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First School
The first school was created in 1635. It was a Latin Grammar School designed for certain sons of certain social classes who are destined for leadership in the church, state, or courts. the first school is important because without it we may not have the education system we have today. -
"Free School"
The first "free school" in Virginia opens. However, education in the Southern colonies is taught by the parents or guardians. With this "free school" more kids have access to learning. -
Harvard
Harvard College, the first higher education institution, is established in Newtowne, Massachusetts. Harvard is a major school and was a building block to start other colleges. -
Hartford
Hartford Public High School opens in Hartford Connecticut. It is the second oldest High school in the US. High schools allowed older students to get a higher education and prepare them for collage if they chose to go. -
The Massachusetts Bay School Law
The Massachusetts Bay School Law is passed. It requires that parents make sure their children know the principles of religion and the capital laws of the commonwealth. Making the children know religion and commonwealth is no longer a law. Now everyone has their choice of religion. -
Famous educator
Christopher Dock, a Mennonite and one of Pennsylvania's most famous educators, arrives from Germany and opens a school in Montgomery County, PA. Educators are now more well known and students are wanting to learn from them. -
The Ursuline Academy
The Ursuline Academy of New Orleans is founded. A Catholic school for girls sponsored by Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula, it is the oldest continuously operating school for girls and the oldest Catholic school in the U.S. previously girls were only taught cooking and sewing but now girls are given more education and even a private one. -
The First English Academy
Benjamin Franklin helps to establish the first English Academy in Philadelphia with a curriculum that is both classical and modern. The academy ultimately becomes the University of Pennsylvania. This school has both classical and modern curriculum so it has twice as much for students to learn. -
An Act to Establish Public Education
Thomas Jefferson authors Bill 79, which provides a comprehensive plan for public education. It is presented in the Virginia House of Delegates several times before a revised bill titled, "An Act to Establish Public Education," is finally passed in 1796. Now that students have a plan they can more successfully grow their knowledge. (1778-1779) -
A Grammatical Institute of the English Language
Because of his dissatisfaction with English textbooks of the day, Noah Webster writes A Grammatical Institute of the English Language , a spelling book, a grammar book, and a reader. They become very widely used throughout the United States. With books improving the education students are getting is also increasing. (1783-1785) -
Blackboards
James Pillans invented the modern blackboard. This is important because now notes and lessons can be seen by all the students. -
Massachusetts Law
The state of Massachusetts passes a law requiring more than 500 families to have a public high school open to all students. -
The African Institute
The African Institute, later called the Institute for Colored Youth, opens in Cheyney, Pennsylvania. Now called Cheyney University, it the oldest institution of higher learning for African Americans. Higher learning for African Americans is important because all children need to learn. -
Attendance Law
Massachusetts enacts the first mandatory attendance law. All states have the attendance law by 1918. This law makes sure all kids go to school so that they can successfully get a full education. -
The Department of Education
The Department of Education is created in order to help states establish effective school systems. Having effective schools systems will make sure all schools are teaching all the children the same and everything they will need in order to be successful. -
The Association of American Universities
The Association of American Universities is founded to promote higher standards and put U.S. universities on an equal footing with European Universities. Now all universities have the same education standards. -
AFT & AERA
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is founded. So is the American Educational Research Association (AERA). These were created to bring teachers and educators together and protects them and students from racial inequality. -
SAT
The Scholastic Aptitude Test, SAT, is first administered. It is based on the Army Alpha test. The SATs are still taken today and are used to get college scholarship and make sure your ready for college. -
The National School Lunch Act
Recognizing the need for a permanent legislative basis for a school lunch program, the 79th Congress approves the National School Lunch Act. Making sure kids are fed is important so that they can properly learn. -
ESEA
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is passed on April 9. It provides federal funds to help low-income students, which results in the initiation of educational programs. Helping low-income students provides an education for those who can't afford one.