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The Northwest Ordinance of 1785
The Northwest Ordinance of 1785 divided each township into subdivisions. Each township had a subdivision labelled section 16. Section 16 was to be set aside for the maintenance of public schools. -
Beginning of the Common School Movement
MOST IMPORTANT
The Common School Movement began in 1830 and continued through approximately 1865. Common schools were created to develop a common body of knowledge to give all students an equal chance. Direct taxation helped to fund these schools. This movement had a huge impact on the school system we have today, as we still have state and national standards that students should be learning in the classroom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlyeIGyxa5E -
Secondary School Movement
MOST IMPORTANT
This movement worked for secondary education to be provided to all students. It was slow moving at first, beginning in 1821 for boys and in 1828 for girls. In 1831 the first comprehensive, co-ed high school was opened with two and four year programs. It gained popularity with the increase in immigration, and became a necessity that has continued throughout today.
http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/secondary-school-movement -
Horace Mann
Horace Mann was the first secretary for Massachusetts' board of education. He served in this position for twelve years. During this time, he spent six years riding horseback, visiting over 1000 schools in the state. He wanted to make public education better, and once said that schools were "the place where we make Americans."
To learn more, visit this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUkeXs2cSJI -
Immigration in the 19th Century
More children entering the country due to increased immigration led to a greater demand for public education. Cities became larger, and schools became easier to find. -
Sarah Roberts' Fight for Integration
This was a case that took place in Massachusetts, which led to the abolishment of segregation in Massachusetts' schools. This ultimately led to segregation being abolished in all American public schools almost 100 years later. -
Effects of the Civil War
MOST IMPORTANT
After the Civil War, all states had to write free, public education into their constitutions. School was held in whatever space was available, and a teacher shortage led to an increase in female teachers. We still see these effects today, as 81.7% of elementary and middle school teachers are female.
https://www.civilwar.org/learn/articles/education-during-1860s -
The Progressive Reform Movement Begins
This movement said that too many children were spending too much time in "drudgery" working in factories or on farms, and not enough time in schools. The movement led to the enforcement of child labor laws, allowing for children to spend more time learning than working. -
Committee of Ten
MOST IMPORTANT
This committee was composed of ten men. They called for early introduction to basic subjects and uniform subject matter for everyone with fewer elective options. It was useful to all students as it taught observation, memory, expression, and reasoning skills. The men recommended that the same subject be taught four to five times a week for one year, outlining the school week schedule we follow today.
https://www3.nd.edu/~rbarger/www7/neacom10.html -
John Dewey- Father of Progressive Education
John Dewey began working on reforming education in 1899. He is referred to today as the "father of progressive education." Progressive education focused on children and their development by implementing "learning by doing" and field trips. -
The Gary Plan
MOST IMPORTANT
William Wirt was the superintendent of Gary, Indiana schools who developed The Gary Plan that was described as the "work-study-play" plan. These changes were not warmly welcomed, and actually resulted in a rebellion from both students and parents. However, the system remained implemented, and resulted in several school programs and organizational structures that we see in schools today.
More information: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gary-Plan -
Brown vs. Board of Education
This was the lawsuit that resulted in equal education for all on equal terms, meaning that segregation of races in public schools was no longer lawful. However, integration of the races in schools was slow moving, and needed a little extra push to be implemented. -
Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
This movement banned discrimination based on race and ethnicity. States were told that if they didn't desegregate their schools they would lose their federal funding. This was the push that was needed to move along the decision from Brown vs. the Board of Education. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
MOST IMPORTANT
This law mandated that all students be provided a free, appropriate, public education in the least restrictive environment possible. Before this law was enacted, students with disabilities were turned away from most public schools. This moved America's schools towards being more inclusive for all types of students, and still allows for inclusion today.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/what-individuals-disabilities-education-act -
No Child Left Behind
This act aimed to provide students with well qualified teachers by increasing standardized testing to assess how effective teachers were. It also aimed to help close achievement gaps for disadvantaged students. However, it created an increase in "teaching to the test", and was replaced in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act.
