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Separation of Church and State
When the new United States of America ratified the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the "Establishment Clause" was included. Since church and state could no longer be partners, the Public Schools transformed into the non-sectarian entities aimed at educating a more diverse population. This established the foundation for the free, non-secular, common schools we know today. -
First Public High School in Boston
The first Public High School was established as an alternative to Latin grammar school and was a collaborative effort between the middle and business class. The intent was to prepare young men for a professional life at no cost. These publicly supported schools provided greater educational opportunities and helped unify a growing diverse citizenry. -
First State Board of Education in Massachusetts
Considered "The Father of American Education, Horace Mann helped establish the first State Board of Education in Massachusetts. He believed that all citizens deserved an education and as the first Secretary to Education he opened common schools with higher standards, more availability and a more student centered philosophy. This would open educational opportunities to students regardless of race, class or gender. -
Cardinal Principles Report
The Cardinal Principles report impacted traditional education by shifting the focus of schools from academic and intellectual disciplines to a more comprehensive approach including liberal arts, physical education and vocational development. This offered opportunity for people with different vocational aspirations to have options for classes within the same building. This marked the beginning of the elective offerings we still have in our secondary schools today. -
Brown vs. the Board of Education
The courts ruled that schools preventing students from attendance based solely on race was unconstitutional. This laid the foundation for desegregation everywhere. The 'Brown vs Board of Education' decision became a milestone in American education and society as a whole, setting a precedent and opening doors for other minorities.
