The Edvocate

Top Menu

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Books
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Edupedia
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • PreK-12
    • Assessment
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development
    • Classroom Management
    • Early Childhood
    • EdTech & Innovation
    • Education Leadership
    • Equity
    • First Year Teachers
    • Gifted and Talented Education
    • Parental Involvement
    • Policy & Reform
    • Special Education
    • Teachers
  • Higher Ed
    • Best Colleges and Universities
    • Best College and University Programs
    • Diversity
    • HBCU’s
    • Higher Education
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • International Education
  • Advertise
  • The Tech Edvocate Awards
    • The Awards Process
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2022 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2021 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2020 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2019 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2018 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2017 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Award Seals
  • Apps
    • GPA Calculator for College
    • GPA Calculator for High School
    • Cumulative GPA Calculator
    • Grade Calculator
    • Weighted Grade Calculator
    • Final Grade Calculator
  • The Tech Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • P-20 Ed Careers

logo

The Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Books
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Edupedia
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • PreK-12
    • Assessment
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development
    • Classroom Management
    • Early Childhood
    • EdTech & Innovation
    • Education Leadership
    • Equity
    • First Year Teachers
    • Gifted and Talented Education
    • Parental Involvement
    • Policy & Reform
    • Special Education
    • Teachers
  • Higher Ed
    • Best Colleges and Universities
    • Best College and University Programs
    • Diversity
    • HBCU’s
    • Higher Education
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • International Education
  • Advertise
  • The Tech Edvocate Awards
    • The Awards Process
    • Finalists and Winners of The 2022 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2021 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2020 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2019 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2018 Tech Edvocate Awards
      • Finalists and Winners of The 2017 Tech Edvocate Awards
    • Award Seals
  • Apps
    • GPA Calculator for College
    • GPA Calculator for High School
    • Cumulative GPA Calculator
    • Grade Calculator
    • Weighted Grade Calculator
    • Final Grade Calculator
  • The Tech Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • P-20 Ed Careers
  • Authoritarian Parenting Style: Everything You Need to Know

  • Why Do We Pay So Much For Education?

  • Getting Students Back Academic Track with Credit Recovery

  • Why Video is a Crucial Teaching Element for the Flipped Classroom

  • Learning Loss and Ebbinghaus’s Forgetting Curve

  • Implementing Education Tech by Pursuing Tech Education

  • Continuously Growing as a Tech-Savvy Educator

  • Why Should You Pursue a History Degree?

  • 4 Reasons Why Edtech Startups Fail

  • Continuously Growing as a Tech-Savvy Education Administrator

Trending Topics
Home›Trending Topics›9 Things That Educators Should Know About the History of Education

9 Things That Educators Should Know About the History of Education

By Matthew Lynch
December 18, 2017
9743
0
Spread the love

This article focuses on the history of mass public education in the United States. It explores developments in education from the colonial age of the 17th century to educational reforms in the recent past. Over time, educational ideas and practices have been shaped by educational ideals of various groups, and have been influenced by religion, economics, ethnicity, background culture, and gender. We will explore how different schools of thought have shaped education, schooling, and the teaching profession through different periods of American history.

A look at the past helps us to understand current trends in the educational system, and to establish a knowledge base for analyzing its successes and shortcomings. This chapter provides an overview of the evolution of American education against the backdrop of economic conditions, and national and world events. Social and economic conditions and politics have all triggered transitions in the United States educational system, and the system, views on teaching, theories of education, and educational reform have adapted based on these influences.

The question of equity-based educational delivery systems has occupied the attention of America’s educators and politicians throughout the history of the nation. Cultural conflicts between dominant-culture America and minority groups, and struggles over educational issues that included African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and various immigrant groups have left a lasting impact on the education delivery system.

Any exploration of the evolution of education in the United States must include an investigation of the changing views on teaching, learning, and the curriculum that have occurred over time, and have been the basis for major educational movements in America.

What were the education practices of the early settlers in the New England Colonies? The first settlers in New England, the Pilgrims and the Puritans, established schools that focused on religious education. Most students were boys. The first education laws were passed in the 17th century, stipulating that each community should hire a schoolmaster, and that children should be taught the Bible and basic laws. The narrow views of the Pilgrims and Puritans led to a wide variety of denominations establishing their own schools. Dame schools and grammar schools were the first moves toward the secularization of education. The New England Primer was the primary source for curriculum at this time.

