Timeline of American Education

  • Common School Movement 1830s-1850s

    Horace Mann, the first secretary of the state Board of Education for Massachusetts, as well as many others, fought for free public schools. The wanted schools to be tax-funded and free for everyone. Allowing everyone the basic needed, education. The Common School Movement and Compulsory Education
    Simpson
    https://mises.org/mises-daily/common-school-movement-and-compulsory-education
  • McGuffey Readers

    A series of textbooks made by William Holmes McGuffey, that were published and used in school all over the United States. There was a wide range of textbooks, meant for different grades, as well as taught different subjects. Those subjects varied from, grammar, vocabulary, mathematics, English, and even had books on religion and morals. McGuffey Readers
    Samuel James Smith Associate Professor
    https://www.britannica.com/topic/McGuffey-Readers
  • Morrill Land-Grant Act

    Gave land and funding to help build public colleges and universities. They wanted many of these colleges to focus more on engineering, agriculture, and other things that needed more land, while also continuing to teach traditional and needed education. This act also helped make going to college more accessible for the working-class. Morrill Act (1862)
    https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/morrill-act
  • Plessy vs. Ferguson

    Supreme Court case about racial segregation. The main concern was to make schools equal for both people of color and whites. Finally came to an agreement, discussing that school will continue to be separate, but all school will be taught the same. Creating the saying "separate but equal". Plessy v. Ferguson
    Brian Duignan Brian Duignan is a senior editor at Encyclopædia Britannica. His subject areas include philosophy
    https://www.britannica.com/event/Plessy-v-Ferguson-1896
  • Progressive Education Movement

    Emphasized learning with critical thinking, and more hands-on/visual learning. They encouraged and wanted more hands-on learning rather than having students memorizing facts. They wanted students to experience problem solving and working with others. This also allows students to interact more with one another and build that needed connection. Progressive Education
    https://www.britannica.com/topic/progressive-education
  • Brown Vs. Board of Education

    Supreme Court case deeming that "separate but equal" school are unconstitutional. Taking away all segregated schools and merging them together. The decision overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson case and taking a major step forward in the Civil Rights Movement. Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
    https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    Focused on helping low-income schools get the help and resources that they need. Also supporting the teachers and providing to all schools to receive equal opportunities to excel in their exams and close the achievement gap. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as Amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): A Primer | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
    https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45977
  • Title IX of the Education Amendments

    Gives equal rights to all genders. Giving everyone an equal opportunity to express and do different things. This includes equal rights to education, sports, clubs, and anything else in schools. Title Ix Of The Education Amendments Of 1972
    https://www.justice.gov/crt/title-ix-education-amendments-1972
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    U.S. Federal Law created to protect children with disabilities. While also giving them the equal rights to learning, and meeting to their requirements. Public schools must provide the needed items to allows children to receive their needed education. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
    https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/idea
  • No Child Left Behind Act

    Federal Law aimed to improve and close students' achievements. This law required schools to set academic standards and have state testing. Ensuring students get the proper help they need in the subjects that they are struggling in. The law also gives equal opportunities to all kids, showing and helping them excel in their learning. No Child Left Behind: An Overview
    Klein
    https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/no-child-left-behind-an-overview/2015/04