Historic Events that Shaped Public Education in the U.S.

By maggiedodge

  • Elizabeth Peabody establishes first kindergarten in Boston

    Specific date unknown. The kindergarten was established through philanthropy of wealthy friends and associates.

  • The Department of Education is created

    It was created to help states establish effective school systems.

  • The U.S. Supreme Court issued its historic Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas

    This established that segregated schools were unconstitutional. It called for desegregation across the nation.

  • The ACT is created

    Specific date unknown. This college readiness assessment is taken by many students to get into college.

  • Columbine high school students kill 15 and wound 23 in Littleton, CO

    Schools tighten safety procedures

  • No Child Left Behind is signed into law by George W. Bush

    The new law mandates high-stakes student testing, holds schools accountable for student achievement levels, and provides penalties for schools that do not make adequate yearly progress toward meeting the goals of NCLB.