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First Public High School
The first public high school opens in Boston. This school offered a public option for education and college preparations for students who before would have had to attend boarding schools at a high cost. This marked the beginning of the public awareness of the need for a free public education for all students. It established the need for education beyond the primary and intermediate level. This millstone set in place the establishment of a public education system which we enjoy toady. -
Horace Mann Appointed as Secretary of Education
Horace Mann dubbed the “Father of Education” was appointed as the first secretary of education. He fought for universal, free education for everyone. He believed that education was the “great equalizer” and would help create a nation free of class distinction and poverty. Even though the fight for educational equality and accessibility for all would continue for years; Mann brought it to the forefront and laid the groundwork for the public school system we have today. -
Morrill Act
Land grant established by the federal government resulted in 11 million acres of land given to states to establish public college; before this higher education was only available to those with wealth. This enabled states to establish colleges accessible to all and provide higher learning for the general population. In turn it made the K-12 system more important in the entire educational system. It was no longer the end of the education journey but a step in the process to continuing education. -
Committee of Ten
NEA establishes standard high school curriculum that included traditional liberal arts studies. No mater a student’s background, future education plans or career choice all would follow the same guidelines. This placed upon all students the same expectations for learning. It set the bar high for all students; they would be prepared for college regardless of what path they chose. So many High School students can be unsure of what they want, this left doors of higher education open for them. -
Brown Vs. Board of Education
The U. S. Supreme rules that the long standing separate but equal policy used to segregate schools was unconstitutional; schools would be integrated. Although this ruling was focused on providing equality for African American students it laid the ground work for equality for all. The ruling was the beginning of a long battle to provide schools with equal opportunities for all students. This was the start of making public schools a place for all regardless of race, religion, sex and abilities.
