-
The Boston Latin School
The first public school in America, becoming the model for other schools throughout New England. It offered free education to males, regardless of wealth. -
Noah Webster
MOST IMPORTANT
Noah Webster was a teacher who was influential in the development of American Education. He was a firm believer that what education needed was more patriotism. To combat European influence he felt that having a distinct language and curriculum was crucial. Due to this he created numerous books including his blue-back spell book and the American dictionary.
Click here for more informatoion -
Horace Mann
Referred to as the "Father of American Education", Horace Mann was influential in the common school movement. He began his career as a lawyer, and later as the secretary of Board of Education. He was not only influential in the common school movement, but also for the development of teacher training's. -
Common School
MOST IMPORTANT
The goal of the Common School movement was to provide free education to all children. Education would provide for a more productive and prosperous society in the future, leading to greater democracy. Not everyone was in favor of this movement, however it proved to be a major turning point in American history. Today free education is provided to all children in the U.S.
More Info -
Secondary School Movement
In 1831 the first comprehensive high school opened in Lowell, Massachusetts. The school offered both English and classical courses. Though slow in growth at first, after the civil war with the increase in industry, and need for skill workers high schools were in greater demand. -
John Dewey
Known as the "Father of Progressive Education." He believed in child centered education for students, in other words children learn from life experiences and not rote memorization. -
Impact of Immigration
The influx of immigrants to America into Urban areas, caused an overcrowding of schools. Students were expected to become "Americanized." -
Committee of 10
MOST IMPORTANT
The committee of 10 was created in order to establish curriculum standards. It was there suggestion that children receive 8 years of elementary education and 4 years of high school. They revised secondary education so that it included traditional and language courses. They also put large emphases on vocational school and colleges after high school. These reforms helped to shape our schools today. More info -
The Measurement Movement
The measurement movement help to shape the way we measure intelligence. In 1905 they had a breakthrough with the invention of an intelligence test which allowed for comparison of an individual norm. -
Impact of WW 2 on Education
WW2 had a devastating effect on education. Education suffered both financially and economically. Also, many teachers as well as students enlisted in the military. -
Brown vs Board of Education
MOST IMPORTANT
This landmark case ruled that separate but equal was unfair. Allowing African american children to go to schools with white children. This meant that African american children would no longer have to attend run down, decrepit schools. This was the first step in desegregation of schools and equaling the playing field for all students that everyone receive the equal education. Click here for more information -
Sputnik and NDEA, 1957-58
The federal government became increasingly involved in education with the launch of sputnik. Funding was now directed towards math, sciences, and foreign languages. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
MOST IMPORTANT
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act provided more than $1 billion dollars in federal funds to education. The creation of Title I schools provided education for low-income children Title I and Head Start programs still provide aide for low income families today. Link text -
Education for all handicapped children act 1975
MOST IMPORTANT
In 1975, education in the United States took another very important step by enacting the Education for all Handicapped Children Act. This act would provide free educational services for those students classified as handicapped or disabled. It was the foundation for the IDEA act (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which has been amended a few times since its first enactment in 1990.
Click here for more Info -
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act offered students in all public schools the opportunity to reach significant learning goals. It also ensures that children are educated in safe classrooms by knowledgeable teachers.
