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The Colonial Period
The colonists maintained a vigorous emphasis on education. In fact, by 1700 some colonies could boast literacy rates that were superior to England's. -
The Impact of Horace Mann
Horace Mann is known for proposing the idea of a public school. Although his plan was initially extremely opposed, his main goal was to have high quality education that even the poor would be able to attend. Today, most schools in the United States are public schools, and we have Horace Mann to thank for that! (Most Important)
http://www.pbs.org/onlyateacher/horace.html -
The Impact of John Dewey
John Dewey was considered "The Father of Progressive Education". He believed that if schools were integrated in all areas of development of a child, they would be much better. -
The Impact of Jefferson, Rush, and Webster
These three men helped to improve the education system. Thomas Jefferson worked to improve curriculum and encourage higher education, Benjamin Rush was an advocate for the education of women and Blacks, and Noah Webster created textbooks and contributed to the common school system. -
Population Growth and Immigration
Immigration in the 19th century brought over 22 million people to the United States, and 70% of them were students. Schools were overcrowded and usually could not accommodate all of the new children. In addition, most children didn't speak English and many worked in factories. This led to much growth and evolution in the education system, such as the creation of laws that still exist today. (Most important)
http://borderbattles.ssrc.org/Hirschman/printable.html -
Secondary School Movement
Initially, high schools weren't seen as an important advancement to the masses and, therefore, had a slow beginning. After the Civil War, high schools became more popular and taxation created more funding to allow high schools to become part of the public school system in every state. -
The Gary Plan
The purpose of the Gary Plan was to make children involved and interested in what they were learning. The motto was "work, study, play". -
The Progressive Reform Movement
A "child-centered education" was the idea behind the Progressive Reform Movement. The intent was to get children out of the factories and into schools. Progressive education included learning outside of the classroom and more focus on all areas of a child's development. Education today still includes these ideas. (Most important)
https://miquon.org/about/progressive-education/history-of-progressive-education/ -
The Impact of World War II
As the economy began to recover from the Great Depression, factories needed more workers and education funds were reduced to help with the war effort. Although college enrollment initially decreased, colleges began providing specialized training to prepare men for military service, war industries, and other essential activities. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
Brown vs. Board of Education was a Supreme Court case that officially desegregated schools in the United States. The general principles of the movement were later applied to the rights of women, racial and ethnic groups, the aged, and the disabled. -
Sputnik and NDEA
The National Defense Education Act (NDEA) was a result of the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik. There was an increase in funding and increased rigor with an academic core in English, math, science, and social studies. Today, there is still a huge push for more STEM education and more advances for education in general. (Most important)
http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/minute/Sputnik_Spurs_Passage_of_National_Defense_Education_Act.htm -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This act provided more than $1 billion in federal funds to education. -
A Nation at Risk Report
This report described a "rising tide of mediocrity". As a result, there were higher graduation requirements, standardized curriculum mandates, raised certification requirements for teachers, as well as many other educational reforms. -
The Standards Movement
The Standards Movement brought new national standards and assessment systems to education. Emphasis shifted from educational inputs to educational outcomes. By 2000, 48 states had academic standards. Standards play a huge role in today's education system. (Most important)
http://www.sonoma.edu/users/p/phelan/423/standards.html -
No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind required that by the 2005-06 school year all states must have developed standards for what every child should know and learn in math and reading and that 95% of all students be tested annually to determine their progress in meeting the standards.
