The Evolution of Public Schools

By mjelkins75

  • First public school

    Boston Latin School in Massachusetts was opened

  • Teacher's union created

    National Teacher's Association created starting with 100 members. Today, it is known as the National Education Association with over 3 million members

  • Free public schools

    All states require students through elementary grades to attend school

  • National School Lunch Act

    Makes low-cost or free lunch available to low income students

  • Brown v BOE

    Segregation is made illegal

  • Prayer is banned

    Ruling in Engel v Vitale forbids organized prayer

  • Federal Funding

    Elementary and Secondary Education Act gives federal funding and forbids a national curriculum

  • Standardized testing

    School performance and scores reported to government and public

  • Title IX

    Prohibits discrimination based on gender

  • A Nation at Risk

    Report on National Commission on Excellence in Education notes severe deficits in the performance of American students

  • No Child Left Behind

    Increased federal funding for education and the introduction of standards-based reform

  • Race to the Top

    States compete for federal grants in recession while dealing with a wave of educational reforms