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First Public School
The first public school was founded in Boston, Massachusetts. Public schools continued to pop up everywhere, which led to schools across the nation, as they are today. -
First Mandatory Attendence Law
The first mandatory attendence law was made in Massachusetts which required children who were ages 8-14 to attend school for a certain amount of weeks per year. This forced children to become educated and attend school, which is still important today. -
Progressive Education Movement
Headed by John Dewey, this movement had schools focus on the individuality of the child, the process of learning, and the aim of using schools to improve society. The movement lasted from about the 1880's-1940's. The movement in general boosted American public schools. Dewey set the tone for educational philosophy and school reforms, which are still used today. -
Chicago Teacher's Union
Margaret Haley, an education reformer, labor activist, and feminist, cofounded the Chicago Teacher's Federation with Catherine Goggin. This was the first labor union for teachers. This dramatically altered the future of teaching and teachers as a political force. Yet today, teachers enjoy salary equity, increasing entree into high-level school administrative positions, the right to participate in collective bargaining and to engage in political movements. -
National School Lunch Act
The National School Lunch Act provided children in need with free school lunches. This again promoted the idea of equality among all children and provided children with the same resources. Low-income children ontinue to be helped today. -
Brown vs. Board of Education
This court case prohibited school segregation on the basis of race. This case has greatly influenced our profession's history. We now have classrooms filled with diversity in regards to race and ethnicity. We are able to welcome students to our classroom from all backgrounds without hesitation. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
This act was passed as part of President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty. It provides funding for primary and secondary education, while emphasizing equal access to education and opportunities for all. It provides high standards as well as accountability for each student. This precident continues today as it equalizes educational opportunity for all children. -
Title IX
Title IX was part ofthe Education Amendents of 1972. This act made sure no student was discriminated against and provided equal participation for all children, in any education program or activity. This act holds true today, providing children with equal opportunities. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
This act allowed all children the same rights to education, despite their disabilities. Children today still get equal opportunities, regardless of their physical or mental ability. -
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
This act was a reauthorization of the ESEA Act. The NCLB act holds educators responsible and accountable for setting high standards and establishing measurable goals for each and every children. This act requires teachers to give children assessments in basic skills. This act is influencial to our teaching profession because it makes sure we as educators, are held accountable for each child and to ensure each child is receiving the help they need to excel in their education.
