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Impact of Jefferson, Rush, And Webster
Each of these men helped to establish education as a vital facet of the American culture and set us apart from the English. Webster, for instance, created the American dictionary with spelling that was deliberately made to be different from the standard spelling in England. -
Population Growth and Immigration in the 19th Century
During this time millions of immigrants were making their way to the United states. One of the most attractive qualities that the US possessed which spurred this movement was the universal access to quality education which has helped create the diverse environment we live in today. -
***Impact of Horace Mann***
Horace Mann had a mission to create a more equal educational system across the country. He wanted to bring balance to the huge disparity between schools throughout the nation. Our educational system owes so much to Horace Mann. The equality that we see in schools today is a direct result of his efforts. It could be argued that many other great events bringing equality to education could only come to pass due to Mann's previous influence. (http://www.pbs.org/onlyateacher/horace.html) -
Committee of 10
This committee's goal was to standardize the education within the United states. They recognized that there was too great a disparity between the states - and even regions - and desired to eliminate the differences. -
Impact of John Dewey
John Dewey helped to start the progressive movement in education. He wanted schools to implement more practical and applicable learning experiences for students. -
***Secondary School Movement***
This movement built high schools all over the nation. During this time, high schools classrooms became more specialized and offered a wider array of subjects. I think this movement is one of the most important. High schools are what they are today because of it. We more qualified teachers in their areas of study due to the movement. It also caused a huge increase in the graduation rates around the country. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_school_movement) -
Impact of WWII
During World War II students became much more aware of current events, far more than ever before. Geography also saw an increase in popularity, students knowing where iconic war events took place all around the globe. Outside of academia, students were now practicing safety drills like bomb drills. -
***Brown vs. Board of Education***
Brown vs Board of Education was a federal mandate that all schools integrate. Though done in individual states previously, Brown's case caused the movement to be required nation-wide. For me, this is one of the most important moments for American education. At the heart of the law it protected and promoted equal rights to education for everyone, independent of race. The belief that every child is entitled to quality education is of equal importance today. (https://www.nps.gov/brvb/index.htm) -
Sputnik and NDEA
The launch of Sputnik into space created a sense of competition like never before which included the field of academics. The nation blamed our educational system for Russia's victory. Now, more than ever, an emphasis was placed on the fields of mathematics and science to further our position in the technological race. -
***Elementary and Secondary Education Act***
ESEA helped provide better education to poverty-stricken schools by way of funding and curriculum. It was specifically designed to aid students who suffered due to financial circumstances. This was such a staple in educational history. So many students suffered due to circumstance rather than ability. LBJ helped even the playing field with this act. So many of the acts today educational acts today are based on or are revisions of ESEA. (http://www.k12.wa.us/esea/) -
***Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act***
Prior to this act, 73% of individuals with disabilities were outside of the public school system. The act created opportunities for these people and forced schools to make accommodations for them. This was a majorly influential event. We are one of the few nations who offer such extensive educational opportunities to students with disabilities. It is yet another example of how the United States offers equal education to all. (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/osep-idea.html) -
A Nation at Risk Report
In this report, President Reagan suggested that the school systems in the United States were failing. Because of the allegations, the educational system began even more standardization among curriculum and especially testing. -
No Child Left Behind
This act was a reform of the educational system that established high standards for schools and students based on standardization. Schools were required to hit these goals under threat that funding would be withdrawn if their students did not show improvement in their testing. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
This law took the place of NCLB. Though replacing the it, ESSA maintained the standardization of student testing. It also narrowed the scope of standards and was a key component to the creation of the Common Core State Standards, shifting responsibility to the states rather than the federal government. -
School Choice Movement: Charter Schools, Vouchers
This movement pushed for alternative forms of education that broke away from traditional public education. Such options included charter schools and even home schooling. The voucher system created opportunities for students (rather than schools) to receive funds to choose their preferred form of education. *Could not find date for the start of it, but the movement continues today so the date reflects the continued push in today's society.
