1. Early 19 th Century Education

2. * Most children were home schooled by family with an emphasis on religion. * Some attended Dame Schools - inexpensive, private, some girls - taught 3 R’s, voluntary - operated by women in the area * Wealthy sent their children abroad for education

3. * By the 19 th century, strict religious beliefs decreased and influenced education less - people wanted more secular (non-religious) curricula ~ more rational, humanistic view (less stifling) * Industrialization in the Northeast shifted the emphasis from theoretical to more practical learning * Public High Schools became an alternative to Latin-Grammar & English Academics

4. Education for African Americans - minimal, but greater in the North - some Southern states: - forbade teaching slaves to read and write - afraid it would lead to rebellion (some believed they were incapable anyway)

5. Education for Native Americans - their culture had children educated by their family - the US tried to assimilate them into the dominant culture (Christian) ~ developed Mission Schools run by Protestants or Catholics - taught English and Christianity

6. Education for Spanish (Mexican) Americans - In Southwest - Formal education provided by church and missionaries ~ 3 R’s & religion

7. Education for Women - Until mid-19 th century, most women were informally educated at home for a short period of time - Emma Willard advocated schools for women - opened in 1821 ~ taught geography, science, music, and domestic skills

8. Education for People with Disabilities - often exploited or neglected - 1854: 1 st school for the disabled in NY - Gallaudet founded 1 st school for deaf - Rousseau was the first to suggest special education - believed children have a natural development (own pace)