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The First Free School
The first free school in open Virginia. At this time, education in the Southern colonies is still more typically provided at home by parents or tutors. -
Northwest Ordinance
Plan for western expansion that bans slavery in new states, and establishes that a section of land in every township of each new state be reserved for the support of education. Assists in the growth of schools. -
Horace Mann
Horace Mann becomes Secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Education. He is a big proponent of public/free schools, Mann works hard for increased funding of public schools and better training for teachers -
Formation of National Teachers Association
National Teachers Associationfounded by forty-three educators in Philadelphia. -
U.S. Enters WWII
The U.S. enters World War II after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor on December 7. -
First Computer (1 of 5 Most Important)
The ENIAC was invented by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at the University of Pennsylvania and began construction in 1943 and was not completed until 1946. Analysis:
This event was extremely important in the progression of education. The impacts of the creation of the first computer continue to influence technology today. We are now able to make use of technology in the classroom to provide more effective instruction. -
Brown Vs. Board of Ed (1 of 5 Most Important)
The decision reverses Plessy v Ferguson, ruling that separate is not equal, and outlaws segregation. Analysis:
This ruling by the supreme court allowed for the equal treatment of all students. Today, the educational system that we have still continues to take into account this ruling when making decisions.This case changed the way that education works for the better. -
National Defense Ed Act (1 of 5 Most Important)
Passed as a result of Sputnik, authorizes increased funding for scientific research as well as science, mathematics, and foreign language education. Analysis:
While this act at the time was instituted as a result of rivalry amongst the U.S. and Russia it still has many implications for education today. This act has ultimately resulted in the U.S. placeing a high value on science and mathematics. Because of this act, the U.S. continually strives to be the best in education. -
Civil Rights Act
Civil Rights Act ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. -
Elementary and Secondary Ed. Act (1 of 5 Most Important)
Part of Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty," it provides federal funds to help low-income students, which results in the initiation of educational programs such as Title I and bilingual education. Analysis:
This act provides aid for students who need it. Today, the federal government provides extra funding to individuals of poverty. This act helps to create equality in schools. -
Rehabilitation Act
this act guarantees civil rights for people with disabilities in the context of federally funded institutions and requires accommodations in schools including participation in programs and activities as well as access to buildings. -
Teach for America
Teach for America is formed. -
Santa Fe School District vs. Doe
U.S. Supreme Court rules that the district's policy of allowing student-led prayer prior to football games violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. -
No Child Left Behind
The law, which reauthorizes the ESEA of 1965 and replaces the Bilingual Education Act of 1968, mandates high-stakes student testing, holds schools accountable for student achievement levels, and provides penalties for schools that do not make adequate yearly progress toward meeting the goals of NCLB. -
Common Core (1 of 5 Most Important)
Establishment of commonly accepted standards for school requirements. Analysis:
The common core provides a set of requirements for every teacher to teach according to grade and content area. The core allows for a more uniform method of teaching. It helps to eliminate inconsistances across both schools and states.
