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Boston Latin School
Boston Latin School was founded in 1635 and is the oldest public school in the United States. This school when it was opened allowed all boys of all social classes. This school paved the way and set precedent for other public schools to follow. This school's alumni includes some of the biggest names in American history including a couple founding fathers.
https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-boston-latin-school-alumni-and-students/reference -
Teacher Unions
The National Education Association was founded. This is the first labor union for teachers in the country. Teacher unions have played an important role in American education ever since.
https://www.thoughtco.com/an-overview-of-the-national-education-association-3194786#:~:text=History.%20The%20National%20Education%20Association%20%28NEA%29%20was%20formed,but%20they%20were%20only%20on%20the%20state%20level. -
Morrill Land-Grant College Act
Act of Congress that granted land to states to use for public institutions to teach agriculture and mechanic arts. The military training curriculum at each of these colleges led to the present day ROTC program at colleges. This act greatly expanded the amount of post-secondary education for people around the United States and was later expanded upon with the Morrill Act of 1890.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Land-Grant-College-Act-of-1862 -
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
The Supreme Court of the United States of America ruled that the separate but equal policy established by Plessy v. Ferguson has no place within education. This ruling bans segregation in school but does not explain how to desegregate. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/brown-v-board-of-education-of-topeka -
Sputnik
When Sputnik was launched into space in 1957 it started the Space Race. This spurred an increase of hands-on laboratory science and other sciences in the classroom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHCeLvy5z-I -
Little Rock Nine
Nine African American students attempted to attend Little Rock Central High School. These children challenged racial segregation in Little Rock, Arkansas, and attempted to desegregate one of the first schools in the South. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym8rdtq-KBE -
Title IX
Title IX was part of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibited any discrimination based on sex in any education program or activity receiving federal funds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FlC6QXiFu0 -
A Nation at Risk
Ronald Reagan ordered a review of the nation's schools during the early 1980s. This review said that American schools were falling behind other countries and that other countries could easily pass the United States in education.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9WMI703WrA -
Columbine
A tragic shooting that happened in 1999 resulting in the loss of 15 people, including the two responsible for the attack. This attack was one of the first mass school shootings that set off debates about gun violence in school still continuing to this day. The shooting also resulted in the question of why two young adults would murder teachers and students. This event has led to more people being aware of shootings, mental health, and bullying.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=henwjoVALS8 -
Every Student Succeeds Act
The Every Student Succeeds Act was an act of Congress reactivates the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. This act also revises the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i69cO5Ku_7Y
