites would still find ways to deprive blacks of their constitutional rights. Blacks attended the worst urban schools, but this act helped pave the way for integration. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 1965
U.S. Department of Education: ESEA
**Most Important
In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Elementary and Secondary Eudcation Act in to place. This act provided funding for districts with lower income students, textbooks, scholarships, and special education centers. After the act was signed, there was church and state conflict over how the money would be shared. At this time there wasn't enough money and not enough innovation to make progress. -
Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, 1975
National Center For Learning Disabilities
**Most Important
This is a national educational law that is designed to make sure the educational needs of students with disablities are met. Special Education is available for students who qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This law was previously known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. -
No Child Left Behind
U.S. Department of Education: NCLB
**Most Important
Congress reauthorized this law and George W. Bush signed it giving it a new name. This law exposed learning and achievement gaps in education once is was put into play. Many parents, educators, and officials feel the need for change of NCLB to improve education.
