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Period: to
First Wave
Agricultural Age -
Period: to
Second Wave
Industrial Age -
Max Planck - Energy Theory
German physicist Max Planck formulates an energy theory, postulating the existence of "quanta," which lays the groundwork for the quantum theory of modern physics. Information Please: 1900 -
Floradora
Floradora opens at Broadway's Casino Theatre. It introduces the Floradora sextet, a predecessor to the chorus line Information Please: 1900 -
Association of American Universities
The Association of American Universities is founded to promote higher standards and put U.S. universities on an equal footing with their European counterparts.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
McKinley Shot
As President McKinley begins his second term, he is fatally shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz (Sept. 6). Theodore Roosevelt is sworn in as successor after McKinley dies on Sept. 14. Information Please: 1901 -
United States Steel Co
J.P. Morgan creates the United States Steel Co., which will become the first $1 billion corporation in the world Information Please: 1901 -
Wireless Signals
Guglielmo Marconi successfully receives wireless signals transmitted from England to Newfoundland Information Please: 1901 -
Joliet Junior College
Joliet Junior College, in Joliet, Illinois, opens. It is the first public community college in the U.S.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Bureau of the Census
Bureau of the Census is established; it later becomes part of the Department of Commerce. Information Please: 1902 -
United Mine Workers strike
Approximately 150 thousand United Mine Workers strike in Pennsylvania for a wage increase and more suitable hours Information Please: 1902 -
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First transcontinental automobile trip
The first transcontinental trip by automobile--San Francisco to New York in 52 days. Information Please: 1903 -
Wright Brothers' First Flight
The Wright brothers make aviation history with their first flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Information Please: 1903 -
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Telephone Answering Machine and Flat-disk Phonograph
A telephone answering machine is invented.
The first flat-disk phonograph is introduced. Information Please: 1904 -
Industrial Workers of the World
Industrial Workers of the World is founded in Chicago with the hopes of uniting all workers and giving more control to unions. Information Please: 1905 -
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Binet-Simon Scale
Alfred Binet's article, "New Methods for the Diagnosis of the Intellectual Level of Subnormals," is published in France. It describes his work with Theodore Simon in the development of a measurement instrument that would identify students with mental retardation. The Binet-Simon Scale, as it is called, is an effective means of measuring intelligence.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching is founded. It is charted by an act of Congress in 1906, the same year the Foundation encouraged the adoption of a standard system for equating "seat time" (the amount of time spent in a class) to high school credits. Still in use today, this system came to be called the "Carnegie Unit."
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Wireless Telephony
Reginald Fessenden invents wireless telephony, a means for radio waves to carry signals a significant distance. Information Please: 1906 -
Fall of Stock Market
Fall of the stock market sparks financial panic across the U.S Information Please: 1907 -
National Conservation Commission
President Roosevelt holds White House Conservation Conference, which leads to establishment of the National Conservation Commission. Information Please: 1908 -
Model T Automobile
Henry Ford develops the first Model T automobile, which sells for $850. Information Please: 1908 -
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is founded by prominent black and white intellectuals and led by W. E. B. Du Bois. Information Please: 1909 -
First Female Superintendent
Educational reformer Ella Flagg Young becomes superintendent of the Chicago Public Schools. She is the first female superintendent of a large city school system. One year later she is elected president of the National Education Association.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
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Angel Island - Immigration Center for Asians
Angel Island, in San Francisco Bay, becomes immigration center for Asians entering U.S. Information Please: 1910 -
Kinetophone
Thomas Edison introduces his kinetophone, which makes talkies a reality. Information Please: 1910 -
Sherman Antitrust Act Violations
Supreme Court finds Standard Oil Company (May 15) and American Tobacco Company (May 29) to be in violation of Sherman Antitrust Act. Information Please: 1911 -
First Montessori School in US
The first Montessori school in the U.S. opens in Tarrytown, New York. Two years later (1913), Maria Montessori visits the U.S., and Alexander Graham Bell and his wife Mabel found the Montessori Educational Association at their Washington, DC, home
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
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Girl Scouts of America
Girl Scouts of America founded by Juliette Gordon Low. Information Please: 1912 -
Suffragettes Demonstrate
Suffragettes demonstrate in London and Washington, D.C.
Information Please: 1913 -
First Moving Assembly Line
Henry Ford develops the first moving assembly line. Information Please: 1913 -
Thordike's book, Educational Psychology
Edward Lee Thorndike's book, Educational Psychology: The Psychology of Learning, is published. It describes his theory that human learning involves habit formation, or connections between stimuli (or situations as Thorndike preferred to call them) and responses (Connectionism). He believes that such connections are strengthened by repetition ("Law of Exercise") and achieving satisfying consequences ("Law of Effect").
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D.
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World War I Begins
World War I begins: Austria declares war on Serbia; Germany on Russia and France; Britain on Germany. Information Please: 1914 -
Federal Trade Commission
Congress sets up Federal Trade Commission, passes Clayton Antitrust Act. Information Please: 1914 -
Smith-Lever Act
The Smith-Lever Act establishes a system of cooperative extension services connected to land grant universities and provides federal funds for extension activities.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
One Millionth Ford
The one millionth Ford automobile rolls off the assembly line. Information Please: 1915 -
First Birth Control Clinic
Margaret Sanger opens the first birth control clinic in the country at 46 Amboy St., Brooklyn. Information Please: 1916 -
Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin signs on with Mutual Studios and earns an unprecedented $10,000 a week. Information Please: 1916 -
Theory of Relativity
Albert Einstein completes his mathematical formulation of a general theory of relativity, which includes gravity. Information Please: 1916 -
Democracy and Education.
