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The Colonial Period - 1600s
Religion had a big impact on learning. The curriculum focused on speech, arithmetic for business matters, and preaching. Boys went to school longer than girls. After girls learned the minimal, they were sent how to learn how to do motherly duties. In 1642, the first of many Massachusetts Bay School Law was passed. This law required parents to ensure that their children knew the principles of religion and the basic laws of the colony. -
1700s
Boys started attending college, for girls it was never heard of. English Grammar Schools came about in the 1700s, mainly for boys to pursue higher education although most weren't interested. They taught reading, writing, math, French, dancing, art, and music. Some of these subjects were taught for social aspects. In 1779 Thomas Jefferson proposed public schooling for the state of Virginia to guarantee responsible citizens. -
1800s
Schooling moved from at home teaching to one room school houses. Children of all ages were being taught by the same teacher. Age didn’t matter, they were taught by the book they were studying. Since most children had to help their families on the farm, school would only be in session during the winter and summer months. After the Civil War, in 1867 the US Department of Education establishes a more effective school system. -
1900s
While public schools were limited, private schools started to emerge.Children would often get disciplined by teachers in public schools. Girls were finally able to attend school by this time. The shift changed from girls learning motherly duties to actual education. This was a tough time in our history where we had segregated black and white people in anyway possible. Through the years of fighting for equal rights, The Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964. Black &white children were integrated. -
2000s
Segregation is gone. Many advances have come about since the 1900s. Technology plays a huge factor in education in the U.S. and globalization. Most jobs today require a post-secondary education. In 2001, The No Child Left Behind Act was passed giving children in low performing schools options for better schooling.
