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*MOST IMPORTANT* First "Free" Public Education
The first "free school" in Virginia opens. However, education in the Southern colonies is more typically provided at home by parents or tutors. How it is affecting Education today: Public education is a radical idea for the time. Many people thought it was an awful idea, but public schools have been deep rooted in American history (even before America was a legitimate country). Now, we are taking a look as a country as to whether or not public education is the best choice for our students. -
The Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention assembles in Philadelphia. Later that year, the constitution is endorsed by the Confederation Congress (the body that governed from 1781 until the ratification of the U.S. Constitution) and sent to state legislatures for ratification. The document does not include the words education or school. -
The Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance is enacted by the Confederation Congress. Specifically recognizing the importance of education, Act 3 of the document begins, "Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Perhaps of more of practical importance, it stipulates that a section of land in every township of each new state be reserved for the support of education. -
Female Education
The Young Ladies Academy opens in Philadelphia and becomes the first academy for girls in the original 13 colonies/states. Here, they focused mostly on educating women to be literate in language and to maintain a good home for their husbands. -
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is passed by the first Congress of the new United States. No mention is made of education in any of the amendments. However, the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution states that powers not delegated to the federal government "are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people." Thus, education becomes a function of the state rather than the federal government. -
*MOST IMPORTANT* Horace Mann
Horace Mann becomes Secretary of Massachusetts State Board of Education. A visionary, Mann works tirelessly for increased funding of public schools and better training for teachers. How it is affecting Education today: His ideas helped create important educational formats like teacher training and national/state oversight and funds. He is responsible for many of the forward thinking ideas presented at this time from his study around the different states. -
*MOST IMPORTANT* Department of Education
The Department of Education is created in order to help states establish effective school systems. How it is affecting Education today: The Department of Education has not always been s part of the government system. However, out current educational system is heavily dependent on governments funds for both school age and college students. In recent months, it has been discussed getting rid of the Department of Education and moving to a private-run institution. -
School for the Deaf
Boston creates the first public day school for the deaf. Established in 1869, the Horace Mann School for the Deaf was one of the first public day schools for the deaf in the United States. With support from the city of Boston and the state of Massachusetts, and the dedication of its faculty and school administrators, the school has continuously sought to provide a quality education to deaf students. -
Brown v. Board of Education
On May 17th, the U.S. Supreme Court announces its decision in the case of Brown v. Board. of Education of Topeka, ruling that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal," thus overturning its previous ruling in the 1896 case of Plessy v. Ferguson. Brown v. Board of Education is actually a combination of five cases from different parts of the country. It is a historic first step in the long and still unfinished journey toward equality in U.S. education. -
*MOST IMPORTANT* Legacy of LBJ
Lyndon Johnson signs the Immigration Act of 1965. It results unprecedented numbers of Asians and Latin Americans immigrating to the United States, making classrooms more diverse. How it is affecting Education today: Around the Civil Rights Movement, he opened the door to equal access to students of different color and cultural backgrounds. He was the first President to focus and really take steps to change the Education system to cater to students. -
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Rehabilitation Act becomes law. Section 504 of this act guarantees civil rights for people with disabilities in the context of federally funded institutions and requires accommodations in schools including participation in programs and activities as well as access to buildings. Today, "504 Plans" are used to provide accommodations for students with disabilities who do not qualify for special education or an IEP. -
*MOST IMPORTANT* Education of All Handicapped Children (PL 94-142)
The Education of All Handicapped Children Act (PL 94-142) becomes federal law. It requires that a free, appropriate public education, suited to the student's individual needs, and offered in the least restrictive setting be provided for all "handicapped" children. How it is affecting Education today: This was the first step in welcoming a realizing that differentiation needs to happen if one wants to be a successful teacher. We now use differentiation tactics every day as teachers. -
The Legacy of Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan is elected president, ushering in a new conservative era, not only in foreign and economic policy, but in education as well. However, he never carries out his pledge to reduce the federal role in education by eliminating the Department of Education, which had become a Cabinet level agency that same year under the Carter administration. -
The Legacy of Bill Clinton
The Improving America's Schools Act (IASA) is signed into law by President Bill Clinton on January 25th. It. reauthorizes the ESEA of 1965 and includes reforms for Title I; increased funding for bilingual and immigrant education; and provisions for public charter schools, drop-out prevention, and educational technology. -
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 from the Obama administration provides more than 90-billion dollars for education, nearly half of which goes to local school districts to prevent layoffs and for school modernization and repair. -
The Every Student Succeeds Act
The U.S. Senate votes 85-12 to approve the Every Student Succeeds Act, and President Obama signs it into law on December 10. This latest version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) replaces No Child Left Behind and allows more state control in judging school quality. -
Department of Education Contested Appointees
On February 7, Vice President Mike Pence casts the deciding vote, breaking a 50-50 tie in the Senate, to confirm Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. Many educators criticize her lack of academic credentials and experience.