John Dewey's Democracy and Education. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education is published. Dewey's views help advance the ideas of the "progressive education movement."
<a href='http://www.cloudnet.com/~edrbsass/educationhistorytimeline -
Bureau of Educational Experiments
The Bureau of Educational Experiments is founded in New York City by Lucy Sprague Mitchell with the purpose of studying child development and children's learning.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Versailles Treaty
Versailles Treaty, incorporating Woodrow Wilson's draft Covenant of League of Nations, signed by Allies and Germany; rejected by U.S. Senate. Information Please: 1919 -
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Jazz establishes Chicago as its Capital
After moving from its southern rural roots, jazz establishes Chicago as its capital. The city will become home to such jazz greats as trumpeter Louis Armstrong and pianist Jelly Roll Morton. Information Please: 1919 -
United Artists
Charlie Chaplin, D.W. Griffith, Douglas Fairbanks, and Mary Pickford establish United Artists in an attempt to control their own work. Information Please: 1919 -
Dial Telephones
Dial telephones are introduced by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company. Information Please: 1919 -
Theory of Relativity Confirmed
Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity is confirmed when the Royal Astronomical Society sees the predicted effect during a solar eclipse. Information Please: 1919 -
Transportation for All Children
All states have laws providing funds for transporting children to school.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Red Hunt
U.S. Dept. of Justice "red hunt" nets thousands of radicals; aliens deported. Information Please: 1920 -
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First Commercial Radio Broadcast
KDKA, a Pittsburgh Westinghouse station, transmits the first commercial radio broadcast. Information Please: 1920 -
Harlem Ranaissance
Rising popular interest in African-American literature sparks the beginning of the Harlem Renaissance. Information Please: 1920 -
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Neutron
American chemist William Draper Harkins postulates the existence of a subatomic particle, the neutron, a heavy particle of no electric charge. Information Please: 1920 -
Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer's Tennis Shop opens; name soon changes to Eddie Bauer's Sports Shop. Timeline of American Business -
Bureau of Budget
Congress passes Budget and Accounting Act, which creates the Bureau of Budget Information Please: 1921 -
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Coal Miners Strike
Coal miners strike for nearly six months to protest wage cuts. The strike, one of several organized by the United Mine Workers of America since 1919, cripples the coal mining industry. Information Please: 1922 -
Ulysses
James Joyce's Ulysses published. The U.S. Post Office destroys 500 copies of the novel. Information Please: 1922 -
Play introduces the word"Robot"
Karel Capek's play R.U.R. debuts, introducing the word "robot." Information Please: 1922 -
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2nd Ku Klux Klan Movement
The second Ku Klux Klan movement in U.S. history grows, stirring widespread controversy and violence. Information Please: 1923 -
Iconoscope
Russian immigrant Vladimir Kosma Zworykin patents the iconoscope, the first television transmission tube. He patents the first color tube in 1925 Information Please: 1923 -
Harlem's Cotton Club
Harlem's Cotton Club opens and presents all-black performances to white-only audiences. Entertainers will include Lena Horne, the Nicholas Brothers, and Cab Calloway. Information Please: 1923 -
Truth Serum
Scopolamine, previously used as a childbirth anesthetic, is found to act as a "truth" serum after tests on convicts at San Quentin Prison. Information Please: 1923 -
Alice's Wonderland
Walt Disney creates his first cartoon, "Alice's Wonderland." Information Please: 1924 -
Gestalt Theory
Max Wertheimer describes the principles of Gestalt Theory to the Kant Society in Berlin. Gestalt Theory, with its emphasis on learning through insight and grasping the whole concept, becomes important later in the 20th Century in the development of cognitive views of learning and teaching.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
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First Female Governor
Nellie Tayloe Ross takes office as governor of Wyoming (Jan. 5). She is the first woman governor in U.S. history. Information Please: 1925 -
Teacher Arrested for Teaching Theory of Evolution
Tennessee schoolteacher John T. Scopes is arrested (May 5) for teaching the theory of evolution, forbidden by state law. Information Please: 1925 -
First Television Image
John Baird transmits the first television image in London. Information Please: 1925 -
NBC Established
RCA, General Electric and Westinghouse establish NBC, which operates two national radio networks. Information Please: 1926 -
First Liquid Fuel Rocket
Robert Goddard fires the first liquid fuel rocket. Information Please: 1926 -
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First Nonstop Solo Transatlantic Flight
Charles Lindbergh makes the first nonstop solo transatlantic flight. Information Please: 1927 -
First All-Electronic Television
Philo T. Farnsworth demonstrates the first all-electronic television Information Please: 1927 -
Big Bang Theory
Belgian astrophysicist Georges Lemaitre proposes the big bang theory Information Please: 1927 -
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President Hoover
U.S. voters elect Herbert Hoover president (Nov. 6) over Alfred E. Smith, governor of New York Information Please: 1928 -
Piaget - The Child's Conception of the World
Jean Piaget's The Child's Conception of the World is published. His theory of cognitive development becomes an important influence in American developmental psychology and education.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Great Depression
The Great Depression begins with the stock market crash in October. The U.S. economy is devastated. Public education funding suffers greatly, resulting in school closings, teacher layoffs, and lower salaries.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
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Code of Decency for FIlms
As head of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, William Hays establishes a code of decency that outlines what is acceptable in films Information Please: 1930 -
First Analog Computer
Vannevar Bush builds "differential analyzer"--first analog computer
Information Please: 1930 -
Frigidaire
General Motors's Frigidaire makes refrigerators safe for household use Information Please: 1931 -
FDR
Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president and begins bold efforts to initiate his New Deal and spur economic recovery. His wife, Eleanor, becomes a champion of human rights and forever transforms the role of American First Lady.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Amelia Earhart First Woman Fly Atlantic Solo
Amelia Earhart is first woman to fly Atlantic solo (May 20-21). Information Please: 1932 -
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Frequency Modulation (FM)
Edwin Armstrong introduces frequency modulation (FM), a static-free method of transmission. Information Please: 1933 -
Federal Communications Commission
Federal Communications Commission is established to regulate communications. Information Please: 1934 -
Works Progress Adminstration
Congress authorizes the Works Progress Administration. Its purpose is to put the unemployed to work on public projects, including the construction of hundreds of school buildings.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Second Phase of New Deal
Roosevelt opens second phase of New Deal in U.S., calling for social security, better housing, equitable taxation, and farm assistance Information Please: 1935 -
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) debuts the world's first television service with three hours of programming a day.
