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Jefferson's Impact on Public Education
Jefferson believed public education was essential to America's democracy. In order for America to reach its full potential, he believed that citizens needed to be forward thinkers who were capable of being a self-governing citizens. He proposed a bill in Virginia that would have established free schools every five to six miles. He also did not want schools under government supervision. He failed many times when trying to reform the American education system, but still left a lasting impact. -
The Common School Movement
The movement pushed for a tax funded, state public education system. Previously, only church groups and private schools provided the only available education. The movement developed the concept of an education system that served all of Americas' youth instead of only the elite. The common school was also to encourage a unique American culture during a time where immigrants from all over began to settle in America. -
The Impact of Horace Mann - MOST IMPORTANT
Horace Man was considered to be the “Father of the Common School Movement”. He believed that common schools should be free, public and universal because it would be the best way to morally and socioeconomically uplift America. He unified the instruction so students had the same opportunities available to them. Mann had a profound impact on building education around the ideal that education is a birth right attainable to Americas' youth.
http://www.biography.com/people/horace-mann-9397522 -
Secondary School Movement
With the huge population growth in America, the number of youth enrolling in schools grew at a rapid rate. With this growth, schools were needed to be divided and put into age groups. -
The Committee of Ten
The Committee of Ten was put into place to make a curriculum that would help students get ready for college. It was put together by the National Education Association. This committee was set up to unify the many philosophies about education that were around at the time and was composed of representatives of higher education. The committee set up the standard of how many years of elementary and secondary education should be taught to our youth and vocational training should be taught after. -
The Progressive Reform Movement - MOST IMPORTANT
This movement was an integral part of the reform impulse directed toward the reconstruction of American democracy through social and cultural uplift. Progressive education is a view of education the emphasizes the need to learn by doing. The Progressive movement was very important in shaping education around the individual rather than content. Could you imagine an education any differently?!
(http://www.progressiveeducationnetwork.org/who-we-are/history) -
The Impact of John Dewey
John Dewey contributed to Progressive education. He believed that people learn though a hands on approach and education should focus on the needs of the students. His approach to education consists of three ideas, individualism, readiness, and pragmatism. His idea of education as being a cooperative community is still used today as we refer to the classroom atmosphere as family. He helped push forward the Progressive Reform of education which are at the fore front of education philosophy today. -
The Impact of WW2
World War II changed the day-to-day routine of public schools. Teachers actually left the classroom to aid on the battlefield and young males were drafted into the armed forces. Schools became focused on the war effort. Funds were reduced and high-school enrollment plummeted. However, in the postwar years-- many veteran education programs were developed to help them further their education and participate in society -
The Supreme Court Ruling in Brown vs. the Board of Education - MOST IMPORTANT
One of the greatest Supreme Court decisions of the 20th century. They ruled that the racial segregation of children in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This is significant to education because before this students were not receiving the same education due to their race. This impacts today’s education system because it is still in effect, without it... who knows where we would be with diversity. Link text -
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Sputnik and NDEA
The launch of sputnik by the Soviet Union was the cause of the NDEA to be passed. It provided funding for the strengthening of science and math programs in US schools. The US was afraid that we were falling behind the Soviets in these areas. The law didn't just encompass math and science but included the study of foreign languages. It also set up low cost loans so students could go to college; as well as many other areas that effect our education today. -
The Civil Rights Movement & The War on Poverty
Poor education perpetuates the cycle of poverty. In order to combat the major issue of poverty in the early 1960's, JFK and Lyndon B Johnson made major changes to accommodate inner city schools by expanding welfare services, subsidize low income housing, etc. Education decreases poverty because it provides skills to participate in society beyond school so students can reach middle class economic status and make a better life for themselves. Education is the most important tool to combat poverty. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
One of the most expansive bills ever passed. This act was part of President Johnson's war on poverty. It helped create Title I and allocated funds to low income area schools that needed extra help with educating their students. This act also helped create the Head Start program, which would help prepare students from low income areas at an early age. -
Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act - MOST IMPORTANT
This law took the Civil Rights act further; allowing children w/ disabilities the right to an education. Before this act it was illegal to have people with intellectual/behavioral disabilities or people who were deaf/blind mainstreamed into public schools. Because of this law ALL children are allowed the best education in the least restrictive environment. We now have 504s/IEP for people who may have been discriminated against without this act.
http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/idea/ -
A Nation at Risk Report - MOST IMPORTANT
President Reagan saw education as essential to a Nation's success. He published this report in 1983 to address our failing education system. Reagan used hard data to show the current state of under-performance in comparison to other nations, fearing for our future prosperity if education was not made a priority. It was a wake up call to Americans to raise the expectations in our education systems... Without it, our system wouldn't be where it is today
https://www2.ed.gov/pubs/NatAtRisk/risk.html -
No Child Left Behind
The No Child Left Behind Act authorizes several federal education programs that are administered by the states. The law is a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Under this law, states are required to test students. All students are expected to meet or exceed state standards in reading and math by 2014. This is important as it supposed to help test students. This continues to effect the education system today as it is one of the newest education laws.
