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Colonial Period
Schools during the Colonial Period (1600- 1700's) were greatly influenced by their English roots. Lower classes and minorities, when educated, participated in an apprenticeship. These usually lasted 3-7 years. Upper class children received individual or small group tutoring. Most boys tutored were college ready while girls learned to run a household. Dame schools were also available for middle class kids. These are similar to modern day day-cares, where basics are taught. -
Noah Webster
Webster influenced the education system by "creating a unified and uniquely American style of the English language." He published a book that was designed to help children spell, write, and read. It was easy to understand was in classrooms for decades. -
Thomas Jefferson
Despite his political success, Jefferson is well known have having a large impact on education. Jefferson believed that education should not be in an institution that is overly governed, but one that is locally controlled. He believed in core knowledge and that one must have this knowledge in order to progress. He also believed that students with a low socioeconomic background who showed academic potential deserved state supported education. -
Horace Mann
Born to a poor family, Mann's education was limited. Because he was intelligent and diligent. At Brown University, Mann spoke out for the importance of education as social justice. He went on to serve in government advocating for education. His Common School Movement is most well known. Beginning in the 1830's, Mann pushed for a tax funded, well developed state public education system. -
Progressivism
Progressivism began in the late 1800's and progressed into the early 1900's. It focused on a theory that states education comes from the experience of the child. In a progressive classroom, the children are the focus. John Dewey was a key influence on this idea and believed that in order for children to be good citizens they needed to experience democracy is schools. -
Secondary Schools Movement
Beginning in 1910 through 1940, secondary schools were developed all throughout America. In these schools students would be prepared for their future "real-life" situations. During this era graduation rates rose significantly. it is believed the that this movement expanded the middle class. -
Impact of WWII
By the late 1930's the United States began preparing for war. It was suggested that schools change their curriculum to meet wartime needs. War information was spread throughout the schools through textbooks, films, records/radio, and other forms of media. These were created to show the youth their potential role in the war efforts. Increasing student enrollment and including wartime problems into their lessons was thrust upon teachers. * Wartime Schools: How WWII Changed American Education -
**Brown v. Board of Education
Segregation in U.S. schools had began dissolving in 1849. However, not all states adopted integrated schools until Brown v. Board went to the supreme court. "The circumstances of the plaintiffs left not question that ending segregation as a historical practice would be the only viable outcome." The picture is a historic painting by Norman Rockwell of Ruby Bridges, one of the first students to attend a while school.
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** Sputnik and National Defense Education Act -MOST IMPORTANT
After Russia launched Sputnik into space, the United States decided it was time to provide federal funding to better our education programs. It was an important math and science initiative, motivated by a desire to increase the technological power of the U.S. It was believed that the US was falling behind in science and math, and the act hoped to get our schools competitive. It was designed to provide the country with defense personnel. It also created the student loan program. -
** Elementary and Secondary Education Act--MOST IMPORTANT
Passed as part of Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society," ESEA was an extensive statute to fund elementary and secondary schools. It emphasized equal access to education, established high standards and accountability. On of it's offspring is Title I. This program grants money to school districts with high percentages of low-income families. Head-start, a pre-school program, was also created in this Act. -
**Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)--MOST IMPORTANT
IDEA is a "federal law that outlines rights and regulation for students with disabilities in the Unites States who require special education." Students who require special education include those with mental retardation, hearing or visual or speech or language or orthopedic impairment, autism, ADD or ADHD, or other specific learning disabilities. IDEA also provides early intervention for children beginning at age 2.
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Nation at Risk
This 36 page report, commissioned by President Regan, painted a grim picture of American education. According to the report American schools were getting worse: test scores were failing, illiteracy plagued, and teachers were not educated or paid enough. It was believed the Nation was at risk because education was subpar. This report suggested more rigorous curriculum, new standards, and that teacher pay be directly correlated with their students achievements. -
No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind was signed by President George W. Bush. At its birth, it had overwhelming support from both political parties. It was developed under the concern that America could no longer compete internationally. The federal government decided to hold schools responsible for academic progress of each student. It said that in 10 years each student would reach 100%. It failed.
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**Every Student Succeeds Act--MOST IMPORTANT
President Obama signed ESSA to replace NCLB. This new law will be fully operational in the 2017-2018 school year. It is different than NCLB because it will give states and school districts more power. Teachers no longer have to be "highly qualified," they will evaluated by states. States will set standards that get students ready for college or careers, which means that the the common core is now optional. Link text -
Behaviorism
Like progressivism, this theology has influenced modern schools. It is backed by the idea that reinforcement is meant to increase good behavior and punishment is meant to decrease poor behavior. There are negative and positive forms of reinforcement as well as punishments.
