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New England Primer published
Published between 1687 and 1690 by Benjamin Harris, this was used as the first schoolbook for the new world. This would serve as a useful tool to give each New World resident enough education to read the local newspaper, or do their taxes.
The New England Primer. (2017). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_England_Primer -
John Locke's "Some Thoughts Concerning Education" is published in America
John Locke published "Some Thoughts Concerning Education" in 1693. The contents of the pamphlet showed discern for current educational affairs and stated educated boys should be morally upright, rational young gentlemen. He also expressed what could be done differently to teach them, rather than make them suffer during school hours.
Hasall, Paul. (1998). English philosophers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. New York, P. F. Collier & son [c1910] Harvard classics; no.XXXVII. -
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American Revolutionary War
The war that was fought between the 13 original colonies and the British Empire over the colonies' independence. This war created a new nation and started a new style of democratic government, which some called a new chapter in their history as a freed nation.
Wallace, William. American Revolution. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/event/American-Revolution/Land-campaigns-from-1778#toc229883 -
Thomas Jefferson and Educating the Masses
Thomas Jefferson proposed a two-track educational system for students, which was composed of a 3-year school plan. Certain students received extra years if they showed brilliant promise as aristocrats and political figures. This was a step in the right direction for the concept of "universal education" in the United States.
Thomas Jefferson on Politics and People. "Educating the People". Retrieved from https://famguardian.org/Subjects/Politics/thomasjefferson/jeff1350.htm -
Noah Webster's "A Grammatical Institute of the American Language" is published
Noah Webster published this forerunner to his dictionary sometime between 1783 and 1785. It carried within it its own English language, separate from British English. It also changed the curriculum from British history to newly founded American history. The book was a huge success, bringing with it a new wave of curriculum.
Webster, Noah. "A Grammatical Institute of the American Language". (2007). Hartford. Hudson and Goodwin. Retrieved from http://www.donpotter.net/pdf/webster-1783.pdf -
Horace Mann becomes Secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Education
Horace Mann was a visionary and wanted public education to be a common thing. He would later fight for better funding of public schools and better-trained teachers. He stated that people could not retain freedom while being ignorant, thus education was a necessity. His beliefs in universal education granted him more support and soon helped him to bring it to the forefront of the American public.
"Horace Mann". Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/horace-mann-9397522 -
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American Civil War
The American Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865, mainly over the sectionalism of the economy of the United States, protectionism of the people in both north and south, and the subject of slavery and whether or not it was ethical. This gave way to developments in both social and political grounds, making way for new educational points.
"A Brief Overview of the American Civil War". (2017). Civil War Trust. Retrieved from https://www.civilwar.org/learn/articles/brief-overview-american-civil-war -
Department of Education is created
The Department of Education was created in 1867 to collect information and keep tabs on the school systems in the country. The department would soon develop into a larger system that keeps track of curriculum, aids smaller school districts and promotes student achievement and preparation for global comparison.
"The Federal Role in Education". (2017). Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/fed/role.html
