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First State Board of Education
The first State Board of Education provided a base for universal education. Horace Mann, the first secretary of education, called for Common Schools. They were not perfect, but they opened the door to a future of free public education for all children, and created space for American children from diverse backgrounds to learn together. -
Morrill Act
The Morrill Act broadened the fields available in higher education. College level education was made a reality for more Americans. Widespread availability led to great economic advances, and stronger demand for free public education. -
Start of the Child Study Movement
Learning about how children learn and develop helped teachers better educate their students. Education started to shift from being subject centered to child centered. A blend of child and subject centered approaches are key to effectively educating children. -
IDEA Act
The IDEA Act and prior legislation allowed students with disabilities to have a more active role in society. Previously they had been cast to the side, but they are intelligent and creative PEOPLE! They deserve to have a place in society just like any other person, and an appropriate education can help them so just that. -
Common Core Standards
Common Core Standards provide a common goal for all students to bring unity. If every school sets their own standards, educational achievement becomes a moving target. It is difficult to define success if the target is constantly moving.
