-
First Free Public School
The first free public school was opened in Boston in 1635. Specifically, a Latin school. Taxpayer money funded the school. At this time education was primarily done in homes. This school opened up the door to public education and grew education tremendously throughout the United States. -
Period: to
Concept of Free Public Education
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and other leaders proposed the idea of a more formal and unified system of publicly funded schools. They came up with this idea in order to make it easier to educate people for citizenship. This idea was first brought up in the 1780s and was seen on a broad scale by the 1830s. -
Laws Passed to Ensure Schools In New States
With new states being admitted to the union, the government was putting a focus on education. Laws were passed in 1785 to give significant amounts of land to new states, only if they agreed to set aside part of the land exclusively for schools. This helped grow communities, create hundreds of schools, and form the school system. -
First Public High School
The first public high school was created in Boston in 1821. This kickstarted education and was the first step in educating the people of the United States. This was also the first time separating education in levels and not having every grade in the same building. -
First State Board of Education
Horace Mann, a state legislator initiated the creation of a statewide public education structure in Massachusetts. Mann brought forth ideas about a six-month school year, fought for teachers to get better pay, and increased classroom resources. -
Period: to
Federal Department of Education Created
The federal Department of Education was created in 1867 to analyze individual schools that would help states develop their effective public school systems. This main principle is the same today. By 1890, the Department of Education had expanded its horizons and was also responsible for supporting higher levels of education. -
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
Following Plessy v. Ferguson which determined the idea of "separate but equal" segregation was a huge problem. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka fought for equal quality of public education, regardless of race or income level throughout the United States. They ultimately ruled that segregated schools were not equal and they were abolished. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 improved the quality of education for low-income students and increased their opportunities. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensured educational opportunities for those who are disabled and have learning deficiencies. It also made sure their needs were tailored and they were getting the attention they needed. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act directed state testing in math and reading. This law also mandates reports of student scores of low-income, race, ethnicity, disability, and limited English proficiency.