-
The First Board of Education
In the 1830s Horace Mann began to advocate for the creation of public schools that could be available to all children, funded by the state. The first board of education was created in Massachusetts after establishing the first public high school and free public school to all grades. The United States Department of Education was not established until 1867. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Landmark decision where the supreme court declared state laws establishing separate public schools for students of different races to be unconstitutional. It was the start of equal rights in schools for students of different races. It was revolutionary in the civil rights movement, and it was very important for so many people. -
Little Rock Nine
The first black students to test the Brown v. Board of Education ruling. They attempted to go into the school but were blocked by the Arkansas National Guard who did not let them in. Later that month, President Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock to escort the nine students into school. By doing this it drew national attention to the civil rights movement. -
National Defense Education Act
Provided funding to improve American schools and to promote postsecondary education. The goal was to enable the country's educational system to meet the demands posed by national security needs. It stands as a major act of reform. It marked the beginning of large-scale involvement of the U.S. federal government in education. The NDEA was amended in 1964. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This brought education into the forefront of the national assault on poverty and represented a landmark commitment to equal access to a quality education. It provides funds to primary and secondary education, emphasizing high standards and accountability. It has been reauthorized every five years since it was introduced. -
Title IX
It stated that "no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." It gave an equal opportunity for girls to be able to play sports competitively with funding from the school. It also had a huge impact on athletics, especially at the college level. YouTube -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
By passing this law, Congress opened public school doors for millions of children with disabilities which led them to be able to have an education that they once weren't allowed to have. The inclusion of these students gives not only them a chance at a better future, but also their families. It gave these students a chance at an equal opportunity education, and it showed society that they can be involved in not only schools, but society as a whole.
YouTube -
Columbine High School Shooting
At the time of the shooting, this was the deadliest shooting in U.S history, killing 13 people and wounding 20 others. It promoted a national debate on gun control and school safety, as well as a major investigation to determine what motivated the gunmen. After the shooting many schools across America enacted "zero-tolerance" rules regarding behavior and threats of violence from students. It was speculated that the reason the gunmen decided to do this was because of bullying from other students. -
No Child Left Behind Act
Aimed at improving public primary and secondary schools, and thus student performance, via increased accountability for schools, school districts, and states. Improved the curriculum in schools and dramatically increased the regulation of state school systems. States were also required to administer yearly tests of reading and math to demonstrate progress. Teachers were also required to meet higher standards for certification. In 2015 Obama signed into law Every Student Succeeds Act.