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Horace Mann: First State Board of Education
Mann, as the first appointed secretary of such an organization, campaigned for a Universal public schooling system. He realized there was not enough accountability for education at the local level nor sufficient teacher training & wanted education to be available to EVERYONE. He saw education as the "great equalizer" and that it was necessary for the freedom of future generations. His speaking abilities and charisma reformed education of the time, deeming him "the Father of Education". -
Child Study Movement
G. Stanley Hall initiated a series of psychological studies on child development. Backed by scientific evidence, the notion emerged that adults are responsible for shaping and fostering development through stages rather than trying to control it.This concept helped adults, especially teachers, realize that they needed to meet kids where they were at to help them succeed. It caused the formality in kindergarten to be pushed to later grades & laid the foundation for a student-centered approach. -
Brown v Board of Education
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of desegregating public schools, a big step in the right direction for equal educational opportunities in public schools. Not only did this help to eliminate the negative psychological effects of such practice, but it provided more equal opportunities and improved academic outcomes. There was backlash, but it was a monumental moment for both education and society as a whole. -
PL 94-142 "And Beyond"
This set a definition for children with disabilities and called for inclusion for them within the public school system. It provided for a free and appropriate education (which was not available prior) for students with special needs and accommodation for those needs. Today, those students are typically included in a regular classroom setting as well as part of their inclusive education in an ever-evolving system. -
No Child Left Behind Act
George W. Bush signed this act to reauthorize ESEA funds to attempt to hold states, districts, and schools accountable for the unequal achievements across the board. Although there have been challenges that arose with it, student achievement has increased somewhat, and the achievement gap lessened. It has promoted for schools to help all students succeed, in attempt to prohibit any student from "falling through the cracks".