What were the educational influences of the 18th century? In the 18th century, the growing understanding of the natural world led to a greater scientific educational component. The first schools for Native Americans and African Americans were established at the beginning of the century, though their access to education remained limited. At the instigation of Thomas Jefferson and others, the first broad steps toward government involvement in education were mapped out.

What were the educational influences of the 19th century? Horace Mann, the “father of universal education,” advocated for “common schools,” the precursors of today’s public schools. He put in place the first teacher training facilities. The McGuffey Readers supplanted the New England Primer as the source for curriculums. They emphasized religious and moral values. Support for public education increased, especially with the Progressive Education Movement, supported by John Dewey.

For Native Americans, the 19th century was a time of upheaval, as they were forced from their ancestral lands. Missionary schools for Native Americans focused on stripping them of their native culture and assimilating them to European American culture. Following Emancipation, African American schools were established across the country, though de jure and de facto segregation continued to hamper their educational pursuit.

What education reforms were implemented in the 20th century? The public school system came into its own in the 20th century, though issues relating to equality for people of all racial and ethnic groups and people with disabilities continued to evolve. Education became compulsory for all students, and the six-three-three system of grades became standard. Educational theorists such as John Dewey and Maria Montessori had an impact on the purpose and execution of education. The Cold War spawned a drive to increase students’ capabilities in math and science.

What is the current state of educational reform? In the 2010s, President Barack Obama essentially maintained the No Child Left Behind mandates enacted by his predecessor George W. Bush, including the emphasis on widespread testing. The drastic economic recession that began in 2008 has taken its toll on the teaching profession, as districts have had to cut education budgets. NCLB has seen increased intrusion by the federal government in local educational structures. President Obama instigated the Race to the Top competition, which encourages states to compete for federal funds based on how well they adhere to a given set of criteria.

How has education been influenced by major social, economic, and political events? The Great Depression, both World Wars, and the Cold War had dramatic effects on the U.S. educational system. Many students received assistance through Roosevelt’s Depression-era work-creation programs. World War II drastically reduced the number of teachers, though women’s participation in the workforce increased at this time. The launch of the Soviet Sputnik satellite caused a shift in educational policy: the U.S. government became more directly involved in the curriculum, and began providing funds to promote higher education.

What has been the history of equity and equality in the United States? Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka was one of the landmark rulings on educational equality. In it, the Supreme Court struck down previous “separate but equal” rulings, which had allowed for segregated schools, and forced schools to integrate.

Gender equality historically varied from region to region, but in general, girls received fewer educational opportunities than boys. The instigation of Title IX in 1972 meant that females could no longer be discriminated against in an educational setting. Although the number of female college students now exceeds males, women are still underrepresented in areas such as math and physical sciences.

What has been the legacy of teachers in America? Teachers in the United States were initially overwhelmingly male. However, beginning in the 1840s, large numbers of female teachers entered the profession. Elementary school teachers remain primarily female. Men are slowly returning to the teaching profession.

What influence have professional organizations had on the teaching profession? The American Philosophical Society, founded in 1743, is considered the first educational organization in the United States. The National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, and other organizations directly impacted the teaching profession, giving teachers a collective voice, and allowing them to obtain better wages, pensions, and benefits.

Did we miss anything?

Click here to read all of the articles from this series.

TagsedchatEducationk12learningschoolsteacherThings Educators Should Know
Previous Article

7 Creative Ways to Fund Classroom Technology

Next Article

Positive Reinforcement is Key Element in Preventative ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Early ChildhoodInternational Education

    How male teachers can help to challenge gender roles in nursery school education

    December 6, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • DiversityEquity

    Epidemic of rights abuse fails black kids across the US

    February 15, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Matthew LynchPolicy & Reform

    Special Education Graduation Rates Lag Behind

    January 21, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Higher Education

    Campuses aren’t safe. Are universities doing enough?

