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Ye Olde Deluder Satan law
It legally required schools in areas with enough population, showing the belief in the importance of education for the public. The government wanted students from all regions to be properly educated. Beginning then, schooling was controlled by the state rather than by the church, which continues to the modern day. -
The Influence of Horace Mann
“The father of American education,” Horace Mann changed public opinion and policy regarding free, public, high-quality education for all social classes. He made elementary school tuition-free for his state, and he improved teacher training. His ideas largely remain relevant and employed in schools today. -
Cardinal Principles Report of 1918
This report changed schools to better meet the needs and interests of individual students. More opportunities for individualized paths better serve an increasingly diverse student body. This idea of individualization in education persists to this day and is commonly used in classrooms across the nation. -
Brown Vs. The Board of Education
This ruling to desegregate schools and what followed it did much to narrow the racial achievement gap. It also had strong moral implications for schools and society. While America still struggles with the racial achievement gap and the de facto segregation of schools, this ruling was a huge step forward. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
This act increased the scope of public education to include handicapped students. Specific procedures were put in place to support their learning within public schools as well. It helped disabled students to be able to learn and achieve much more as well as be better integrated into society.
