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U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education
In an unanimous ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court declares "separate but equal" education as "inherently unequal." I chose this event as a bit of a no-brainer - it is almost impossible not to include this Supreme Court decision in an assignment asking us to select 5 of the most historical events in public education. Outlawing segregated schools was not only one of the most significant events in educational history but in American history in general. -
Space Race / Launch of Sputnik
While this event may not be on a lot of other lists, I chose the launch of Sputnik (and the ensuing space race) because of its dramatic effect on math and science curriculum in the United States. This one event was largely responsible for galvanizing American interest in reforming science and engineering education so that America could claim global technological superiority. -
Title IX
I chose Title IX because of its dramatic effect on opportunities available to women in public education. Prior to Title IX, women did not have nearly the same opportunities. Significant statistics include: (1) Before Title IX, only 1% of athletic budgets went to female sports; (2) male athletes outnumbered females 12.5 to 1 at the secondary level; and (3) there was a 600% increase in the number of women playing college sports. Title IX was literally and figuratively a "game changer." -
A Nation at Risk Report
Publication of "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform," is considered a landmark event in modern American educational history. It concluded that public education was failing and threatening America's vitality. I chose this event because it thrust the issue of public education on to the national agenda. Whether the conclusions were valid, teachers have been dealing with reforms and initiatives stemming from this report for the last 30 years. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Like Brown v. Board of Education, I chose passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as one that almost has to be on the list. Before IDEA and the legislating leading up to it, children with disabilities were often marginalized or simply ignored. I believe guaranteeing a free and appropriate education to all children, including those with disabilities, was a watershed moment in the progress of American society, not unlike the end of segregated schools.
