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Impact of Benjamin Franklin
Franklin suggested that students be taught that which is "likely to be most useful and most ornamental." He also proposed that school be taught in english, as opposed to latin. -
Webster Blue Back Speller
The Blue Backed Speller, created by Noah Webster, has sold over 100 million copies over the years. It has helped countless children learn how to read and spell. https://www.historyisfun.org/blog/all-about-the-revolution/the-blue-backed-speller/ -
The Common School Movement
(1830-1865) During this period, schools started to look more like what they are today. State education systems began to take real form. -
First American Comprehensive High School Opened
This occurred as part of the Secondary School Movement. The first comprehensive high school was opened in Lowell, Massachusetts. -
Horace Mann's Impact (MOST IMPORTANT)
Horace Mann was the first secretary of education, and visited over 1,000 schools on horseback to inspect their quality. He believed that merit should not be fixed from birth, but should be able to rise. He suggested standardized on everything from buildings to textbooks.
Mann said that "education is the equalizer of the condition of man." https://www.horacemann.com/ -
Population Growth & Immigration in 19th Century
During this time, common schools were seen as avenues for upward social and economic mobility by the working class. They say common schools as a necessary protection against the tyranny of upper class and equal participation in democracy. -
US is Providing More Schooling to More Children Than Any Other Nation
Even with segregation, the US was reaching more children than any other country. -
Committee of 10
Chaired by Charles Elliot, the committee recommended early introduction to basic subjects and uniform subject matter. They recommended classical, latin-scientific, modern language, and english. -
Impact of John Dewey
John Dewey is regarded as the Father of Progressive Education. He was an advocate for child-centered education. -
The Gary Plan
The Gary Plan was designed to keep students interested and in motion at all times. They used the split/shift system, which had students working, studying, or playing, so that all facilities were always in use. -
Measurement Movement
Spearheaded by Lewis M. Terman and Edward L. Thorndike, the movement included scales for measuring achievement in math, spelling, reading, language, and others. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
This landmark case ended segregation in public schools. It paved the way for many other major civil rights movements, including the freedom rides. This ruling was preluded by the abolition of segregation of Massachusetts schools in 1855. https://www.thirteen.org/wnet/supremecourt/rights/landmark_brown.html -
Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
This act makes education accessible to students who have any number of disabilities. It ensures students are provided with free appropriate public education. Instruction is tailored to individual needs. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oii/nonpublic/idea/edlite-slide001.html -
A Nation at Risk Report
This report, written during President Regan's era, was a criticism of the current school system. Some viewed it as a call to action to fight the "rising tide of mediocracy." -
No Child Left Behind
This act, created during George W. Bush's presidency, increased the federal government's role in holding schools accountable for student outcomes. Many people often refer to standardized testing when they think of the act. It also influenced the creation of the Common Core Standards. https://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/no-child-left-behind-overview-definition-summary.html
