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Popularization of Public Education
Thanks to Horace Mann, 31 states required children 8 to 14 years old to attend public school. Not only did Horace Mann popularize public education, but he also created unified state school systems and advanced teachers professional skills with training. This is the very important beginning of the path that led us to our current K-12 public education. Notes from Canvas -
American Federation of Teachers
The American Federation of Teachers recognized teaching as a true profession. It is a union of professionals that fight for fairness, democracy, and economic opportunity, and provide public education, healthcare, and public services for students, families, and communities. This federation is important because it gave teachers rights to negotiate their wages, benefits and working conditions which is important for a good work experience.Canvas and aft.org -
Brown v Board of Education
Brown v Board of Education is one of the most known court cases in education history. This court case fought for the right of a colored little girl to attend a "white school." The U.S. state laws establishing racial segregation in public schools as unconstitutional, a violation of the 14th amendment, even if they are otherwise equal in quality. This case is important because it was the start of a huge change for the country. Canvas -
Open Classroom
The open classroom concept encouraged schools to teach in different locations besides a small classroom. This included teaching in bigger and more open classrooms, taking field trips, teaching outdoors, and using the internet. Using an open classroom allows different ways for students to learn, and is important because it will increase the chance of reaching and teaching all students. It originally began in 1965, faded out in the 70's, and is becoming more popular again today. Canvas -
IDEA
The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) ensures free appropriate education for students with disabilities. Starting as Education for All Handicapped Children Act, and was turned into IDEA in 2004. According to https://sites.ed.gov/idea/, "we have progressed from excluding nearly 1.8 million children with disabilities from public schools to providing more than 6.9 million children with disabilities special education and related services..." IDEA gives all children their right to education.
