10/11/2017 History of Education

History of Education

Young Ladies Academy Opens

1 Sep 1787 - 1 Sep 2017

The Young Ladies Academy opens in Philadelphia and becomes the first academy for girls in the original
13 colonies/states. This is important to the history of education because it was the first school in the
United States for young women. It was also important in women's rights because up until this point in
time, most women stayed at home and did housework. They lived their lives uneducated.

First Public High School

1 Sep 1821 - 1 Sep 2017

The first public high school, Boston English High School, opened in the fall of 1821. The first headmaster
was Dr. George B. Emerson. They only admitted boys when the school first opened, but now serves all
genders. The original building eventually became a school for emancipated slaves. The schools motto
has always been "The aim of every English High School boy is to become a man of honor and
achievement." This impacts todays educational system because it was a groundbreaking organization
that has since spread throughout the nation.

Mandatory Attendance Law

1 Sep 1852 - 1 Sep 2017

In 1852 the state of Massachusetts enacted the mandatory attendance law. It stated that students
between the ages of eight and fourteen are required to go to school at least 3 months out of the year.
There was a fine of $20 if one did not send their child to school. This is important to the history of
education because it was the moment when education became required in the united states. Today rules
on attendance are much more strict. In order to graduate, students must not miss any more than 10
days within a semester. Any more absences would result in the expelling of a student.

First Kindergarten Opens

1 Sep 1856 - 1 Jun 1857

161 years ago, the first kindergarten in the U.S. was started in Watertown, Wisconsin. It was founded by
Margarethe Schurz. The kindergarten started with five students- the owners daughter and her four
cousins. Its purpose was to develop students skill set. It is no longer in its original location, but today it
serves as a museum. The impact this building has had on education is how it is the beginning of the
American kindergarten education system. Today, every student is required to take kindergarten. It is
meaningful to me because of its Wisconsin roots.

First Community Collge Opens

1 Sep 1901 - 1 Sep 2017

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Joliet Junior College, in Joliet, Illinois, opens its doors in 1901. It is the first public community college in
the U.S. It was created by Stanley Brown and William Rainey Harper as a post high school experiment.
Initially, the college served six students. Today it serves more than 35,000. It was designed for students
who wanted to attend college, but did not want to leave their community. This is important to education
because it provides a higher level of education without the cost. Joliet Junior was a springboard for other
community colleges. There are community colleges all over the country now including Rock Valley
College in Rockford, Illinois, not too far from here.

GI Bill
1 Sep 1944 - 1 Sep 2017

The GI Bill was introduced in 1944. It stated that all veterans of World War II were eligible for college
tuition, technical college tuition, a high school education, low cost mortgages, low interest loans to start a
business, or a one year unemployment payment. All veterans who served for at least 90 days without
being dishonorably discharged were eligible for the GI Bill. This was more politically accepted compared
to the older version of this bill, which was simply an individual payout. This is important to the history of
education because it allowed veterans to get a higher education. It serves as an incentive to go into the
military.

Civil Rights Movement

8 Jan 1954 - 8 Jan 1968

The civil rights movement not only impacted the social aspect of the lives of people of color, it impacted
their education, too. For example, Ruby Bridges was the first African American student to desegregate
an all white school. Because of her bravery, we no longer have segregated schools. It was also
important because it reduced the number of students of color dropping out of school over time.

Department of Education
4 May 1980 - 4 May 2017

The department of education is a cabinet level department in the US government. It was created in 1980.
The purpose of the department is to create and establish laws on the United States Education System. It
does not apply to colleges. They also try to create equal education opportunities to all. It is important to
the history of education because it brought government regulations into the schools of America. With this
department in place, schools are held to a higher standard and required to offer certain programs.

No Child Left Behind Act

8 Jan 2002 - 1 Sep 2017

The No Child Left Behind Act is an act introduced in the early 2000s by George W. Bush. The act
impacted elementary and secondary education. It stated that schools were responsible for the students
grades. It was eventually replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act. This is important to the history of
education because it required schools to include Title 1 classes to help students with learning disabilities.

Common Core Initiative

1 Sep 2009 - 1 Sep 2017
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The Common Core Initiative was introduced in 2009 by 48 state governors/ leaders. It created a
curriculum based on standards. It included real life learning goals applicable to most students. The
National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) created
the standards with help of teachers and the public. This is important to the history of education because it
created an organized, logical way of teaching.

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