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Massachusetts School Law of 1642
Law that began compulsory education. Select men chosen to ensure proper teaching of children by their apprentice. -
Jefferson's Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge
Jefferson advocated for several years for public schools to be widely available throughout the U.S. Began the education system as we know it today. Still affecting education today because this bill began government involvement in education. https://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/bill-more-general-diffusion-knowledge -
Webster published Elementary Spelling Book
Published in 1783. Became first American textbook. Represents separation from Britain. Webster changed spelling of English to be more American. -
Secondary School Act
In 1831, the fIrst American comprehensive (and coeducational) high school, offering both English and classical courses of study, was opened in Lowell, Massachusetts. -
Sarah Robert's case
Benjamin Roberts tried to enroll Sarah into a better school other than the “Smith School” notorious for being run down. Refused admission to 4 other schools closer than the Smith School. 1849 sued for integration, 1855 segregation in schools was abolished in Massachusetts. -
Committee of Ten
The National Education Association established the Committee of Ten. Beginning of standardization of teaching. -
First modern multiple choice test
Frederick Kelly created the first modern multiple choice test in 1914 -
Brown v. Board of Education
Topeka, KS, Strictly segregated schools. Schools were separate but NOT equal. Argued by NAACP and Thurgood Marshall. Unanimous decision for desegregation of schools. Changed education completely because of equal rights and equality for all races to go to school together. http://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/history-brown-v-board-education-re-enactment -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Civil rights act had an effect on many part of society but had a huge impact on education. Signed by LBJ states and school districts could lose federal funding if they did not segregate schools. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 1965
If schools would desegregate they would receive large grants from the government for school. Passed by LBJ. 97% black students would attend southern schools. -
School Choice Movement
Other options other than public school began to be available, i.e. charter school, academies. Began a marketplace/capitalistic model within schools. Encouraged competition. Best teachers created small alternative schools within already existing buildings. Effecting education today because parents have choice to send their students to different school other than public. https://www.edchoice.org/school-choice/what-is-school-choice/ -
Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, 1975
Congress enacted this law to allow for free, public education for all students with disabilities. No longer isolated/hidden. IDEA strengthened greater inclusion in public schools. Transition services created. Has helped drastically increase the graduation rate for students with disabilities and ability for students with disabilities to get jobs. https://idea.ed.gov/ -
A Nation at Risk Report
President Reagan gave a report about standards being too low and education not focused. American view of public schools changed drastically. -
No Child Left Behind
Enacted by George W. Bush. Increased standardized testing. Benchmarks set for teachers and students to reach that had financial consequences for schools if not met. Still impacting education today because of change from whole child education to testing and benchmarks. https://www2.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml -
Common Core
Nationwide standards and unified expectations for whole country. Focus on core subjects, standards for all subjects. Standardized testing still emphasized. Enacted during Obama presidency. Still effecting education today as it is the current system of education used. Highly debated effectiveness. https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2014/05/27/307755798/the-common-core-faq#q1
