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Horace Mann establishes common schools
Mann created a system that allowed schools to be locally funded and more available to all white children. These schools were of higher quality and student related. Our current public school system is based off the common school system. -
NEA Committee of Ten establishes school curriculum
Establishing a curriculum ensured that every student would receive the same education. It gave students the chance to choose their electives, which is still a process used in most high schools, grades 9-12, today. Schools of every grade level continue to follow specific curricula to this day as well. -
Creation of the SAT
Majority of colleges require SAT scores for admittance. Schools currently offer test preparation classes specifically for the SAT. Focus on this test is mainly during grades 11th through 12th. Standardized tests similar to the SAT are used throughout a student's schooling. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
Although there are racial disparities existing in education today, with schools in wealthier regions receiving more funds, this case was a landmark event. Separate but equal schools are unconstitutional to this day, and children of color may attend any school they wish to. -
No Child Left Behind
Although this act has been replaced, it impacted the current K-12 system. This act utilized standardized tests and decreased funding for schools that scored poorly. Schools are still suffering from the decreased funding. NCLB decreased time spent on Social Studies and language arts. Those who attended school during this period were taught to succeed on standardized tests and weren't taught each subject equally, as mainly reading, writing, and math were stressed.
