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The Northwest Ordinance
Opposition to common schools on the basis of indoctrination of Protestant religion and anti-immigrant messages. Bishop Hughes “Dagger John”, an Irish Catholic, launched a rebellion as he was not willing to pay for his children to be indoctrinated. -
The Impact of Jefferson, Rush, and Webster
MOST IMPORTANT
Jefferson wrote the bill promoting free education for three years, then further education by ability. Rush envisioned a schooling system which would perpetuate itself by focusing on the academy to supply free schools. Webster wrote the blue backed speller, which contained patriotic and moral catechisms. This was the birth of public education. Link Modern Article -
Common Schools
MOST IMPORTANT Common Schools were the beginning of a free public schooling system. The purpose of the Common Schools was to teach a common body of knowledge for an equal chance to all, rich or poor. Link Common School Movement Information -
Population Growth and Immigration
As the Common Schools took off, immigrants flocked to America in greater numbers and in greater diversity. Many were Roman Catholic, Jewish, or German. -
Secondary Schools
Originally an alternative to grammar schools (a practical education) high schools were slow to grow because they were not demanded by the masses. They arose as part of a response to urbanization and were seen as more necessary to success.
As immigration, economy grew the schools gained momentum -
John Dewey
MOST IMPORTANT John Dewey, a Philosopher at the University of Chicago, was the father of progressive education, claiming that schools should be anchored in teaching the whole child socially, emotionally, and intellectually. His techniques included learning by doing, field trips, and health exercises which we still see today. [Link John Dewey as Philosopher] (www.iep.utm.edu/dewey/) -
The Progressive Reform Movement
The result of John Dewey's work in educational reform, progressive education emphasized the whole child. The schools in Gary, Indiana were exemplary in their incorporation of many learning experiences. -
WWII
World War II devastated the number of students enrolled in school as they chose to go to work and also depleted the teachers, who joined the military. -
The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
MOST IMPORTANT Though Brown vs. Board of Education had ruled in favor of integration, segregation was not conquered until ten years later. This marked a realization of constitutional rights for all in education. Link School Desegregation -
IDEA
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 marked the beginning of special education in schools. Today, inclusion continues to develop. -
The Impact of Horace Mann
Horace Mann was the Secretary Board of Education in Massachusetts who evaluated and publically reported on the condition of schools. He advocated for common schools and standardized classroom environments and materials. -
The Standards Movement
MOST IMPORTANT As a result of the A Nation At Risk report, standards of excellence in education were raised. The focus was on competition among schools and students, stricter academic policies and graduation requirements, and measurable success. The impact of this is controversial. Link Are We There Yet? -
A Nation at Risk Report
Under Reagan, the National Committee for Excellence in Education reported the mediocrity and passivity of American schools. -
School Choice
In response to the Standards Movements, many experimental schools were created to facilitate excellence by competition and allow for student and parent choice. -
No Child Left Behind Act
Bush passed this act to require student improvement and a nationwide margin of improvement The program also required that all teachers be highly qualified.