Information Please: 1936 -
First Artificial Heart
Alexis Carrel and Charles Lindbergh develop the first artificial heart.
Information Please: 1936 -
United Auto Workers Strike
The United Auto Workers stage their first sit-down strike. Timeline of American Business -
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Orson Wells Broadcasts War of the Worlds Adaptation
Orson Welles broadcasts his adaptation of H.G. Wells's War of the Worlds, creating a nationwide panic as listeners believe that aliens have landed in New Jersey Information Please: 1938 -
First Xerographic Print
Chester F. Carlson produces the first xerographic print. Information Please: 1938 -
Earl S. Tupper Company
Earl Tupper forms the Earl S. Tupper Company (later Tupperware, Inc.) to create industrial plastics. Timeline of American Business -
Gone with the Wind Premieres
The big-screen adaptation of Gone with the Wind premieres, and will go on to gross $192 million, making it one of the most profitable films of all time. It's also one of the longest films, clocking in at 231 minutes. Information Please: 1939 -
Hewlett-Packard
David Packard and William Hewlett form Hewlett-Packard to sell the audio oscillator they invented. Timeline of American Business -
First McDonalds
The first McDonald's hamburger stand opens in Pasadena, Calif. Information Please: 1940 -
WNBT - First Regular TV Station
WNBT, the first regularly operating television station, debuts in New York with an estimated 10,000 viewers. Information Please: 1940 -
WWII
The U.S. enters World War II after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor on December 7. During the next four years, much of the country's resources go to the war effort. Education is put on the back burner as many young men quit school to enlist; schools are faced with personnel problems as teachers and other employees enlist, are drafted, or leave to work in defense plants; school construction is put on hold.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
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Car Companies Convert to Military Production
All Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors plants convert to military production Timeline of American Business -
Relocation Centers for Japanese
More than 120,000 Japanese and persons of Japanese ancestry living in western U.S. moved to "relocation centers," some for the duration of the war Information Please: 1942 -
First Automatic Digital Computer
Scientists at Harvard University construct the first automatic, general-purpose digital computer. Information Please: 1944 -
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First Atomic Bomb Tested
Manhattan Project tests first atomic bomb in Alamogordo, New Mexico Information Please: 1945 -
FCC Creates Commercial Broadcasting Spectrum
The FCC creates the commercial broadcasting spectrum of 13 channels, and receives 130 applications for broadcast licenses Information Please: 1945 -
ENIAC - First All-Electronic Computer
ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator), the first all-electronic computer, completed. Information Please: 1945 -
Computer Age Begins
The computer age begins as the Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer (ENIAC), the first vacuum-tube computer, is built for the U.S. military by Presper Eckert and John Mauchly. Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
National School Lunch Act
Recognizing "the need for a permanent legislative basis for a school lunch program," the 79th Congress approves the National School Lunch Act.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Radar Contact with Moon
The US Army makes radar contact with the moon for the first time Information Please: 1946 -
Brown vs. Board of Education
In the landmark court case of Mendez vs. Westminster and the California Board of Education, the U. S. District Court in Los Angeles rules that educating children of Mexican descent in separate facilities is unconstitutional, thus prohibiting segregation in California schools and setting an important precedent for Brown vs. Board of Education.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
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International Planned Parenthood Federation
Margaret Sanger founds the International Planned Parenthood Federation Information Please: 1948 -
Big Bang Theory
George A. Gamow puts forth the "Big Bang" theory to explain the origin of the universe. Information Please: 1948 -
Tupperware Parties
Earl Tupper meets Brownie Wise, a sales representative for Stanley Home Products, who launches the concept of the Tupperware party. Timeline of American Business -
Cable Television Debuts
Cable television debuts, bringing better reception to rural areas where the conventional television signal is weak. Information Please: 1949 -
Saturday Morning Children's Programming
Saturday morning children's programming begins.
