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The American Revolution's Influences
After the American Revolution, the government realized that in order to keep the democratic ideals they valued, universal education was needed. They taught standards based in American art, history, law, independent thinking, and commitment to the promise of an American culture. This was included as one of the most important events of education history because was the start of the current common core standards that dictate what schools teach today. (Owings, 2015, p.101) -
Banning Enslaved Children from Learning to Read or Write
There are amazing breakthroughs in history for education, but there are also terrible setbacks that should be acknowledge because the consequences are still prevalent today. Just as efforts to provide free education for white people flourished, from 1800 to 1835 laws prohibiting enslaved children from learning to read or write were enacted in most southern states. The goal was to create a submissive labor force as it was known that education could liberate slaves. (Owings, 2015, pp. 115-116) -
School Specifically for Teacher Education
The first state funded school specifically for teacher education (then known as "normal" schools) opened in Lexington, Massachusetts. "Henry Barnard professionalized teaching by awakening teachers to learn and use appropriate pedagogical behaviors." (Owings, 2015, p129) He set standards for teachers because he recognized the importance of teaching the nation. This is a critical event in history because it would soon create the important standard for all teachers to be formerly educated. -
Brown vs Board of Education
The Brown vs Board of Education trial marks a monuments occasion. It is when supreme court ruled that, "separate but equal was inherently unequal," (Owings, 2015, p.151) carving the path to racial equality in America. The ruling that decided segregated schools deprived minority children of equivalent education opportunities opened the door for the Civil rights act to occur just 10 years later which ended all state laws requiring segregation which allowed for diverse more populations in schools. -
No Child Left Behind Act
This law was passed to tie federal funds to student's academic achievement. It was meant as a motivator but had negative consequences for schools in areas where education was not a priority to the students or where teachers lacked effective pedagogies. The consequent lack of funding caused the schools to often get worse, furthering the apathy for school in the students. This is an important land mark in education because it has widened the gap of residential segregation. (Owings, 2015, p.163)
