-
Education in the Colonial Period
In the early colonial period schooling was mostly religious and authoritarian. Girls were often only taught basic reading, spelling, and needlework. The poor were often taught in pauper or charity schools, and others paid for reading or writing schools. -
The Impact of Thomas Jefferson
1779 Jefferson introduced legislature in Virginia wanting a system of free public education for 3 years. The legislature didn't pass, but it helped remove some of the stigma of a free public education system. -
The Impact of Noah Webster
Noah Webster believed that the purpose of education should be the inculcation of patriotism. To achieve this he believed the nation should have a national language and curriculum. He developed a number of spelling, grammar, and reading texts to replace the English ones. He also developed an American Bible and the famous Webster's Dictionary. The Elementary Spelling (blue-back speller) book he created in 1783, by 1785 had sold 75 million copies. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
Since Congress did not have the power to raise revenue through taxation, they began to sell territories in the undeveloped west. Also significant for establishing a possibility for funding public education. Section 16 in each township was reserved for the maintenance of public schools. -
The Impact of Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Rush (1745-1813) was a doctor and a professor at the College of Philadelphia. He also proposed a system of free public education. He supported women's education because he believed their main purpose was to raise sons to be virtuous citizens, and to do that they themselves must be educated. -
Secondary School Movement
The movement started in 1821 when Boston opened the English Classical School, later named Boston English High School in 1824. The school was for boys to achieve a practical education, education that otherwise could only be achieved at a private school. A girl school opened and was successful, but closed after 3 years. In 1831 the first comprehensive and coeducational high school opened in Massachusetts, then in 1838 Philadelphia opened another coeducational high school. -
The Influence of Horace Mann
When he was elected to Massachusetts legislature in 1827, he proposed creating a state board of education and developing a state system for education. He was a strong proponent for the common school movement. In 1837 Mann gave up his political career to become the first secretary of the new board of education and the chief school officer. He served that position for 12 years and used it as a platform for the common school movement. -
Period: to
The Common School Movement
During this time is when the education system we know today gained its roots. State systems for education were created, including direct taxation for public schools attended by all children. -
Period: to
Population Growth
Between 1890 and 1920 the school-age population increased 49% and school enrollments 70%. A significant portion of the increase in
school enrollment came from the new immigrants and their children. The growth in the student population was accompanied by an 80% growth in the number of teachers and other nonsupervisory personnel. During the same period, the average length of the school term increased by 27 days. -
The Impact of John Dewey
This is one of my "Most Important" events. John Dewey was intrigued with the philosophy methods of education. In 1897 he opened his own lab school in the University of Chicago, through his writings and philosophy he helped provide "the intellectual foundation for progressive education". He believed in child centered learning and learning through experience. -
The Progressive Reform Movement
During the progressive movement when there were various labor legislation aimed at regulating the labor of women and children, and limiting the control of monopolies. During this time education went through reform in curricular and administration. Reformers called for making the schools, more sanitary, more open to air and sunlight, and more conducive to creative activity. They asked for lowered ratios and added basic health care and food services as responsibilities of the school. -
The Measurement Movement
During WWI the military needed massive manpower. They began administrating tests to determine who were best for service and what type of service. A lot of the recruits were found to be considered illiterate. The movement bled into education and students were classified, assigned, and compared on the basis of tests results. Often the tests were used to diagnose learning difficulties and assess differences. -
Period: to
The Impact of WWII
During the second world war a large number of teachers left the classroom and enrollment dropped significantly. Many young people did not go back to school so they could go to work. Schools also had reduced funds as efforts were aimed towards the war effort. -
Brown vs Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregated educational facilities have no place in public education and generate a feeling of inferiority that affects the child's motivation to learn. This ruling began the Civil Rights revolution. It was met with resistance and more than once, federal agents were required to implement the law. Because of its significance in helping create the environment where we can now have diversity in our classrooms this is also one of my most important events. -
The War on Poverty
1/4 of the population was living in dire poverty, resulting in rising crime rates, decline in qualified military service, and other issues. This caused JKF and Lyndon B. Johnson declared a war on poverty. To win this war, federal legislation was passed to subsidize low-income housing, improve health care, expand welfare services, provide job retraining, undertake regional planning in depressed to improve inner-city schools. Education was viewed as a major factor in the elimination of poverty. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Provided more than $1 billion in federal funds to education. Included 5 major titles. The largest getting 80% of the funds, title I schools, providing assistance to local school districts for educating students from low income families. It provided funds for library resources, textbooks, instructional materials, supplemental education centers; educational research and training and strengthening state departments of education. -
Individuals with Disabilities Act
EHA established the right of all children with disabilities to a free and appropriate education. Guaranteeing the educational rights of children with disabilities. In 1990 the US reauthorized EHA and changed the title to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA. This is one of my most important events, as IDEA is something we still adhere to today and its goal is to provide children with disabilities the same opportunity for education as those students who do not have a disability. -
A Nation at Risk
The National Commission on Excellence in Education's report "A Nation at Risk" stated that it would be seen as an act of war if an enemy imposed our education system on us. Causing higher graduation requirements, standardized curriculum mandates, increased testing of teachers and students, raised certification for teachers, increased emphasis on computer literacy, homework, and basic skills; established standards for participation in athletics, and lengthened the school day and year. -
The Standards Movement
In 1992 Bill Clinton ran a campaign promising to be an effective education president. He proposed a plan to implement national education goals, his plan was called Goals 2000. This formalized national education goals and the development of national standards and new assessment systems. The standards push also pushed the development of "high stakes testing". -
School Choice
During this time many parents were dissatisfied with school systems they believe valued diversity over diction and affirmative action over arithmetic. Those parents wanted the right to send their children to the school of their choice, at public expense. Some of the approaches considered for such dissatisfaction was vouchers for private schools, charter schools, and privatization of schools. This is one of my most important issues because it is still going on today. -
No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind required that by 2005-06 school year all states have developed standards for what every child should know and learn in math and reading. That 95% of all students in grades
3-8 be tested annually and at least once in grades 10 to 12 to determine their progress in meeting the standards. School population as a whole was also evaluated in making adequate yearly progress, if they were under performing they could be subject to sanctions. This is one of my most important events.
