-
Common Schools
Common schools began showing up around 1820, where people wished for the idea of having free public education available for everyone, no matter how diverse they were. Horrace Mann's contributions toward the common schools movement were most recognized. He felt everyone should be able to have access to education. This major event in history helped shape the education system today with free public education still being around. (Pearson, Becoming a Teacher.) -
Kindergarten Movement
In 1837, Frobel opened the first Kindergarten, or "garden of children." Frobel believed that constructive play and activity were important aspects to possess in an early child's life. Though it was unique during the Kindergarten movement, this historical event is one that is still used and commonly known today. https://www.britannica.com/topic/education/Froebel-and-the-kindergarten-movement -
Brown v. Board of Education
On May 17, 1954, The U.S. Supreme Court made the decision to ban segregated schools, as it went against the U.S. constitution. This moment ended the "separate but equal" act, that was previously in place. Some were for it, some were against it. This moment was an important stepping stone in education and equality, and helped shape our schools today.
https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education -
National Defense Education Act
On September 2, 1958, U.S. federal legislation provided funds to encourage American schools to meet criteria provided by the government, also persuading the opportunity to attend post secondary schools. The goal was to be able to compete against the Soviet Union in areas of Science and Technology. This event helped us learn that federal government shouldn't mix/intrude with the schooling system.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/National-Defense-Education-Act -
Education For All Handicapped Children Act
In 1975, President Gerald Ford passed the EHA. This ensured that free public education would be provided to every child with a disability. This opened the opportunity for more than one million children with disabilities to have access to a education system. This major event was a huge step forward in the American education system.
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/IDEA-History#1975