-
Horace Mann
Horace Mann was the "Father of the Common School Movement". He served in the House of Representatives and held other political positions. He advocated for education and created the Common School popular in the 19th century. He passed away in 1859. -
Common School Era
Common Schools became popular under the direction of Horace Mann who believed children had a right to education. Common schools incorporated Bible teachings as well as moral and civic standards that students had to uphold. -
The Impact of John Dewey
Dewey believed in progressive education which is a more hands-on approach to learning for students. This includes exploring more and seeing what was around each child. -
Population Growth and Immigration in the 19th century
MOST IMPORANT. Due to the high rate of immigrants that were moving to the United States, schools and cities had an exponential amount of population growth. Teachers had to teach class in English with 10-15 languages being spoken among the children. It is still impactful because it shaped America and the education system and changed how we treat and interact with the education system today. -
The Measurement Movement
Psychologist Lewis Terman, implemented the IQ test in the schools to measure different rates of learning compared to students' ages. He used this to gage where they were academically in the American schools. -
The Impact of World War II
MOST IMPORTANT. During World War II, teachers and students left the schools for the war or lack of funds. In order to help provide funds for school districts, the Lanham Act 1941 was put in place and still runs today under the name Public Law 815 and 874. The war shaped the need and desire for education and schools for America. http://spartacus-educational.com/2WWeducationC.htm -
Brown vs Board of Education
MOST IMPORTANT. This Supreme Court ruling was incredibly influential to how American education ran and still runs today. The segregation between whites and blacks had hit its peak and this ruling changed a lot. It didn't stop segregation immediately or permanently, but it made a huge impact to have students learning together in schools.
https://www.nps.gov/brvb/index.htm -
Sputnik/Space Race
The Russians won the space race by launching the first satellite into space. It spent 3 months in orbit until it burned up in January of 1958 when reentering the atmosphere. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
MOST IMPORTANT. President Johnson signed and put into effect the ESEA which funds elementary and secondary education. It came on the heels of the Brown vs Board of Education ruling and enforced that schools discontinue segregation among students, staff, and facilities. It has influenced No Child Left Behind, signed by President George W. Bush and Every Students Succeeds Act by President Obama which are two acts that took education into the 21st century.
https://www.ed.gov/essa?src=ft -
The Civil Rights Movement
Several events contribute to the Civil Rights movement. Examples include the Brown vs Board of Education ruling, Rosa Parks' experience on the bus, March on Washington, Malcolm X, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968. -
A Nation at Risk Report
Under President Reagan's presidency, a report called A Nation at Risk was published detailing the evidence it found that American schools are failing. It was very controversial and brought a lot of attention to the education system in America and what was being done to improve it. -
The Standards Movement
In order to ensure that students were being taught well rounded and information lessons, standards were created to provide structure and clarity for the curriculum being taught. Teachers refer to standards to see what needs to be taught and in what manner. -
Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)
MOST IMPORTANT. This act was passed by President H. W. Bush to ensure that students with disabilities would be provided free education. It would fit their individual needs to provide them with equal opportunities. This was a huge change for students with disabilities who didn't get education or equal schooling in the past. This act has given so many opportunities since it was signed for students to be successful and educated in life. -
No Child Left Behind
Under President Bush, No Child Left Behind was signed and put into place. This law was an updated version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act signed in 1965. The main point for this law was to ensure student success and holding schools responsible for that success. -
School Choice Movement: Charter Schools, Vouchers
More options were being given to parents and students regarding education in America. They could choose what kind of school to attend and weren't being given the only option of public school. In 2004, the federal government funded the first voucher program.
