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Education in the United States: It's Historical Roots

  • The Colonial Period

    The Colonial Period
    The roots of American educational system are established. Religion was an integral part of the colony and as suspected the schools reflected the settlers' values and beliefs. As a result, schooling in colonial America had the same class and gender distinctions common in Europe. Formal education was reserved for wealthy white males, and ignored females, people of color and those less wealthy.
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    The Colonial Period

    The roots of American educational system are established. Religion was an integral part of the colony and as suspected the schools reflected the settlers' values and beliefs. As a result, schooling in colonial America had the same class and gender distinctions common in Europe. Formal education was reserved
  • Boston Latin Grammar School

    Boston Latin Grammar School
    It was the first latin grammar school, a college preparatory school, designed to help boys prepare for teh ministry or a career in law.
  • Franklin's Academy

    Franklin's Academy
    Benjamin Franklin opened the Academy of Philadelphia in 1751. Free of religious orientation and uniquely American, an academy was a secondary school that focused on the practical needs of the colony. Math, navigation, astronomy, bookkeeping, logic, and courses from the menu, whcih created the precedent for electives and alternative programs at teh secondary level that exist today.
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    Native American Treaty

    Federal government signs nearly 400 treaties with Native American nations and tribes.
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    The Early National Period

    Before 1775, the United States was a loose collection of seperate colonies that looked mostly to Europe for trade and ideas. During the 45 years from 1775 to 1820 however, the seperate colonies became the United States of America, and this country shaped its future through the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
  • The Early National Period

    The Early National Period
    The Constitution removes formal religion from the schools and establishes state responsibility in education.
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    The Common School Movement: The Rise of State Support for Public Education

    Free public schooling becomes accessible to all students. Historians describe the period from 1820 to 1865 as the "Age of the Common Man". During this time period state and local governments taxed citizens directly to support public schools. States created state education departments and appointed state superintendents of instruction. With all the obstacles the program still prospered.
  • The Common School Movement: The Rise of State Support for Public Education

    The Common School Movement: The Rise of State Support for Public Education
    Free public schooling becomes accessible to most students.
  • English Classical School

    English Classical School
    Focused on needs of boys not attending college. In 1824 it was renamed English High School. This was the first free secondary school designed to meet the needs of boys not planning to attend college. The idea of schools as such spread slowly because many were opposed to paying taxes for a school that has to compete with acadmies.
  • Committee of Ten

    Committee of Ten
    The Committee of Ten was a working group of educators that, in 1892, recommended the standardization of American high school curriculum.
  • The Evolution of the American High School - Today

    The Evolution of the American High School - Today
    In 1635 the first American High School was created, The Boston Latin Grammar School. It was established only for the elite. In reaction to this narrow minded academic orientation Benjamin Franklin opened the Academy of Philadelphia in 1751. Free of religious orientation and uniquely American, an academy was a secondary school that focused on the practical needs of colonial America.
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    The Modern Era

    Where we are now...
  • Indian Education Act

    Indian Education Act
    Indian Education Act establishes Office of Indian Education. The 1972 Indian Education Act was the landmark legislation establishing a comprehensive approach to meeting the unique needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students.