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First Bilingual and Bi-cultural School
Coral Way Elementary school started the first bilingual and bi-cultural public school in the United States. This was due to a large amount of Cuban immigrants living in Miami, Fl after the Cuban Revolution. This school showed the ability to adapt and offer education in a way that best suited the student's needs while maintaining cultural traditions inculcated in the children. -
Elementary and Second Education Act
On this date the Elementary and Second Education Act (ESEA) passed. This Act initiated Title I services to support academic achievement of struggling learners, children with disabilities, poverty, and bilingual students. This Act gave schools options and resources to help their students that were not available previously. It continues to be modified as more options and support services become available through the government. -
Project Head Start
Another program built out of Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty" was Project Head Start. This program provided a bridge for low income families to assist their preschool children in getting ready for elementary school. This was extremely important in aiding the success of impoverished children and their education. -
Bilingual Education Act
When the Bilingual Education Act was passed, all schools were mandated to provide non English speaking students a learning environment and curriculum in their native language. This allowed bilingual students a better opportunity for success academically, because they could understand what they were being taught. -
The Pocket Calculator
Texas instruments introduced the first hand held calculator. This forever changed education by providing the ease of working a math problem in the palm of your hand. Most students are now required to have a calculator as one of their basic items to perform school work. It has become as important as a pencil and paper. -
The Rehabilitaion Act and Section 504
The Rehabilitation Act is made law and 504 plans are implemented. 504 plans provide students with disabilities who do not qualify for an IEP, educational accommodations as well as physical accommodations. The 504 plan was a huge benefit for these students and changed how they were treated and educated in school. -
Desegregation of Schools
In order to promote racial integration of predominantly white public schools in Boston, Massachusetts a United States District judge ordered African American students be bused to these schools. This order came after a lawsuit which alleged segregation and inferior education of black students. This was a huge cultural change. Parents and students were forced to accept the cultural diversity of African Americans in their schools. Thus came a shift in cultural awareness across the country. -
Educating Handicapped Children
When The Education of All Handicapped Children Act became law, it changed how handicapped children were educated. They were provided free public education, testing, and individualized services. In addition to protecting their rights. This changed how disabled students were viewed and supported in school from this point forward. This law had and extremely positive impact. -
The Apple II Computer
Apple introduced one of the first personal computers in the late 1970's. This opened an expanse of technology with a very bright future. With a plastic case and colored graphics this computer became a must have for schools and in family homes. With time and advancements we now have online education in addition to traditional school. This computer paved the way for the shift in culture via internet and smart phones that is now an integral part of our lives. -
Columbine
On this day 2 teenagers opened fire in their high school, killing 15 and wounding 23 others. This school shooting changed the culture of safety in schools dramatically. Parents and students are burdened with worry of active shooters daily. Instead of just fire drills and earthquake drills, students must now practice active shooter drills. This includes kindergartners as well. Unfortunately school shootings are very prevalent and solutions aided by the government are very politically motivated.
