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Scopes Monkey Trail
Before this trial Fundamental Christians made it illegal to teach anything other than Biblical theory of creation in public schools. In 1925 the American Civil Liberties Union volunteered to defend anyone who would challenge these laws and teach Darwinian evolution. John Scopes, a biology teacher, took up the challenge, and was arrested. Scopes was found guilty and fined. The case was appealed and overturned in 1927. This case marked the era of changing how science is taught in public schools. -
The Open Classroom Movement of the 1970s
As American society became more specialized, classrooms became smaller and focused towards single subjects. This movement provoked learning that took place in large, open spaces. Many educators used this movement to teach outdoors or on location. Education took place during field trips to historic sites, museums, art galleries, or libraries. This allowed for students to gain real life experiences while learning. -
A Nation At Risk
This report was released by the National Commission on Excellence in Education. This report stated that 13% of 17-year-olds and 23 million American adults were functionally illiterate which would result in severe economic repercussions. The report recommended a curriculum of 4 years of English, 3 years of math, science, social studies, and a half year in computer science. It also suggested reform of teacher education and teacher salaries. This culminates students to become life long learners -
Character Education Movement
This movement was an put in effort to instill basic moral values into schoolchildren. The core values of character educations are respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity, discipline, perseverance, compassion, and citizenship. These values intertwined with curriculum. -
No Child Left Behind Act
This act mandated states to create accountability systems, annual progress reports, implement higher standards for teachers, scientifically based strategies in the classroom, increase instructional time in math/reading/writing, decrease instructional time in social studies/languages/arts, and emphasized mandatory standardized testing. This act held schools accountable for student outcomes. Schools have severe punishments if students do not meet test result thresholds.
