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Northwest Land Ordinance
This ordinance provided the foundation for community led education. Land was set aside for that express purpose. -
Population Growth and Immigration
As the United States grew in size and population there were a greater number of children that needed educated. It began the discussion on communities assimilating into a bigger society or whether culture should be conserved always. -
Progressive Reform Movement
The progressive movement called for a more problem-solving oriented way of education. Students were encouraged to apply lessons and experience the world. -
World War II
MOST IMPORTANT
The GI bill that was passed allowed for returned veterans to go to universities with government subsidies. School population also increased drastically with baby boomers. Oregon State University -
Brown v Board of Education
MOST IMPORTANT Separate but equal classrooms were not viable. Every student had the right to quality education. Many black educators lost their jobs because the faculty were not integrated. PBS -
Sputnik
It became the education system's fault that America was not "keeping up" with the USSR. Emphasis was placed on STEM. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
LBJ signed this act in hopes of shortening achievement gaps. It got the federal government involved in education's funding. -
Civil Rights Movement
Called for the enforcement of Brown v Board. It began opening opportunities for people of color in the classroom. However, many people of color who were teachers lost jobs as segregation was ending. -
War on Poverty
In an effort to end poverty focus was placed onto education. It was the school's job to lift families into the middle class. -
Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act
MOST IMPORTANT All students have a right to education in a least restrictive environment. This is extremely important and a worthy goal. However, the federal government has not kept its word on footing the bill. IDEA.ed.gov -
Growth of Standardized Testing
MOST IMPORTANT Standardized testing set a similar bar to compare all students across the country. It was a big proponent of the Reagan administration. This gave schools an accountability for their performance. Sage Testing -
A Nation at Risk Report
MOST IMPORTANT This began anew the paranoia of inadequate education in America. Poor studies showed that the US was falling behind in many key areas. It became a tool used by the far right to privatize education. It really hurt progress in education and rallied behind an essentialism viewpoint. A Nation at Risk (This cartoon says NCLB but I think it can substitute well for essentialism) -
School Choice Movement
Attempts at privatizing education lead to conflicts of interest with funding. -
No Child Left Behind
Highly qualified teachers were required in classrooms. Put a lot of stress on teachers. -
ESSA
Prioritizes education being available to all students. This clarified the goals of government in education.
