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The Beginning
The Boston Latin School opened in 1635, beginning the nation's oldest public school. Schools taught family skills, religion, and community. They focused less on academics. The girls were taught how to read but not write.
Source: Boston Public Library -
The Development
Following the Revolutionary War, Thomas Jefferson worked to push for an education supported by taxpayer dollars. The government did not begin installing this proposal until nearly a century later. During the 18th century, schools in which one teacher taught students of all ages in one room began. These were called Common Schools. Sometimes parents lacked the money to pay, so they offered housing or other materials in exchange.
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The Focus
Academics became the focal point of schools. The system was formalized, and Massachusetts was the first to create a Board of Education and free public education. Horace Mann, who served as a state legislator and on the Board, extended the length of the school year to 6 months and increased teacher pay and available resources. The government began to ensure schools met specific guidelines. Public schooling became common in the South. -
Foundations
The Department of Education was founded in 1867.
Source: The Vision Public Domain -
Early Establishing
School attendance became mandatory for ages 8-14 in 31 states by the 1900s. All states required students to complete elementary school.
Source: Pixabay -
Dewey's Theory
John Dewey developed the idea of progressive education. His theory claimed children would be educated in order to reach their fullest potential.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3fm6wNzK70 -
Review and Readjust
Scholars decided to adjust's the government's role in education. New legislation to assist students was enacted by lawmakers. Additional funding to local schools and eligibility for low to middle-income students for federal aid through the Higher Education Act began in 1965.
Source: Pixabay -
Brown vs. Board
The United States struggled with racially-segregated schools. Throughout the 1970s, segregated schooling was eradicated.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwxprgouAYU -
Prevention Acts
Legislators began to pass Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These were designed to prevent discrimination against race, gender, and disabilities in schools. This began in 1960 and ended in 1970.
Source: Pixabays -
Programs
The Indian Education Act authorized many grants and a program for Indian children and adults was introduced. The Office of Indian Education and the National Advisory Council on Indian Education was established.
Source: Pixabay -
Education for All
The education for All Handicapped Children Act was established. This requires schools to facilitate free education for disabled students and keep conditions suitable.
Source: Pixabay -
Changes
Public charter schools began to spread, the first being in Minnesota. Legal provisions for homeschooling also began.
Source: Pixabay -
Expectations
President George W. Bush reauthorized The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which was renamed No Child Left Behind. This Act brought in standard-based testing, and penalties for schools that failed.
Source: Pixabay -
Choices
School choice programs became more prevalent.
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Achievement
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was reauthorized by President Obama as the Every Student Succeeds Act, which provides many measures of assessments to ensure students are reaching achievements.
Source: Pixabay -
Initiatives
President Trump worked to expand school choice by doing the Educational Freedom Scholarships.
Source: Pixabay -
Federal Involvement
President Biden is creating education programs using the most federal involvement in half a century. His program involves 17 years of school, and preschool would be available for 3-year-old children. He also wants to create the first two years of community college free.
Source: Pixabay