History of Education in America American History

Overview Public Education- Relatively new concept Throughout history most students never received formal education Often reserved for the wealthy or religious Americans will change the world view of who is educated and how

Four Eras of American Ed Permissive Era 1642-1825 Encouraging Era 1826-1854 Compulsory Era 1855-1958 Contemporary Era 1958-Present

Permissive Era 1642-1825 Government permits the organization of public schools subject to the approval of local voters. Complete Parental Authority Focused on Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, and Religious studies Local communities may or may not establish schools

Encouraging Era 1826-1855 Government encourages the establishment of school districts and raising of tax revenues to support them. Establishment of schools not required Parental Authority, Children did not have to attend. Mistrust of parents spreads in education leadership. “In too many instances the parents are unfit guardians of their own children … the children must be gathered up and forced into school”

McGuffey Readers

The Common School Occurred during first half of 1800’s. Elementary school only Reading, writing, and arithmetic “Common” because it was open to children of all social classes Schooling was a state responsibility, therefore each had its own set of rules.

Compulsory Era 1855-1958 Government compels the establishment of school districts, taxation for government schools, curriculum and structure, and children’s school attendance. Decline in parental Authority 1852 Compulsory laws are enacted in all states

Horace Mann Mass. Secretary of Education, proponent of common schools Mobilized national support for public schools Conviced taxpayers it was in their best interest to establish public schools Stewardship theory- prosperous people had the responsibility to educate the public Investment- creates industrious men and women who would obey the laws. Americanize- people from different backgrounds and give them a common identity.

Education for Democracy Democracy requires educated, literate citizens. Illiteracy would lead to mob uprisings Common elementary schools would provide a national identity and purpose

Normal Schools Two year programs designed to prepare new teachers for common schools Courses in history and philosophy of education, teaching methods, and demonstration By 1900 many had become four year teacher-education colleges Before civil war majority of rural teachers are male, by 1900 71% were women

The One Room School Local school board, elected by people, set the tax rate, hire and supervise the teacher. 1 teacher, students from age 5-17 in one room. Studied reading, writing, grammar, spelling, arithmetic, history, geography, and hygiene. Students memorized and recited information Punctuality, honesty, and hard work were stressed values. Teachers were the janitor, record keeper, and administrator

Public High School Movement By 1890 2,526 public high schools were enrolling 200,000 students. Industrialization and urbanization creates a demand for specialized occupations High schools became the link between elementary school and college or the skilled workforce.

High School Curriculum Traditionalists saw high schools as college-preparatory. Industrialists saw high schools as industrial and vocational training grounds. Four main subjects: classical, Latin-scientific, modern language, and English. Curriculum also included: foreign languages, mathematics, sciences, English, and history

Colleges and Universities Private- usually sponsored by churches Public- sponsored by the state Traditionally Liberal Arts- History, philosophy, Latin, oratory, rhetoric, etc. Teacher colleges- formed from normal schools.

Contemporary Era National Defense Education Act of 1958- provides federal funds for science, math, foreign language, and counseling Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965- federal funds to fight the war on poverty. Provides money to help educate low-income students. NCLB- current re-authorization of ESEA. Accountability for schools and administrators with emphasis on quality education for all students.

Universities for National Development Industry and Agriculture demands students who are trained in the specific sciences of their trade. Morrill Act of 1862- sets aside 30,000 acres for each senator and representative, given to the state, proceeds to fund agriculture and mechanical colleges. Focus on agricultural education, engineering, and other applied sciences