-
Horace Mann
Horace Mann made great strides towards universal public education. It is in a country's best interest to provide all of it's children with an education, despite their socioeconomic status or ethnicity. The best way to produce a productive society is through the great equalizer of education. -
Child Centered Education
G. Stanley Hall was the leading psychologist in the late 1800's that examined how children learned and how teachers should best educate them. The child centered education approach was a way to encourage and foster children's natural tendencies towards learning. A step towards making education enjoyable and easier for children is a step in the right direction. -
Brown v. Board of Education
The unanimous ruling by the Supreme Court in the case of Brown v. Board of Education to desegregate schools was a crucial step to furthering the goal of universal education. Children of color were able to shed feelings of inferiority and injustice, creating a more equal and positive learning environment. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
A notable act, again with the goal of equalizing education for students. This time targeting children from economically disadvantaged homes. The key to helping children born into the lower class rise into the middle or even upper class and improve their lives is education. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142)
The precedent of the Brown case gave parents of children with disabilities motivation to advocate for their children's right to public education. PL 94-142 was the law that ensured children with disabilities the right to an education. This is yet another pivotal moment in the history of education where a group of children are gaining access to the great equalizer that is education.
