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Renaissance Influence on Colonial Education
Google This period is important because it is the foundation for the education system we have today. It strove to respect the individual and allowed room for question and exploration. Colonists were interested in maintaining a Renaissance influenced education system which would provide students with the ability to have productive lives. While there was constant disagreement about what should be taught, the general consensus was that one religion should not dominate the education of others. -
Separation of Church and State
Google While the founding fathers didn't specifically mention separation of church and state in relation to education, the concept is extremely important in maintaining a balanced education system.
Today, conservative and religious groups work to erode the public school system with budget cuts, vouchers and tightened regulation. The separation of church and state is vital to creating a safe learning atmosphere for all students regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or disability. -
Brown V. The Board of Education
Google In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that the concept of separate but equal was "inherently unequal" (p.151). This was important as it was the first acknowledgement (with 100 years of argument for this basic right behind it) that education was the basis of a productive and healthy society. While the Brown ruling did not magically open the doors of education to all people, it did begin to very slowly challenge the common belief that certain people (non-whites) are not worth being educated. -
Common Core
Google Common core is important because it introduced a set of country wide standards for what students and teachers. Common Core's detractors have valid arguments for why it shouldn't be required but it does provide a framework which was not previously available. Common Core provides a starting place for school districts to create methods of evaluation for student learning and teacher progress. For districts which do not have solid curriculum or systems in place, Common Core is a reference. -
Teacher Shortage's Influence on Education
Google Following Act 10 legislation, the state of Wisconsin saw a rapid decline of available teachers due to a surge of early retirements, teachers leaving the profession for another, and teacher job hopping from district to district. Act 10 is important as its effects were felt immediately by school districts. It's incredibly important as the effects felt by students now due to increased class sizes, decreased class availability and inconsistent teaching staff are yet to be determined.