Information Please: 1950 -
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First Oral Contraceptive
Gregory Pincus, Min Chuch Chang, John Rock, and Carl Djerassi develop the first oral contraceptive Information Please: 1951 -
UNIVAC
UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer), the first business computer to handle both numeric and alphabetic data, is introduced. Information Please: 1951 -
Integrated Circuit
G.W.A. Dummer (England) proposes the theoretical basis for the integrated circuit. Information Please: 1952 -
Skinner - Science and Human Behavior
Burrhus Frederic (B.F.) Skinner's Science and Human Behavior is published. His form of behaviorism (operant conditioning), which emphasizes changes in behavior due to reinforcement, becomes widely accepted and influences many aspects of American education
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Charlie Chaplin Leaves US
Alleged Communist Charlie Chaplin leaves U.S. for good. Justice Dept. warns him any attempt to reenter the country will be challenged Information Please: 1953 -
President Eisenhower
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower inaugurated President of United States Information Please: 1953 -
Civil Rights Movement
Rosa Parks, a Montgomery, Alabama seamstress, refuses to give up her seat on the bus to a Caucasian passenger and is subsequently arrested and fined. The Montgomery bus boycott follows, giving impetus to the Civil Rights Movement. A year later, in the case of Browder v. Gale, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that segregated seating on buses unconstitutional
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Period: to
Third Wave
Information Age -
Bloom's Taxonomy
The Taxonomy of Educational Objectives: The Cassification of Educational Goals; Handbook I: Cognitive Domain is published. Often referred to simply as “Bloom’s Taxonomy” because of its primary author, Benjamin S. Bloom, the document actually has four coauthors . Still widely used today, Bloom’s Taxonomy divides the cognitive domain into six levels. Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Enforced Integration
Federal troops enforce integration in Little Rock, Arkansas as the Little Rock 9 enroll at Central High School.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Sputnik
The Soviet Union launches Sputnik, the first satellite to orbit the Earth. Occurring in the midst of the Cold War, it represents both a potential threat to American national security as well as a blow to national pride.Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
West Side Story Brings Violence to the Stage
Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story debuts on Broadway and brings violence to the stage Information Please: 1957 -
Ideal American depicted through Leave it To Beaver
Leave It to Beaver premieres on CBS, ushering in an era of television shows that depict the ideal American.
Information Please: 1957 -
First Japanese Car Sold in US
The first Japanese car, a Toyota, is sold in the United States. Timeline of American Business -
National Defense Education Act
At least partially because of Sputnik, science and science education become important concerns in the U.S., resulting in the passage of the National Defense Education Act (NDEA) which authorizes increased funding for scientific research as well as science, mathematics, and foreign language education.Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Project Mercury
NASA initiates Project Mercury, aimed at putting a man in space within two years. Information Please: 1958 -
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First Integrated Circuit
Jack S. Kilby of Texas Instruments (US) supervises the development of the first integrated circuit. Information Please: 1959 -
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Tamla Motown Recrd Labels
Berry Gordy launches the Tamla and Motown record labels after borrowing $800 from his family. Timeline of American Business -
JFK Defeats Nixon in Presidential Race
John F. Kennedy defeats Richard Nixon in a closely-fought presidential race. Information Please: 1960 -
70 Million People watch Presidential Debate
Seventy million people watch the presidential debate between Sen. John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon. Information Please: 1960 -
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First Communications Satellite
Echo I, the first communications satellite, is launched. Read more: Information Please: 1960 -
First Weather Satellite
NASA launches Tiros I, the first weather satellite.
Information Please: 1960 -
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First US Astronaut
First US astronaut, Navy Cmdr. Alan B. Shepard, Jr., rockets 116.5 miles up in 302-mile trip Information Please: 1961 -
Second American Astronaut
Virgil Grissom becomes second American astronaut, making 118-mile-high, 303-mile-long rocket flight over Atlantic Information Please: 1961 -
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Vygotsky - Thought and Language
First published in 1934, Lev Vygotsky's book, Thought and Language is introduced to the English-speaking world. Though he lives to be only 38, Vygotsky's ideas regarding the social nature of learning provide important foundational principles for contemporary social constructivist theories. He is perhaps best known for his concept of "Zone of Proximal Development."
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
No Prayer in School
In the case of Engel v. Vitale, the U. S. Supreme Court rules that the state of New York's Regents prayer violates the First Amendment. The ruling specifies that "state officials may not compose an official state prayer and require that it be recited in the public schools of the State at the beginning of each school day. . . "
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Transatlantic Television Transmission
The first transatlantic television transmission occurs via the Telstar Satellite, making worldwide television and cable networks a reality. Information Please: 1962 -
First American to Orbit Earth
Lt. Col. John H. Glenn, Jr., is first American to orbit Earth—three times in 4 hours 55 minutes Information Please: 1962 -
Probe Reaches Venus
Mariner II, the first interplanetary probe, reaches Venus. Information Please: 1962 -
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First Kmart
The first Kmart store opens in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. Timeline of American Business -
JFK Assassinated
President John F. Kennedy is assassinated. Schools close as the nation mourns its loss. Lyndon Johnson becomes president. Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
I Have a Dream
"March on Washington," civil rights rally held by 200,000 blacks and whites in Washington, D.C.; Martin Luther King delivers "I have a dream" speech Information Please: 1963 -
Civil Rights Act Becomes Law
The Civil Rights Act becomes law. It prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion or national origin.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Bob Dylan - Social Protest with Songs
Folk musician Bob Dylan becomes increasingly popular during this time of social protest with songs expressing objection to the condition of American society.
