-
1635 BCE
First school was created
The first public school in what would become the United States was established in Boston, Massachusetts by Horace Mann. -
National teachers association fund
In 1857, National Teachers Association was founded. It was created by forty-three educators in Philadelphia. Eventually, NTA became National Education Association. This put an emphasis on the teachers to educate students. -
Department of education established
In 1867, the Department of Education was established. It was created to help states establish effective school systems. -
Plessy vs Ferguson
The Supreme Court's ruling in Plessy effectively established the rule that "separate" facilities for blacks and whites were constitutional as long as they were "equal". This ushered in an era of legally sanctioned racial segregation. -
Stock market crash
On Black Tuesday--October 29, 1929--the stock market crashed, resulting in the beginning of the Great Depression. This had an effect on the entire nation, but especially in education. The Depression resulted in the loss of funding for schools, schools closed, teachers' salaries lowered, and layoffs. -
Brown vs Board of education
The decision reverses Plessy v. Ferguson, ruling that separate is not equal, and outlaws segregation. The decision held that the racial segregation of children in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Although the decision did not succeed in fully desegregating public education in the United States, it put the Constitution on the side of racial equality. -
Little Rock nine
The Little Rock 9 were a group of African American students who were prevented from entering their racially segregated high school. President Eisenhower had to send 10,000 federal troops to enforce the integration and protect the students. -
Title IX
Title 9 stated that no person can be excluded from a school program on the basis of their sex. This gave rise to more women athletics and other opportunities which previously were not granted. For more information: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/tix_dis.html -
No child left behind act
This Act set new government test standards that students must reach or the school district may face federal assistance money. This program was set in to help disadvantaged students reach the same goals as advanced students. Some people believe teachers are now teaching to strictly to meet those standards. -
The higher education act
The Higher Education Act of 1965 is reauthorized. The act helps students who come from a low or middle income background attend a higher education institute. The reauthorization of the act increased funds and programs for students who need it ("Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965", 2005).
