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First Public School Opens
The first public school that opened was in 1635. It was known as the Boston Latin School. A neat thing about this school is that it is still in operation today, making it the oldest school in the country. More importantly, in the history of American education this is important because it allowed school to be for anyone. Not just the rich, the religious followed or the privileged. -
Ratifying The Constitution
On this date Rhode Island became the last of the 13 colonies to ratify the US Constitution. Although the Constitution does not indirectly refer to schools or education, this was the main building block of the separation of church and state in education. While religion was still prominent in schools for long after this was the first change made in that direction. -
Creation Of The Common School
In 1837 common schools were started. They were started by a man named Charles Mann. Mann was the head of the Massachusetts board of education and felt that it was important for everyone to be able to get an education. By making this movement a reality it made school availabel for even the ones who could not afford it. This was possible becasue Mann pushed for taxes to pay for the common schools and the teachers. -
Special Education In The US
In 1975 the United States Congress passed the Education for all Handicapped Children Act. This act made it possible for students with special needs or disabilities to get the proper teaching and care in the educational field. Discrimination and mistreatment in classrooms would no longer take place. Now teachers are equipped with the proper knowledge and ability to adapt subject to fit the needs of the students. -
The No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act was put into place to put more emphasis on attainable goal setting, providing a set of standards that should be followed and teachers helping to make sure students are having proper help through elementary and secondary school. This act was put in to help students who may have been at a disadvantage and give them equal opportunities.