Information Please: 1964 -
Project Head Start
Project Head Start, a preschool education program for children from low-income families, begins as an eight-week summer program. Part of the "War on Poverty," the program continues to this day as the longest-running anti-poverty program in the U.S.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is passed on April 9. Part of Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty," it provides federal funds to help low-income students, which results in the initiation of educational programs such as Title I and bilingual education.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Bruner's - Toward a Theory of Instruction
Jerome Bruner's Toward a Theory of Instruction is published. His views regarding learning help to popularize the cognitive learning theory as an alternative to behaviorism.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
MLK Assassinated
Dr. Martin Luther King, Nobel Prize winner and leader of the American Civil Rights Movement, is assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4th. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, observed on the third Monday of January, celebrates his "life and legacy."Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
First African American Woman in U.S. Congress
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm, an African American educator, becomes the first African American woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Blue Ribbon Sport's First Best-Selling shoe
Blue Ribbon Sports's (later renamed Nike) first best-selling shoe, the Cortez, takes the United States by storm. Timeline of American Business -
Motion Picture Rating System
The motion picture rating system debuts with G, PG, R and X.
Information Please: 1968 -
Apollo
The successful flight of Apollo 8 makes Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot James Lovell, and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders the first people to orbit the moon.
Information Please: 1968 -
Kohl - The Open Classroom
Herbert R. Kohl's book, The Open Classroom, helps to promote open education, an approach emphasizing student-centered classrooms and active, holistic learning. The conservative back-to-the-basics movement of the 1970s begins at least partially as a backlash against open education.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Dayton Hudson Corportaion
The J. L. Hudson Company and the Dayton Company merge to form the Dayton Hudson Corporation. Timeline of American Business -
President Nixon
Richard M. Nixon is inaugurated 37th President of the US
Nixon begins "Vietnamization" in Southeast Asia
Information Please: 1969 -
Woodstock
In August, more than half a million people gather in the small, upstate New York town of Bethel (near Woodstock, N.Y.) for four days of rain, sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. Performers include Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, andmore Information Please: 1969 -
Ban on Cigarette Advertising
The FCC bans all cigarette advertising on television and radio Information Please: 1969 -
Men on the Moon
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first humans to walk on the moon.
Information Please: 1969 -
In vitro
The first in vitro fertilization of a human egg is performed in Cambridge, Information Please: 1969 -
Foundation for Internet
ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency) goes online in December, connecting four major US universities. Designed for research, education, and government organizations, it is the foundation upon which the Internet will eventually be built. Information Please: 1969 -
ARPANET
ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), the first "packet-switching" network and precursor of the internet, is created by the U.S. Defense Department. Its first message is sent October 29, at about 10:30 P.M.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Illich - Deschooling Society
In his controversial book, Deschooling Society, Ivan Illich sharply criticizes traditional schools and calls for the end of compulsory school attendance.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Piaget - The Science of Education
Jean Piaget's book, The Science of Education, is published. His Learning Cycle model helps to popularize discovery-based teaching approaches, particularly in the sciences.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
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Introduction of Bar Codes
Bar codes (computer-scanned binary signal code) are introduced for retail and industrial use in England. Information Please: 1970 -
e-Book Invented
Michael Hart, founder of Project Guttenberg, invents the e-Book
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
First STarbucks
The first Starbucks coffee shop opens in Seattle, Washington. Timeline of American Business -
Anti-War Efforts
Anti-war militants attempt to disrupt government business in Washington —police and military units arrest as many as 12,000; most are later released. Information Please: 1971 -
Lower Voting Age
Twenty-sixth Amendment to US Constitution lowers voting age to 18. Information Please: 1971 -
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Beginning of Watergate Scandal
Five men are apprehended by police in attempt to bug Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C.’s Watergate complex—start of the Watergate scandal Information Please: 1972 -
Death Penalty Unconstitutional
US Supreme Court rules that death penalty is unconstitutional Information Please: 1972 -
TV and Violence in Children
The National Institute of Mental Health and the surgeon general issue a report that claims exposure to violence on television fosters aggression in children. Information Please: 1972 -
Pong
Atari introduces the arcade version of Pong, the first video game. The home version comes out in 1974 Information Please: 1972 -
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Email
Electronic mail is introduced. Queen Elizabeth will send her first email in 1976. Information Please: 1972 -
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FedEx
From its hub airport in Memphis, Tennessee, FedEx begins service to twenty-five U.S. citites. Timeline of American Business -
Watergate Ends
Nixon, on national TV, accepts responsibility, but not blame, for Watergate; accepts resignations of H. R. Haldeman and John D. Ehrlichman, fires John W. Dean III as counsel Information Please: 1973 -
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is designed and in 1983 it becomes the standard for communicating between computers over the Internet. Information Please: 1973 -
PBS Series about a Dysfunctional Family
PBS airs the series An American Family, about the dysfunctional Loud family. Information Please: 1973 -
Ruling on Roe v. Wade
US Supreme Court rules on Roe v. Wade legalizing abortion in the first trimester Information Please: 1973 -
Famous Amos
Wally "Famous" Amos begins baking cookies to sell commercially. Timeline of American Business -
President Ford
Vice President Gerald R. Ford of Michigan is sworn in as 38th President of the US Information Please: 1974 -
Nixon Pardoned
Ford grants "full, free, and absolute pardon" to ex-President Nixon Information Please: 1974 -
Ban on Genetic Engineering Research
For safety reasons, the National Academy of Sciences calls for a temporary ban on some types of genetic engineering research.
Information Please: 1974 -
Why Johnny Can't Write
Newsweek's December 8 cover story, "Why Johnny Can't Write," heats up the debate about national literacy and the back-to-the-basics movement.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Microsoft Formed
Bill Gates and Paul Allen form Microsoft to develop software for personal computers. Timeline of American Business -
Home Computer Kit
The Altair home computer kit allows consumers to build and program their own personal computers.
