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History of Education in America
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Education in Colonial America and Massachusetts Education Laws
Laws Education Laws The education laws of 1642 and 1647 set a standard that would impact the future of education in the United States. These laws made citizens accountable for making sure children were being educated. Many important changes in education originated in Massachucetts
http://www.massmoments.org -
Thomas Jefferson
BillJefferson's Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge provided for public schools in Virginia. He felt it was important to provide the masses with enough education to secure government, saftey, and happiness. The Bill divided counties into "districts" and guearanteed 3 years of tax funded school to all white boys and girls. -
Noah Webster
WebsterWebster's books changed how children learn. England's books were not necessary after Webster began writing texts. He wanted to instill a love of country and cultural independence from England. His speller was the beginning of the goal to streamline spelling. -
Common Schools (Most Important)
<ahref='http://www.chesapeake.edu/Library/EDU_101/eduhist_19thC.asp' >Mann</a>In the late 1830s, Horace Mann of Massachusetts proposed a system of free, universal and non-religious backed schooling. Each district would provide a school for all children. These new schools would be funded by taxes and special fees paid by parents. This plan has lasted, and is similar to what school looks like today. Mann also began the first teacher training programs. Mann is known as "The father of Am. Education. -
Secondary School Movement
HistoryAlthough there were some secondary schools in the US as early as 1821, they didn't become popular until the late 1800s. After the Civil War, it started to become necessary to have more formal education to earn a living. Economic growth (taxes) contributed to the building of these new schools. -
Commitee of Ten (Most Important)
TenThis was the beginning of standardized education. Many felt the need to provide vocational training in schools to help immigrants. The NEA didn't agree and attempted to set rules for the curriculum. They instituted the 5 day a week, year long shcool year. They also appointed a point system to classes completed. These are all elements we see today in the school system. -
Progressivism and John Dewey (Most Important)
progressivismDewey revived the idea that education should be based on child-centered curriculum. He believed education should consider "whole-child" not just core academics. He fought for social, emotional, and physical needs of children in schools. Progressivism championed ideals we see in schools today such as lowered pupil/teacher ratios, nutrition support, physical fitness, and health. -
Population Growth and Immigration (Most Important)
immigrationThe number of immigrants doubled from 1900-1920. While many reforms had occured since the 1600s, this was a new problem. Rapid growth and diversity required action. Large schools were built like we see today. The teaching profession grew by 80%. The numbers of students who couldn't speak english skyrocked. These are all issues we deal with today. -
The Measurement Movement
IQ TestsPsychologists Terman and Thorndike revised previous test to develop today's IQ tests. WWI soldiers were given the tests to determine what role they were best suited fot. After WWI these test were to become a permanant part of education. Experts say there are some benefits to the tests, but they continue to be used even today. -
Brown vs. Board of Education (Most Important)
ACTIn Kansas a lawsuit was filed demanding that black students be allowed to attend schools most convenient to their homes.This Supreme Court case was about desegregation in schools . It opened the door for much more legislation over the next two decades. This case was the precursor to the Civil Rights Act, IDEA, and many other acts which allowed all children into the same classroom. Separate but equal, a long held belief was now against the law. -
Sputnik and NDEA
SputnikWhen Russia launched Sputnik it threw the US education system into a tailspin. We felt we were not as advanced as we should be. In 1958 the National Defense Education Act was passed. This channeled money into math, science and languages. The government began trying to regulate curriculum. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
ESEAAs part of the War on Poverty, this bill paved the way for the federal government to become highly involved in education and provided vast sums of federal money for schools. The Act has expanded over the years to include more students (Nat. Americans and ESL learners) and the budget has moved into the billions. -
A Nation at Risk
RiskMassive reforms during the Regan administration which came in two waves included: higher graduation requirements, standardized curriculum mandates, increased testing of students and teachers, more certification standards for teachers, more tech based, basic skills, longer school days, and athletic participation standards. -
Growth of Standardized Testing
testWith each new president came more push for standards and accountability. States fought over who was in charge of choosing curriculum. In addition, "high-stakes" testing was mandated in each state. Arguenments about who should be exempt from tests and how the tests should be conducted still remain. -
No Child Left Behind
NCLBThis was the biggest educational reform movement in 35 years. G.W. Bush's admisitration passed this plan with was centered around adequate yearly progress (AYP) testing. Schools that didn't pass the tests would be subject to federal intervention. This raised questions about the fairness of the testing policies.
