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The Massachusetts Law of 1642
In 1642, The Massachusetts Law of 1642 ordered selectmen of each town to determine whether teachers and parents were providing education to the children. The selectment also appointed to determine if the children were actually being taught. It was important that all students have competency to read and write so they could know and obey the law. -
Secondary School Movement
In 1821, Boston began the high school movement by opening the English Classical School. The school was only open for boys to provide a practical education. Usually a practical education could only be obtained in a private school. This school marked the beginnings of high school or secondary education. -
Horace Mann MOST IMPORTANT
Horace Mann: Father of EducationOn April 20, 1837, Horace Mann left his law practice and became the first Secretary of Education. Mann is referred to as "the father of education" and rightly so. Man reported on several schools and districts discovering how poorly education was functioning. Mann believed in the relationship between education and government. Mann believed that school is the place where children come together, that school is where Americans are made. He was a strong advocate for free tax supported education. -
The Common School Movement MOST IMPORTANT
The Common School MovementCommon Schools were essentially developed by Horace Mann. The common school was a place where poor and elite came together, where an emphasis was placed on giving children equal chances. In the common schools is where we begin to see standardized aspects of school-- textbooks, classrooms. This is where the education system we know today began to take shape. It was the first free tax supported education, allowing a common body of education for equality in life. -
The Impact of John Dewey MOST IMPORTANT
John DeweyJohn Dewey was a professor of Pedagogy & Philosophy. Dewey did not favor rigid subject centered curriculum, rather he advoated for the progressive reform movement. He believed that if schools were anchored in the whole child, teaching would be different and learning would be different. His philosophy of education is that of children learning by doing and exploring the world at work. -
Population Growth and Immigration in the 20th Century
During the first two decades of 20th Century, the average number of immigrants in the U.S. doubled. This surge in population growth coincided along with great economic growth. Because of this growth, schools had a need for larger buildings. Immigration caused a large enrollment of students. Besides there being more students enrolling into school at this time, there was a need for more teachers to be able to handle the many students enrolling. -
The Progressive Reform Movement
The Progressive Reform MovementThe Progressive Reform Movement focused on a child centered education and the need to tap all the talents of students. At this time basic health care and food services were integrated into schools. The progressive reform emphasized creativity. Nature studies, filed trips, art, social activities and many subject areas became part of the curriculum. This continues in education today through differentiation, and options for extracurricular activities and various electives. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
Brown vs. Board of EducationOn May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools do not have a place in public education and that segregated schools make children feel inferior affecting the child's motivation and ability to learn. This historic ruling did not do much in the progress toward integration of schools; however, the ruling of Brown v. Board of Education marked the beginning for Civil Rights, which did have a huge impact on the illegalizing of segregated schools and segregation in general. -
National Defense Education Act
In 1958, the NDEA pursued an influence on elementary and secondary education. This marked the first time the federal government influenced both elementary and secondary as significant funding went to areas like math, science and languages. -
The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement MOST IMPORTANT
The Civil Rights Act Title VIAlthough Brown v. Board was essential, desegregation in schools was making little progress. It was a decade later when the civil rights act was passed, influencing and changing education for all students. Part of the act declares the prohibition of discrimination agains students on the basis of race, color, or national origin in every institutuion receiving federal funds. The civil rights movement and act paved the way for equal education for all minority students. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The ESEA was passed as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. This act provided more than one billion dollars to educational funding, which was quite a lot. It also implemented a head start program for students provided help for low-income students. This act was based on Johnson's focus on the importance of a "full educational opportunity." -
Individuals with Disabilities Act MOST IMPORTANT
IDEAThe IDEA provides rights and protectins to children with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education act has been monumental in creating an equal education for those who have disabilities. It has ensured that children with disabilities receive a free education, an individualized education plan, and a least restrictive environment. Because of this act, now children with disabilities can receive an education just as other children. It has provided an inclusive environment. -
A Nation at Risk Report
A Nation at Risk Report began a reform movement of highering the requirements for graduation, standardized curriculum, and increased testing for students. Another effect of this report was raised certification for teachers. This was a reform focused on state and national mandates for education. It first focused on state levels, then local levels of education. -
The Standards Movement
The Educate America Act was key in formalizing national standards of education. Along with that, new systems for testing and assessment. The act required states to develop plans for more challenging content and formal standards of performance. The standards movement was a reform that affected both state and local education. The standards movement was about "accountability" partnered with high-stakes testing. -
No Child Left Behind
The No Child Left Behind Act was a re-authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. School Districts and schools were obligated to track students' and subgroups' adequate yearly progress toward meeeting proficiency standards. If that proficiency was not being met, schools were subject to sanctions. All schools required annual report cards to let parents know if AYP was being met and the qualification of teachers.