    January 15, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • pass or fail
    Retention & Social Promotion SeriesTrending Topics

    Pass or Fail: A Teacher’s Responsibility Beyond Academics

    January 12, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood

    Racial inequality starts early – in preschool

    December 13, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch

Leave a reply Cancel reply

  • Artificial Intelligence

    Education Needs AI as a Mind Multiplier

  • Artificial IntelligenceEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    AI Curriculum for K-12 Classrooms

  • Artificial Intelligence

    AI Has Started a Revolution in Education

Search

Registration and Login

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in P-20 education news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Subscribe to The Edvocate Podcast

Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsAndroidby EmailRSS
  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Authoritarian Parenting Style: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    June 30, 2022
  • Why Do We Pay So Much For Education?

    By Matthew Lynch
    June 30, 2022
  • Getting Students Back Academic Track with Credit Recovery

    By Matthew Lynch
    June 29, 2022
  • Why Video is a Crucial Teaching Element for the Flipped Classroom

    By Matthew Lynch
    June 29, 2022
  • Learning Loss and Ebbinghaus’s Forgetting Curve

    By Matthew Lynch
    June 29, 2022
  • 18 Reasons the U.S. Education System is Failing

    By Matthew Lynch
    April 3, 2017
  • The Top 5 Unexpected Benefits of Early Childhood Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    February 29, 2016
  • 7 Benefits of STEM Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 12, 2019
  • What is Culturally Responsive Pedagogy?

    By Matthew Lynch
    April 21, 2016
  • pass or fail

    Black Boys in Crisis: Why Aren’t They Reading?

    By Matthew Lynch
    January 16, 2017
  • Reading Fluency – Educators For You
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Reading Fluency Building Apps, Tools, and Resources That We Love

    […] Try these fluency ...
  • The Top Streaming Trends for 2022 - BingedNow
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Advantages Of Streaming In Schools

    […] also gives educators ...
  • The Top Streaming Trends for 2022 - Telegraph Star
    on
    June 29, 2022

    Advantages Of Streaming In Schools

    […] also gives educators ...
  • Pros and Cons of Live Streaming Education
    on
    June 27, 2022

    Advantages Of Streaming In Schools

    […] live streaming can ...
  • Giving Unto God What Is Ceasar’s: Carson Vs. Makin
    on
    June 27, 2022

    Pass or Fail: Horace Mann – An American Public School Pioneer

    […] of American schools ...

Ask an Expert

  • Ask An Expert

    How Dumbed Down Education Is Creating a National Security Crisis

    Spread the loveFor the past few decades, our country’s educational system has seen both struggle and tremendous change. With the various ailments plaguing our educational system, education reforms have attempted ...
  • Ask An Expert

    21 Inspirational Quotes That Nelson Mandela Made About Education

    Spread the loveWe all have our heroes. Those human beings that seem larger than life and almost achieve Godlike status. One of my heroes is the late-great Nelson Mandela, who ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssistive TechnologyCareer ReadinessChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesDiversityEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFirst Year TeachersFreshHigh SchoolK-12Middle SchoolModern ParentingParent & Family TechParental InvolvementParentingPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformPreK-12Special EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachers

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 7: How Digital Age Teachers Can Win Over Parents

    Spread the loveEducation is a collaborative process, as it takes many stakeholders working in unison to help students succeed academically. One of the most integral parts of this collaborative team ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationK-12Online Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 6: 8 Ways That Digital Age Teachers Avoid Burning Out

    Spread the loveBeing a teacher is a tough job. So much so, many new teachers end up leaving the field within their first three years. To ensure that the next ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementCurrent Ed NewsDigital LeadershipEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEdTech Startups & BusinessesEducation LeadershipEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Matthew LynchModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTestingYear-Round Schooling

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 5: The Archetype of a Great Teacher

    Spread the loveOne of the questions that I am frequently asked is, what does a good teacher look like? I respond by mentioning my 10th-grade Biology teacher, Mrs. Minor, and ...

International Education

  • Education FoundationsInternational Education

    4 Reasons You Should Study Geography

    Spread the loveUsually, people are under the wrong impression that geography does not offer many job opportunities, and there are no jobs for a geographer. They think that studying geography ...
  • International Education

    How International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs Work

    Spread the loveThe International Baccalaureate Program is a very intensive pre-college program in which when students get involved, they get college credit. Unlike most other learning initiatives, this program deeply ...
  • International Education

    Globalization: Everything You Need to Know

    Spread the loveGlobalization is the growing interconnectedness of countries around the world. It involves increasing communication and various forms of interaction between people of different nations, ethnicities and cultures. There ...
  • AssessmentEducation LeadershipHigher EducationInternational EducationProfessional DevelopmentTeachers

    So You Want to Attend Graduate School: The 411 on Grad School Admissions Tests

    Spread the loveApplying for admission to professional and graduate schools is no less competitive than college/undergraduate admissions. If you’re planning to pursue a degree in business, law, medicine, or graduate ...
  • Higher EducationInternational Education

    What Extracurricular Activities Impress Colleges the Most?

