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Education in the Colonial Period (1600-late 1700's)
Nine of some of America's most influential colleges and universities are established including Yale, Harvard and Princeton. -
The Impact of Jefferson, Rush and Webster (1700-1800's)
The School in the United States
MOST IMPORTANT
Many of the ideals of how American education should differ from the English ideals were established by these three men. Webster writes the American Dictionary of the English Language as well as The Blue Back Speller. Rush influences the education of women by founding one of the first female academies. -
Common Schools (1830-1865)
Common Schools are the first attempt at a free school system. Its purpose was to provide a "common body of knowledge" to children of all classes, races and genders and to offer children an equal chance in life. -
The Impact of Horace Mann
Considered the "Patron Saint of Public Education", Horace Mann helped establish the Common School system. As the secretary of The Board of Education in Massechusites, he went from district to district inspecting school houses to ensure they were proper learning environments. -
The First Legal Case Concerning Integration and Sarah Roberts (1848-1855)
After enrolling in a school and being denied because of her race, Sarah Roberts' father, Benjamin Roberts sues the Boston School Committee. This event is among the first of many to fight for the desegregation of schools and other institutions. -
The Growth of Education after the Civil War (1870-1890)
Slaves are now free to become literate. Free nonsectarian education is offered to all children. -
Secondary School Movement (1875-1900's)
The demand for secondary schools grows as industry and economy grows in turn creating a demand for more skilled workers. -
The Progressive Reform Movement (1890-1920)
United States History
MOST IMPORTANT
This movement was responsible for a great change in education practices. It pushed for children to stay in school instead of work in factories and focused on ways to keep kids moving and staying busy. It offered children real world experience through field trips and a wide variety of school subjects like home economics. -
The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement (1950-1960's)
100 Years of History
MOST IMPORTANT
Discrimination of students because of race or color is prohibited. Schools are now required to desegregate. Federal funds will be withheld from any institution refusing to obey the law. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
The Supreme Court's decision to prohibit segregation in American schools influences the start of the Civil Rights Movement. Better quality and equal education for African Americans is now a national focus. -
The Impact of the War on Poverty
Many social and economic problems arise due to poverty for a large number of American citizens after the Cold War. A War on Poverty is declared by President Lindon B. Johnson and he credits education as the solution to these problems. -
Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act
Attention is brought to individuals with disablities. More accomidations are made to improve the special, educational needs for these individuals. -
A Nation at Risk Report
Archived Information
MOST IMPORTANT
President Reagan viewed schools at risk, claiming students were getting by with mediocre work. His report directed schools focus on achievement and accountability. It brought about raised requirements in many areas of education. -
Growth of Standardized Testing (1983-1984)
In conjunction with the Nation at Risk Report and the fear that the quality of education in America may be declining, the popularity of standardized testing arises as a way to monitor the progress or decline of the education system. -
No Child Left Behind (2001)
All Kids Matter
MOST IMPORTANT
George W. Bush established an educaiton plan requiring all states develop math and reading standards for grades 3-8. These grades are also expected to be tested annually to determine if they are meeting their state's standards. Progress of each grade is documented.
