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New England Primer
It was the first textbook used by students in a handful of English settlements in North America. This book displayed the early printed form of the alphabet in the hopes of teaching every child how to read. It was so pivotal because the alphabet is still the first thing most young children are introduced to in preschool and will soon master in kindergarten, the foundation for the English language. It encouraged students to read as they learned letters, religion, and rhymes. -
World War 1 and Standardized Tests
Standardized tests came into existence as a byproduct of World War 1. It was a quick and cost-effective way to test a large group of people and we still use to this day in classrooms; which is why I feel it was such a pivotal point in history. We require student's to take the ACT or SAT, among other tests, to prove their intelligence per a particular subject. In fact, some of the test scores can even weigh-in on whether or not an educator is considered to be doing an adequate job. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that "separate but equal" was "inherently unequal." While we as a nation are still fighting for equality in education, this ruling formed a foundation that would later help propel the Civil Rights Movement. It was so pivotal because every child should have the ability to have access to education, quality resources, and teaching materials, and the choice to attend whatever school they see fit. Race does not matter. We as a nation are ONE. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142)
The ruling PL 94-142 becomes federal law. It would require a free public education to every handicapped child, suited to their needs, in a non-restrictive setting. It was so pivotal because no matter their abilities every child should feel included and be able to go to school. The law was reassurance that just because someone's skills were different, it didn't mean the skills they did have should be down-played. Every single person deserves an education and a chance to succeed. -
The Common Core Standards
A state-led push to have clear standards about what students are expected to learn in K-12 schools to prepare them for college and the workforce. While I don't agree with all aspects of common core, I think it was pivotal because it put all states on an even playing field. The same goals and means to attaining student success were implemented across the board; it forced teacher's to be more concise and thoughtful of their efforts in the classroom, it evaluated American education.
