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Boston Latin School
The first public school opened in Puritan, Massachusetts in 1635. It was the Boston Latin School which served only boys. -
Harvard College
Harvard College was the first college founded in the American colonies. -
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Horace Mann
Horace Mann ensured that every child received a basic education funded by local taxes. He spearheaded the Common School Movement. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
U.S. Supreme Court delivered the unanimous ruling in the civil rights case Brown v. Board of Education. Segregation of public schools was a violation of the 14th amendment and was therefore unconstitutional. This decision marked the end of the "separate but equal" precedent that was set by the Supreme Court nearly 60 years prior in the Plessyv. Ferguson. -
NDEA
National Defense Education Act was passed by congress. It provides funding to improve American schools and promote postsecondary education. -
Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination against students on basis of race. To implement this new law the government pledged to withhold any funds from schools not complying. Immediate action took place across the nation. This created a ripple effect that impacts us today of equalizing education opportunities. -
Elementary & Secondary Education Act
The ESEA was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. He believed that full educational opportunities should be the first goal. It offered grants to districts with low-income students, federal grants for textbooks and library books, funding for special education centers, and scholarships for low-income college students. -
Title IX
Title IX in education was enacted into law. It prohibits federally funded education institutions from discriminating against students or employees bases on sex. “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.” -
IDEA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) governs how states and public agencies provide early interventions, special education, and related services to more than 7.5 million people who are eligible. This includes infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. -
School Choice Movement
The School Choice Movement pushed the idea that students and parents should have a choice where to go to school. This gave the opportunity for both parent and student to personally select education opportunities instead of just on basis of where they live. -
No Child Left Behind
The No Child Left Behind Act was passed into law in 2001. It supported standards-based education that was build on the philosophy that setting high standards and establishing measurable goals for schools would improve individual outcomes for public school students. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
President Obama signed the ESSA. It was a better law that focused on the goals of preparing all students for success in college and careers. It requires that all students in America are taught to high academic standards that will prepare them to succeed.