-
Period: Jan 1, 1500 to
The Foundation
The founders Martin Luther, John Amos Comenius, and John Locke brought us the idea that children should be educated at an early age. Martin Luther believed that literacy was important so that scripture could be read. John Amos Comenius wrote our first children's picture books, and believed in teaching through the senses. John Locke believed that the mind is a blank slate, and that parents, caretakers, and their experiences stimulate development. -
Period: to
Naturalism to Kindergarten
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was an advocate of allowing children to naturally learn at their own terms. Rousseau believed that children should not be forced to learn something that they were not ready for developmentally. Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, like others before him, believed in sensory learning in their environment. Robert Owen opened an infant school to practice his beliefs that children should have a controlled environment to learn in. He believed early education can shape better a society. -
Period: to
Father of Kindergarten
Friedrich Wilhelm believed that children should be allowed learn at their own pace. Wilhelm believed children should be observed, and given activities that foster learning. He believed that children are like seeds, and a teacher is the gardener. He provided children with learning toys, and games so that they could learn through play. His use of songs and creative activities, are some of the valuable learning tools still used today. -
Period: to
Progressive Education Theory
John Dewey's progressive theory, brought about child-centered curriculum and schools. Dewey believed that it is more important to focus on the child's interests. He found it important to bring practical lessons into the classroom. He was able to teach math and reading through cooking and like activities. His five basic principals are still used to this day. -
Period: to
The Montessori Method
Maria Montessori, developed a system to educate children by finding solutions to educate children with physical and mental disabilities. She believed that mental deficiency could be solved through education. Her methods are still used today. -
Period: to
The Race to Dominate and NDEA
World War II has ended and the US finds itself in a race with the Soviet Union for nuclear arms, to be the first in space, and to be the most dominant country. After the Soviet Union launches the first satellite, Sputnik, the US passes the National Defense Education Act. The NDEA provided funding for STEM and foreign language education. NDEA was aimed at preparing students to compete, and strive for high achievements. This act thought of education as a national defense. -
Period: to
Civil Rights, EOA, ESEA, and NCLB
The Civil Rights Act paved the way for education assistance, and rights. The Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) provided programs to assist those in poverty. This act was changed in 1981 to the Head Start Act.The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was passed in 1965 to provide financial education assistance for low-income families. The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act of 2001 provides funding to schools based on test scores and progress, to promote accountability. -
Period: to
Children with Disabilities
The Education of All Handicapped Children Act was implemented in 1975. In order to receive federal funding states must create and use policies the make sure that all children with disabilities receive a free appropriate education. This act is now the Individuals with Disabilities Act. It incorporates more provisions to ensure an equal education for all children.