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Massachusetts Law 1647
Massachusetts Bay Colony passes a law requiring towns to provide for the education of children. Schools were to be supported by taxation and the sale of public lands. This is the first attempt to create publicly funded schools in the Americas, a tradition that lasts today. -
The Hull House
Hull House was founded by Jane Addams in part to educate poor children, many of whom were recently arrived immigrants. Members of the Hull House have also pushed for societal reforms such as Child Labor Laws. The Hull House is a great example of the belief that education is the great equalizer in society. -
Scopes Trial
John Scopes was arrested for teaching evolution in a Tennessee public school. Scopes had violated the Butler Act which had made it illegal to teach evolution in public schools. The bill was upheld as Constitutional. The Scopes Trial was one of many examples of political or religious ideology influencing what is taught in public schools. -
Lemon v. Kurtzman
The Supreme Court case sets up a test by which legislation and schools actions violate the First Amendment clause that establishes the separation of church and state. The "Lemon Test" as it is known, determines if an action by a school promotes religion. This decision has been applied to "prayer in school" cases and also applies to after school activities. -
1983 A Nation at Risk Report
After a report that concluded that students in the United States were falling behind students in other countries it was suggested that the American Education system be overhauled. it was suggested that all students take certain core classes to compete in the international economy. Longer school days and higher standards for teachers were two of many suggested changes in the report.