Information Please: 1975 -
Family Hour on TV
ABC, CBS and NBC agree to create a "family hour," an early evening time slot that is free of violence and sex. Information Please: 1975 -
Apple Computer Company Formed
Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak form the Apple Computer Company and sell their first personal computers. Timeline of American Business -
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Apple II - First Successful Personal Computer
Apple Computer, now Apple Inc., introduces the Apple II, one of the first successful personal computers. It and its offspring, the Apple IIe, become popular in schools as students begin to learn with computer games such as Oregon Trail and Odell Lake.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
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Home Depot
Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank open the first three Home Depot stores in Atlanta, Georgia. Timeline of American Business -
Reagan
Ronald Reagan is elected president, ushering in a new conservative era, not only in foreign and economic policy, but in education as well. However, he never carries out his pledge to reduce the federal role in education by eliminating the Department of Education, which had become a Cabinet level agency that same year under the Carter administration..
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
CNN
Ted Turner starts CNN, the first twenty-four-hour cable news station.
Timeline of American Business -
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First Solar-Powered Flight
Janice Brown, a 98-lb. former teacher, makes the first long-distance solar-powered flight in the Solar Challenger. Information Please: 1980 -
Teach Your Own
John Holt's book, Teach Your Own: A Hopeful Path for Education, adds momentum to the homeschooling movement.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
IBM - First PC
IBM introduces its version of the personal computer (PC) with its Model 5150. It's operating system is MS-DOS.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
MTV
MTV goes on the air running around the clock music videos, debuting with "Video Killed the Radio Star." Information Please: 1981 -
TV Cameras
The Supreme Court rules to allow television cameras in the courtroom.
Information Please: 1981 -
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Nutrasweet
The FDA approves the use of the artificial sweetener aspartame (Nutrasweet).
Information Please: 1981 -
Sandra Day O'Conner
Reagan nominates Judge Sandra Day O'Connor, 51, of Arizona, as first woman on US Supreme Court Information Please: 1981 -
Hunter - Mastery Teaching
Madeline C. Hunter's book, Mastery Teaching, is published. Her direct instruction teaching model becomes widely used as teachers throughout the country attend her workshops and become "Hunterized."
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Local Abortion Restrictions Unconstitutional
US Supreme Court declares many local abortion restrictions unconstitutional Information Please: 1983 -
CDs Begin to Replace Records
With the introduction of noise-free compact discs, the vinyl record begins a steep decline.
Information Please: 1983 http://www.infoplease.com/year/1983.html#ixzz1dE39OOW9 -
Crack
"Crack" cocaine is developed in the Bahamas, and soon appears in the United States.
Information Please: 1983 -
Testing of Cell Phone Service
The FCC authorizes Motorola to begin testing cellular phone service in Chicago. Information Please: 1983 -
Nation at Risk
The report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education, A Nation at Risk, calls for sweeping reforms in public education and teacher training. Among their recommendations is a forward-looking call for expanding high school requirements to include the study of computer science.
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Dell Computers
Michael Dell officially forms Dell Computer Corporation; Dell becomes one of the first companies to make clones of IBM personal computers. Timeline of American Business -
Microsoft Windows 1.0
Microsoft Windows 1.0, the first independent version of Windows, is released, setting the stage for subsequent versions that make MS-DOS obsolete. Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Space Shuttle Challenger
Christa McAuliffe is chosen by NASA from among more than 11,000 applicants to be the first teacher-astronaut, but her mission ends tragically as the Space Shuttle Challenger explodes 73 seconds after its launch, killing McAuliffe and the other six members of the crew. Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Quantum Computer Services
Steve Case helps start Quantum Computer Services, which later becomes America Online (AOL). Timeline of American Business -
Desktop Publishing
With the availability of relatively inexpensive laser printers and computers, tools for desktop publishing begin to be commonly used
Information Please: 1985 -
TV Becomes Prominent in Households
The Television Bureau of Advertising announces that the average American household watches television for more than seven hours a day Information Please: 1986 -
Encycopoedia on CD-ROM
The Academic American Encyclopedia is available on CD-ROM. It is the first reference work published in this medium Information Please: 1986 -
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Microsoft Bookshelf
Microsoft Bookshelf is Microsoft's first product on CD-ROM. Timeline of American Business -
University of Phoenix - Online Campus
The University of Phoenix establishes their "online campus," the first to offer online bachelor's and master's degrees. It becomes the "largest private university in North America."
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Time Warner
Time, Inc., and Warner Communications merge, forming Time Warner. Timeline of American Business -
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Human Gene Transfer
Human gene transfer developed by Steven Rosenberg, R. Michael Blaese, and W. French Anderson Information Please: 1989 -
First World Wide Web Server
First World Wide Web server and browser developed by Tim Berners-Lee
Information Please: 1989 -
First Web Client Server Protocol
Tim Berners-Lee, a British engineer and computer scientist called by many the inventor of the internet, writes the first web client-server protocol (Hypertext Translation Protocol or http), which allows two computers to communicate. On August 6, 1991, he puts the first web site on line from a computer at the CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) in order to facilitate information sharing among scientists Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Norplant
The FDA approves use of the surgically-implanted contraceptive Norplant. Information Please: 1990 -
Clean Air Act
President Bush signs the Clean Air Act, mandating a variety of pollution-reducing changes in the automobile and fuel industries Information Please: 1990 -
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Smart Board
The smart board (interactive white board) is introduced by SMART Technologies.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Condom Advertising on TV
Fox Broadcasting is the first network to permit condom advertising on television.
