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Franklin Academy
Benjamin Franklin created a system to teach practical subjects (math, astronomy, navigation, foreign languages) to both male and female students who could afford the tuition. The Franklin Academy paved the way for what we now consider core subjects in our American public education system. Image retrieved from
http://www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/features/1700s/penn1700s.html -
English Classical School
The first secondary public school (only boys), used to strengthen the English skills of males who had completed elementary school, but were not yet ready to attend Harvard. Later named the English High School, this showed the importance of creating a medium to further the education of students caught between the rift of not having all the necessary skills needed to be successful in college, upon the completion of elementary level education. Retrieved from
http://www.intellectualtakeout.org -
Horace Mann
The "Father of Public School" who fought to establish a free, but high-quality education for children of all backgrounds. His perseverance has influenced the public education system today by showing the importance of having only well equipped teachers in the field, and by establishing teaching methods that benefit all students despite their socioeconomic, race, gender, or ethnic backgrounds. This idea is what grounds the public education system today. http://www.quote-coyote.com -
Kalamazoo, Michigan Case
Courts determined that secondary schools were a necessity, and taxes could be used to help improve the education in these said "stepping stones to better jobs". Americans as a society today, agree that funding and taxes can be used to improve the quality of public education. Many would agree that having students attend schools that are falling apart or behind in technological advancement, negatively affects the outcome of those students' education. http://www.migenweb.org/kalamazoo -
John Dewey (Progressive Education)
Emphasized the importance of democracy in public education, and that participation of respect for diversity, health concerns, and that the incorporation of social concerns in the classroom could help improve society at large.
Progressive education has helped with the creation of elective courses in secondary public schools, many of which have helped students determine what they want to do or study after graduating from high school. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/90635011226838645/
