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16th Century Humanistic Shift
To early American settlers, education was viewed as a way to develop a competent ruler who advances the welfare of people, rather than his own gains. John Locke concluded that people, not Kings, had civil and political rights. This 16th century humanistic shift framed education as a way to lift people up to a higher status in life, which is still at the foundation of our educational system today. This event marked the beginning of viewing education as a means to elevate society and oneself. -
First Education Laws in Massachusetts Bay Colony
The Plymouth Colony originally decided to leave education to the discretion of households and churches. This led to a variation of experimental elementary schools. After a decade, 7 of the 22 towns had some form of public school. As a result of not all towns providing schooling, the state intervened. In 1642, Massachusetts passed legislation that enabled men of each town to visit homes and see how education was being provided. This marked the beginning of attempts to regulate education. -
Dual-Track System
New England colonies re-created an education system found in England which required a minimum education for most children through The New England Town School (elementary school). This was controlled locally for boys and girls, ages 6 through 14. Students learned reading, writing, math, and religion and teachers were all men. This education system also included Latin grammar school, dame school, and the academy. This event points to the origins of organized schooling for different individuals. -
End of American Revolution - Start of Universal Education
By the end of the American Revolution, and at the start of a self-governing people, America's early leaders agreed that the people needed universal education. This would motivate all, or most, citizens to choose public over private schooling. This enabled the government to design education around American art, history, law, independent thinking, and commitment to American culture. Education was the vehicle for maintaining the new American. This also marked the separation of church and state. -
The Father of American Education
Public schools continued to expand with increased workplace and literacy demands. Public schooling was a way to bridge the gap between immigrants and promote a common experience. This brought about state control of the public educational school system in order to provide more equality throughout the increasingly diverse student body. In 1837, Massachusetts created the first State Board of Education and Horace Mann, or The Father of American Education, was its first secretary of education.