Information Please: 1991 -
Grunge Movement
Seattle band Nirvana releases the song "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on the LP Nevermind and enjoys national success. With Nirvana's hit comes the grunge movement, which is characterized by distorted guitars, dispirited vocals and lots of flannel.
Information Please: 1991 -
Gopher
Gopher, the first user-friendly internet interface, is created at the University of Minnesota and named after the school mascot. Gopher becomes the most popular interface for several years. Information Please: 1991 -
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President Clinton
Bill Clinton elected President, Al Gore Vice President; Democrats keep control of Congress
Information Please: 1992 -
World Wide Web
A text-based Web browser is made available to the public; within a few years, millions of people become regular users of the World Wide Web Information Please: 1992 -
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Fourth Wave
Communication Age -
Case for Constructivist Classrooms
Jacqueline and Martin Brooks' In Search of Understanding: The Case for Constructivist Classrooms is published. It is one many books and articles describing constructivism, a view that learning best occurs through active construction of knowledge rather than its passive reception. Constructivist learning theory, with roots such as the work of Dewey, Bruner, Piaget, and Vygotsky, becomes extremely popular in the 1990s. Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D.
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First Online Only University
Jones International University becomes the first university "to exist completely online."
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Synthetic Growth Hormone - BST
The FDA approves the use of the synthetic hormone BST (bovine somatotropin) to increase milk production in dairy cows Information Please: 1993 -
First Humans Cloned
First humans cloned. Cells taken from defective human embryos that were to be discarded in infertility clinic are grown in vitro and develop up to 32-cell stage and then are destroyed Information Please: 1993 -
First Commerical Web Browser
Jim Clark and Mark Andreesan found Mosaic Communications. The corporation is later renamed Netscape Communications. On December 15th, they release the first commercial web browser, Mozilla 1.0. It is available without cost to individuals and non-profit organizations. By the summer of 1995, more than 80% of internet users are browsing with Netscape! Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
CompuHigh - First Online High School
CompuHigh is founded. It claims to be the first online high school
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Whiteboards in the Classroom
Whiteboards find their way into U.S. classrooms in increasing numbers and begin to replace the blackboard.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
www.ge.com
General Electric launches www.ge.com , becoming the first Fortune 500 company to go online. Timeline of American Business -
Popularity of Internet Increases
White House launches Web page. Initial commerce sites are established and mass marketing campaigns are launched via email, introducing the term "spamming" to the Internet vocabulary. Information Please: 1994 -
Calves Cloned
Dr. Ned First (US) clones calves from cells of early embryos. Information Please: 1994 -
First Genetically Engineered Food Product
The FDA approves the Flavr Savr tomato, the first genetically-engineered food product Information Please: 1994 -
Improving America's Schools Act
The Improving America's Schools Act (IASA) is signed into law by President Bill Clinton on January 25th. It. reauthorizes the ESEA of 1965 and includes reforms for Title I; increased funding for bilingual and immigrant education; and provisions for public charter schools, drop-out prevention, and educational technology. Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Amazon.com
Jeff Bezos opens Amazon.com on the Internet, offering one million titles.
Timeline of American Business -
First Cloned Sheep
Drs. Ian Wilmut and Keith Campbell (UK) create the world's first cloned sheep, Megan and Morag, from embryo cells.
Information Please: 1995 -
Banks - Multicultural Education
James Banks' book, Multicultural Education: Transformative Knowledge and Action, makes an important contribution to the growing body of scholarship regarding multiculturalism in education..
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
MSNBC
Microsoft and General Electric (owner of NBC) launch computer/television network MSNBC. Timeline of American Business -
Legislation Deregulates Telecommunications
President Bill Clinton signs legislation that significantly deregulates telecommunications, creating almost limitless opportunities for broadcasters and cable companies. Information Please: 1996 -
Standard Set for HDTV
Broadcasters and television and PC manufacturers agree on a standard for HDTV (high-definition digital television). Information Please: 1996 -
Internet and Computer Use Increase
Approximately 30 million people are using the Internet in North America (United States and Canada) 43.2 million (44%) of US households own a personal computer,
Information Please: 1996 -
Rating System on TV
The controversial television ratings system debuts on cable stations and broadcast networks. The ratings, TV-Y, TV-G, TV-Y7, TV-PG, TV-14 and TV-M, appear for 15 seconds in the upper left-hand corner of the screen at the beginning of each show, except news and sports programs, which are not rated
Information Please: 1997 -
First Openly Gay Woman on TV
Ellen DeGeneres outs herself. She becomes the first openly gay woman to have her own sitcom. Information Please: 1997 -
First Sheep with Human Gene
A team led by Drs. Ian Wilmut and Keith Campbell (UK) create the first sheep with a human gene in every cell of its body. The genetically engineered lamb is named Dolly
Information Please: 1997 -
Google set ups Workplace in a Garage
Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin set up a workplace for their newly incorporated search engine in a Menlo Park, California garage.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
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Columbine
On April 20th, two Columbine High School students go on a killing spree that leaves 15 dead and 23 wounded at the Littleton, Colorado school, making it the nations' deadliest school shooting incident. Though schools tighten safety procedures as a result of the Columbine massacre, school shootings continue to occur at an alarming rate.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Continued Growth of Internet
The number of Internet users worldwide reaches 150 million by the beginning of 1999. Over 50% are from the United States Information Please: 1999 -
Ravitch - Left Back
Diane Ravitch's book, Left Back: A Century of Failed School Reforms , criticizes progressive educational policies and argues for a more traditional, academically-oriented education. Her views, which are reminiscent of the "back to the basics" movement of the late 1970s and 1980s, are representative of the current conservative trend in education and the nation at large Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
NCLB
The controversial No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is approved by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush on January 8, 2002. The law, which reauthorizes the ESEA of 1965 and replaces the Bilingual Education Act of 1968, mandates high-stakes student testing, holds schools accountable for student achievement levels, and provides penalties for schools that do not make adequate yearly progress toward meeting the goals of NCLB. <a href='http://www.cloudnet.com/~edrbsass/educationhis -
AOL Time Warner
America Online purchases Time Warner, forming AOL Time Warner. Timeline of American Business -
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Defects in Cloning
Cloning animals results in defects. Scientists report mounting evidence of random genetic errors that threaten similar efforts to duplicate humans Information Please: 2001 -
Global Warming
Report by National Academy of Sciences announces that global warming is on the rise. Leading scientists reaffirm mainstream view that human activity is largely responsible Information Please: 2001 -
President Approves Funds for Embryo Research
In address to the nation, President Bush approves the use of federal funds for studies on human embryos, but says that research with such funds must be limited to cells that have already been extracted. He declares government will not finance destruction of new embryos Information Please: 2001 -
Invasion of Afghanistan
United States and Coalition Forces vs. the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to fight terrorism.
