Chapter 6

Historical
Development
of American
Education

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Colonial Education
New England: Puritan education, stressing
religion to counter child depravity. Early public
town schools, followed by private Latin grammar
school and university for upper-class boys.
Middle Atlantic: Diverse religious schools, forprofit schools emphasizing practical skills.
South: Private tutors for children of wealthy,
followed by boarding school. Skills training, but
no reading instruction, for slave children.
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The Movement Toward

Public Schooling
Voluntary alternatives to tax-supported
schools: Monitorial and Sunday schools
Common Schools: Elementary level,
established state by state, included oneroom schools on the frontier
Public High Schools: Added in 19th century
State Colleges and Universities: Added in
19th century
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History of American
High Schools
1600s: Private Latin grammar schools,
For-profit skills schools
1700s: Private academies included both
practical and scholarly curricula, as well as
normal schools for teachers
1800s: Public high schools introduced,
grow more popular in second half of century
1900s - 2000s: Growth of large, comprehensive
high schools and continuing efforts to determine
appropriate curricula
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Assimilationism Multiculturalism
Focuses on developing
a single American
identity
Discourages or forbids
students use of native
languages
Discourages or forbids
cultural customs or
learning styles that do
not fit American ideal
Curriculum emphasizes
western European
cultural heritage
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Encourages diverse
cultural identities
Bilingual education is
often an option
Accommodates diverse
learning styles and
appreciates
contributions of diverse
cultural customs
Curriculum recognizes
diverse cultural heritage
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Recent Historical Trends

Emphasis on educational technology
Multiculturalism in education
Gender equity
Protection against violence, bullying
and harassment
Inclusion for students with disabilities
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