History of Education - Digital Timeline

By bnjeffus

  • Boston Latin School

    It was the first public school opened in the US, and was the equivalent to our modern day secondary schools.
    - The original intention was for boys to attend, beginning around the age of 7, to help prepare for Harvard College which opened in 1636.

  • Massachusetts Bay School Law

    The First Educational Law in the United States.
    - It helped establish an understanding that the education of children was a concern of the whole population of the country.
    - Prior to this school law, parents could choose whether their children were education in the home or at a school.
    - It was soon realized that children weren’t receiving adequate education, and organized schools might also help in the preservation and strengthening of the Puritan beliefs.

  • Massachusetts Law of 1647

    Also known as the Old Deluder Satan Act.
    - Required the establishment and support of the schools.
    - Towns greater than 50 homes must have an instructor for all the children must read and write.
    - While towns greater than 100 homes were required to create a grammar school for Harvard College preparation.
    - Fines would be given for failure to comply.

  • Philadelphia Academy

    Ben Franklin the academy, which was a private secondary school.
    - This was a more practical and English language focused school, which replaced the Latin grammar school.
    - Publically funded and democratically ran – anyone could attend and was encouraged to.

  • "A Grammatical Institute of the English Language"

    Was created by Noah Webster, it was an educational tool used throughout the US in the local schools.
    - Included 3 Volumes:
    A spelling book – renamed “American Spelling Book” – also called the Blue-Backed Speller – this book has never been out of print.
    A grammar book
    A reader

  • Kindergarten - the garden where children grow

    Friedrich Froebel founded the first Kindergarten, which encouraged self-activity and motor development before attending elementary school, thus beginning their formal education.
    - These activities began a foundation beneficial to the child’s social and educational development.

  • "Separate but equal"

    Was a doctrine established within the US constitutional law, under the court case of Plessy v. Ferguson.
    - It provided “equal protection” for all citizens, while allowing state-sponsored segregation.
    - It claims that all public facilities (housing, careers, education) provide equally to each race.
    - Highly encouraging segregation, ultimately creating unequal opportunities and rights to the African Americans.

  • Cardinal Principles of Secondary Education

    The Commission on the Reorganization of Secondary Education released a report, Cardinal Principles of Secondary Education.
    - This report required that all high school curricula to be created in a way that adapted to the differences in the scholastic ability of the students.
    - Education Goals or Cardinal Principles were used to help direct the teachers:
    Health
    Home membership
    Vocation
    Citizenship
    Worthy use of leisure time
    Ethical character
    Command of fundamental processes (reading & writing)

  • GI Bill of Rights - Servicemen's Readjustment Act

    Signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
    - Has paid for millions of veterans’ tuition and room and board during their stay at specialty schools, colleges, and universities.
    - It encouraged growth in the attendance at colleges and universities.
    - Aided in changing the character and atmosphere of the population of students.

  • The Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case caused the US Supreme Court to veto the doctrine of “separate but equal” that was previously established by the Plessy v. Ferguson court case.

    • Thus began the journey to desegregate all schools.
    • A suit filed by Chief Justice Earl Warren helped support the decision.
    • His suit stated that to segregate children “from others of similar age and qualifications solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone.”

  • Engel v. VItale

    During this court case, it was ruled that it is unconstitutional to impose an official school prayer and require it’s recitation in the public school setting.

  • The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA) was passed by the US Congress establishing that Special Education programs were a requirement.

    • Later renamed to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
    • Each child is given the opportunity to receive these special services beginning at the age of 3 through the age of 21.
    • Each student is evaluated based on his/her specific needs per their disability.
    • Evaluation results lead to an Individualized Education Program or Plan (IEP) for the schools to be more aware of needs. .
    • To be granted an IEP they need to fall under at least one of 13 specific categories.

  • A Nation at Risk

    A report that brought attention to the fact that as a nation we were failing our education system, compared to the education systems of other countries.
    - It mandated the assessment of the “quality of teaching and learning” among each level of education.

  • The No Child Left Behind Act was proposed in 2001, and finalized as a law in 2002 by President George Bush.

    • This law mandates that statewide standardized tests be given to all students in public schools that receive federal funding.
    • Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) must be seen through the test scores in the Title I schools that receive their funding through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
    • The intention was that setting high standards and creating measurable goals could improve individual outcomes in education.

  • Race to the Top is a US Department of Education grant that was created to encourage innovation and reforms within the state level of education.

    • Each state is rewarded “points” based on their achievement of educational policies included in the grant which equal up to 500 points: Great Teachers and Leaders - 138 pts State Success Factors - 125 pts Standards and Assessments - 70 pts General Selection Criteria - 55 pts Turning Around the Lowest-Achieving Schools - 50 pts Data Systems to Support Instruction - 47 pts

  • The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaced the No Child Left Behind Act.

    • This law gives the education system of each state to be responsible for its own. Allowing the states to improve the schools by serving the impoverished students, or do what they choose with the public schools.