American History Timeline -
Invention of iPod
The iPod originated with a business idea dreamed up by Tony Fadell, an independent inventor. Fadell's idea was to take an MP3 player, build a Napster music sale service to complement it, and build a company around it. Apple hired Fadell in early 2001 and assigned him a team of about 30 people, including designers, programmers and hardware engineers IdeaFinder -
9/11
Nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijack four commercial jet airliners on the morning of September 11. They crash two into the twin towers of the World Trade Center and another into the Pentagon. The fourth plane crashes in a rural area of Pennsylvania as passengers try to retake it from the hijackers. A total of 2976 victims as well as the 19 terrorists are killedEdmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Hewlett-Packard Becomes 2nd Largest Computer Manufacturer
The purchase of Compaq Computer Corporation makes Hewlett-Packard the second-largest computer manufacturer in the world. Timeline of American Business -
North American Council for Online Learning
The North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing K-12 online education, is "launched as a formal corporate entity."
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
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iTunes Music Store - Easy Access to Music
The Recording Industry Association of America cracked down on people who illegally swapped more than 1,000 songs over the Internet, filing lawsuits against hundreds of people, including a 12-year-old girl. Apple Computer, however, made downloading both affordable and easy with its iTune Music Store. It allows fans to download tunes for 99 cents each. Information Please: 2003 -
iPod Evolving
By 2004, iPod is in its 4th Generation along with new 1st Generation of mini iPod and iPod Photo
iPod History -
Downloading Music Continues
The number of songs and albums downloaded from the Internet continues at break-neck speed. Apple's iTunes sells its 200,000,000th song. According to Nielsen SoundScan, music fans bought 5.5 million digital albums and 140 million digital songs.
Information Please: 2004 -
Pluto No Longer a Planet
The International Astronomical Union votes to redefine the solar system, and Pluto loses its status as a planet. It is reclassified as a dwarf planet
Information Please: 2006 -
iPod Touch
The iPod touch has the iPhone's multi-touch interface, with a physical home button off the touch screen. The home screen has a list of buttons for the available applications which include Music, Videos, Photos, iTunes, Safari, YouTube, Mail, Maps and Widgets. Software upgrades sold by Apple expand the iPod touch's functionality by adding more features. iPod History -
iPhone
The first ever iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs at the Macworld Conference and Expo in San Francisco in January 2007. Based on the iPod, it was effectively an entire computer that happened to make phone calls. Telegraph -
Obama
Barack Obama defeats John McCain and is elected the 44th President of the United States. Substantial changes in the No Child Left Behind Act are eventually expected, but with two ongoing wars as well as the current preoccupation with our nation's economic problems, reauthorization of NCLB is unlikely to happen any time soon. Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Obama Elected President
Democratic senator Barack Obama wins the presidential election against Sen. John McCain, taking 338 electoral votes to McCain's 161. Obama becomes the first African American to be elected president of the United States. Also in the election, Democrats increase their majority in the House and pick up five seats in the Senate. Information Please: 2008 -
Gay Marriage in California
Voters in California narrowly pass a ballot measure, Proposition 8, that overturns the May 15, 2008, California Supreme Court decision that said same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry Information Please: 2008 -
Common Core State Standards Initiative
The Common Core State Standards Initiative, "a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers," is launched. It is expected that many, perhaps most, states will adopt them.
Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
American Reinvestment and Recovery Act
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 provides more than 90-billion dollars for education, nearly half of which goes to local school districts to prevent layoffs and for school modernization and repair. It includes the Race to the Top initiative, a 4.35-billion-dollar program designed to induce reform in K-12 education. Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Quest to Learn
Quest to Learn (Q2L), the first school to teach primarily through game-based learning, opens in September in New York City with a class of sixth graders There are plans to add a grade each year until the school serves students in grades xix through twelve. Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D. -
Texting While Driving
President Obama signs an executive order banning federal workers from texting while driving Information Please: 2009 -
iPad Released
The iPad was introduced to the U.S. market in April 2010. In just over four months, the iPad reached 51 billion in sales- the fastest ever for a consumer device.
The ipad 2 continues the tradition by posting strong sales after its introduction in March 2011
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