Significant Events in the History of Education

By LeahSmeal
  • Boston Latin School Opens

    Boston Latin School Opens

    Considered to be our nation's first public school. Creation of the school was heavily influenced by the Rev. John Cotton who based it on the Free Grammar School of Boston, England.
  • Jefferson Proposes Bill for Free Elementary Education for All Children

    Jefferson Proposes Bill for Free Elementary Education for All Children

    This bill was outlandish for the times; Jefferson proposed residential grammar schools and advocated for the rights to free education for the poor and those who could afford it, paid tuition.
  • Noah Webster Writes "A Grammatical Institute of the English Language"

    Noah Webster Writes "A Grammatical Institute of the English Language"

    Commonly known as the Blue-Backed Speller, the book used what is now American English rather than the King's English. This created common language, spelling and pronunciation for the American students.
  • Horace Mann Signs Bill Creating the First Board of Education

    Horace Mann Signs Bill Creating the First Board of Education

    Mann was a supporter and trailblazer for education reform. Traveled giving lectures to share his ideas for change.
  • John Dewey Lectures on "The School and Society"

    John Dewey Lectures on "The School and Society"

    Dewey gave lectures titled "The School and Society" to bolster support for learning through experiences rather than rowed seating.
  • Brown vs. The Board of Education

    Brown vs. The Board of Education

    Landmark court case eliminating segregation citing it as a violation of the 14th amendment.
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed outlawing discrimination based on religion, race, color, religion or sex. This opened many doors for education reform down the road.
  • Title IX Passes

    Title IX Passes

    Title IX passed, forbidding the discrimination based on sex from any educational activity or program that is receiving federal aid. This made a huge impact on sports programs.
  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    IDEA was passed ensuring that every child with any type of disability will be offered a free and appropriate education.
  • School Choice

    School Choice

    The school choice movement picks up momentum, stirring up controversy and debate. Concerns about equity in urban schools mounted.
  • The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

    The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

    This act requires school to test in specific subjects to allocate funds for high achieving districts and give sanctions to lower achieving schools.