Educational History of America - A timeline of significant events leading up to today! by Reggie Cadotte
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Importance of Religious and Cultural Preservation
Pilgrims arrived in the early 1600's and understood immediately that maintaining familiarity of common knowledge and lifestyles would be important to surviving in a new environment. Preservation of their culture and religion was necessary for their survival in unfamiliar territory. Only a few people were familiar with this type of knowledge and the history of education in America begins through families and churches. -
Families and Local Communities Decide Fate of Education
Early colonists realized that a key to survival was providing education to the citizenry. Educational goals varied by region and was determined by the local economy and religion. Governmental influence was also a key factor in how education was addressed in each locality and each colony. Education is decidedly necessary for all, however, the educators continue to have strong religious backgrounds and ideals. -
Separation of Church and State Realized Through First Amendment to US Constitution
The American Revolution provided a foundation for starting a new way of life for the American people. The government of this new nation decided that freedom should prevail from all sources of oppression. The First Amendment to the Constitution allowed for the separation of church and state in regards to providing educational services to the general public. -
Segregation and Desegregation Increases Diverse Approaches to Education
In the late 1890's, the Plessy v. Ferguson law provided that educational opportunities should be provided for all, but this was not necessarily the case in terms of quality resources and instruction. This time period, coupling with Jim Crowe laws, forced a hard look at the purpose of education in America. Brown v. Board of Education stated that this separate but equal approach was unconstitutional and that education should be available to everyone regardless of race. -
Online Education Expands Opportunities for Future
A combination of online education with face-to-face time with instructors is identified as beneficial by the Department of Education in a 2009 report. Many colleges and universities have well established online learning environments with high success rates. Federal and State laws in regards to online learning for future students continues to be discussed.
