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Period: 600 BCE to
Educational History
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500 BCE
Confucius
Confucius taught the importance of self-introspection. In particular, valuing the true motives and performing one’s duty to the best of his ability. Confucius was widely loved by his students – breaking with tradition, he became friendly and got to know them on a personal level and teaching them depending on their personalities and character traits.
He is widely regarded as one of the wisest minds of history and one of the first truly great educators. -
360 BCE
Aristotle
If I were to simplify Aristotle down to one word, the word would be moderation. He believes there is “a golden mean" by which, if we could all live our lives, they would be virtuous and full of joy. For example with respect to acting in the face of danger, courage is a mean between the excess of rashness and the deficiency of cowardice. For all virtues there is danger in having excess but also danger in being lacking, so the golden mean is the perfect middle and will lead to a satisfying life. -
Horace Mann
Mann developed his influential principles regarding public education and its troubles: citizens cannot maintain both ignorance and freedom; this education should be paid for, controlled and maintained by the public; this education should be provided in schools that embrace children from varying backgrounds; this education must be nonsectarian; this education must be taught using tenets of a free society; and this education must be provided by well-trained, professional teachers. -
Frederick Douglas
Frederick Douglass was a prominent American abolitionist, author and orator. Born a slave, Douglass escaped at age 20 and went on to become a world-renowned anti-slavery activist. For 16 years he edited an influential black newspaper and achieved international fame as an inspiring and persuasive speaker and writer. He used his eloquence and experience to speak out against slavery and racism. He is a living example of how the power of literacy and what change that power can bring. -
The first public school and normal school
Horace Mann spearheaded the creation and implantation of the public schools system. He was influenced by the Prussian "Common School" Model which most public schools still use to this day. The common school groups students by age and assigns them to different grades, something we take for granted today. The public school movement also lead to the founding of "Normal Schools" to train teachers on how to be better educators for the students in their classrooms. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education is one of the most pivotal opinions ever rendered by that body. This landmark decision highlights the U.S. Supreme Court’s role in affecting changes in national and social policy. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka was a landmark 1954 Supreme Court case in which the justices ruled unanimously that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional. -
John Wooden
John Wooden aka "The Wizard of Westwood" taught his players more than basketball. He imparted to each young man life lessons far more enduring than any inbounds play or hook shot. Wooden's precepts were uncomplicated but profound, worlds of wisdom wrapped up in six words or less. "Be quick, but don't hurry," reads one of his famous maxims. Wooden led by example, following his "Pyramid of Success" as faithfully as he preached it.
He embodied the role of coach and teacher -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA)
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was a cornerstone of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” This law brought education into the forefront of the national assault on poverty and represented a landmark commitment to equal access to quality education. ESEA is an extensive statute that funds primary and secondary education, emphasizing high standards and accountability. The act was signed into law on April 9, 1965. -
Title IX becomes public law
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972:
Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance.
Title IX states that:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. -
Howard Gardner's research for Multiple Intelligences is published
Theory of Multiple Intelligences broadens how we look at education. One of the most remarkable features of the theory of multiple intelligences is how it provides eight different potential pathways to learning. If a teacher is having difficulty reaching a student in the more traditional linguistic or logical ways of instruction, the theory of multiple intelligences suggests several other ways in which the material might be presented to facilitate effective learning. -
Chuck D (of Public Enemy)
Chuck D founded the group, ‘Public Enemy’. His lyrics are socially and politically charged and motivate fellow American, especially the African-American community, to rise against any prevailing discriminations and social evils. His views on some sensitive issues have snowballed into controversies, but he held fast to them. He expressed his concern about the use of drugs and guns by the black community which has contributed to their criminalization.
He is the father of "conscious rap" -
National School Walkout
On March 14th, 2018 students across the country took part in the National School Walkout to raise awareness to their growing concerns of gun violence and its impact on schools. This event is a powerful reminder that school isn't just about grades and transcripts but it shaping the minds of young people. They have voices and concerns that need to be acknowledged and heard.
Young people are reminded of the power they hold and when they rally together for a cause, the world takes notice.
