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First public schooling
In 1840, the first public schooling began in Massachusetts. Before this only wealthy white people went to school and that is why it is so important. -
Immigrants
In 1900 thru 1940, 13 million immigrants came to America. During this time schools taught immigrants how to become "Americans". This was important because immigrants searched for better opportunity. -
Enrollment in Schools
In the 1930's, the enrollment in schools increased. School houses were also transformed. Instead of schools being set up like a factory or being one room, they were now set up in grades, 1-6, 7-9, and 10-12th grades. This event was important because schools were finally transformed from the one room school house and developed multiple grades, which led to more opportunity for the students. -
Sputnik
In the 1950's, the Russians made a great space accomplishment, which was Sputnik. Americans felt threatened by this and felt like they were no longer leading in technology and education. Therefore principals pushed advanced math and science classes in order to do what the Russians were. Sputnik was so important because it made America work harder at math and science and made Americans want to be ahead of everyone else. -
Brown v. Board of Education
In 1954, the Supreme Court declared laws in order to end segregation between whites and blacks. This historical event is important because it allowed blacks and whites to have the same opportunity together. They were finally going to the same school and had the same privileges together instead of separately. -
National Defense Education Act
In 1958, The National Defense Education Act was set into place, which provided schools with federal money to help them with higher levels in math, science, and foreign language. Before this event, schools were local affairs, now they were receiving federal money. -
Poverty
In 1965, Lyndon Johnson declared war on poverty. This led to The Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It also included Title 1, which funded academic programs for the poor. This event was important to the children in poverty because it gave them a chance at education even tho they could not afford it. -
PL92-142
In 1975, The Education for All Handicapped Act was developed. This allowed all handicapped children to receive education. Before this act schools were allowed to deny handicapped students, therefore leaving them with no opportunity of school. That is why The Education for All Handicapped Act was important. -
"A Nation at Risk"
In 1983, a report called "A Nation at Risk" came out. It was a report on schools experiencing low standards, lack of purpose, and recommended states raise the standards. This was an awakening to many people and made them work harder and that is why it was important. -
Charter Schools
In the late 1990's, America saw the emergence of charter schools. Charter schools are public schools within district but free from bureaucracy. This was important because it allowed schools to have freedom from those of the districts. Charter schools were free from bureaucracy.