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Early Colonial Schools
This was the beginning of education in the settled North American world. This is an important stepping stone into the future of education as it establishes a desire and need for learning. Although mostly religion based curriculum, teaching The New England Primer, it gave the members of society the ability to gain new knowledge and practices and an thirst for extended learning. -
Horace Mann's Contributions
Horace Mann was an innovator in public education. He correlated the need for education with a more prosperous society. Taking a seat on the Massachusetts State Board of Education, Mann is often called "The Father of American Education." He desired a "Common School" which was open to all races, class and genders. This was the first step in an ideal "education-for-all" philosophy. -
Normal Schools
Realizing a need for trained, quality educators, the Normal School found it's way into society. These schools arose out of a need for qualified educators. Prior to the Normal School, there was no higher education for those teaching the children. This movement saw the need for adults to have a broader knowledge base, thus starting the college education future for educators. -
Brown v. Board of Education
This suit paved the way for desegregation in our school systems. The lawsuit focused on the fact that segregated public schools were not equal and made it impossible for people of color to have the same education as those that were white. Although, met with heavy backlash, the ruling paved the way for mixed race schools and the same education for all no matter race, class or religion. -
PL 94-142
Public Law 94-142, also known as Education for All Handicapped Children Act, was the first time the government stepped in on the behalf of disabled children's education. This law protected these students' basic educational rights, including a free, appropriate education, IEP's, Special Ed. services, as well as other positives.