    Spread the loveWhen you apply to schools that offer holistic admissions or apply to a college using the Common Application, you will have to describe your participation in extracurricular activities. ...

Early Childhood Education

  • Early Childhood

    18 Alphabet Videos to Help Kids Learn Their A.B.C.s

    Spread the loveIs anything more important in a young student’s life than learning their A.B.C.s? These alphabet videos help reinforce the letters and their sounds in a fun and engaging ...
  • Early Childhood

    16 Clean Up Songs for Kids

    Spread the loveCleaning up is a real drag, so We’ve put together this list of catchy clean-up songs for kids! Clean Up the Room https://youtu.be/GfTT8WBL3nM  Clean Up Song for Children ...
  • Early Childhood

    15 Fun Phonics Songs for Kids

    Spread the loveIn need of fun phonics songs for your students. Check out ou list? Alphabet Song https://youtu.be/R2frjzrC5Jg  The A.B.C. Song for Kids https://youtu.be/nKYCy4ZNBpU  Alphabet PE Exercise Song https://youtu.be/O6DgdjvbIyQ  CVC ...
  • Early Childhood

    25 Second Grade Jokes to Begin The Day

    Spread the loveAre your second graders in need of a laugh? Here’s a list of 25 fun second-grade jokes to keep the day rolling! Which letter has the most water? ...
  • Early Childhood

    25 Funny Thanksgiving Jokes for Kids

    Spread the loveIn need of some Thanksgiving jokes for your students? Calm the excitement with some belly laughs, and one of our favorite corny Thanksgiving jokes for kids. Why did ...

Gifted and Talented Education

  • Gifted and Talented Education

    Twice-Exceptional: What Does it Mean?

    Spread the loveTo be twice-exceptional is to be exceptionally gifted in some academic aspects while being below average compared to peers in other aspects. As a matter of fact, such ...
  • Gifted and Talented Education

    A Guide to Talent Search Programs

    Spread the loveThe Talent Search Initiative has as its aim; the identification of high-performing students by organizing specific tests. Different avenues are then provided for these students to channel their ...
  • Gifted and Talented EducationK-12

    Homogeneous Grouping: What You Need to Know

    Spread the loveThis term refers to the grouping of students by mental capability, aptitude, or hobbies. For instance, gifted students are placed in one group, and students with special needs ...
  • Gifted and Talented Education

    Cluster Grouping: What You Need to Know

    Spread the loveThis term describes a manner of classifying gifted students to place them in properly segmented classrooms. For example, about five to seven extremely bright pupils with comparable skill ...
  • Gifted and Talented EducationHigher Education

    Merit Scholarships: Everything Your Need to Know

    Spread the loveThese are monetary gifts awarded by institutions to superbly gifted students, who have set themselves apart by their exceptional performance in schoolwork, regardless of whether they require the ...

Black Boys in Crisis Series

  • Black Boys in Crisis

    The Importance of Mentoring Young African-American Males

    Spread the loveTeachers need to realize that at home, in their neighborhoods, and in school, many students face difficulties that can interfere with learning. Compared to their middle-class counterparts, it ...
  • Black Boys in CrisisDiversityEquity

    7 Ways That Black Students are Discriminated Against in U.S K-12 Schools

    Spread the loveAfrican Africans have a long history of being mistreated in the United States, starting with slavery. It should come as no surprise that their children face the same ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital LeadershipDisabilitiesEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationK-12Online Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 6: 8 Ways That Digital Age Teachers Avoid Burning Out

    Spread the loveBeing a teacher is a tough job. So much so, many new teachers end up leaving the field within their first three years. To ensure that the next ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssessmentAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementCurrent Ed NewsDigital LeadershipEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEdTech Startups & BusinessesEducation LeadershipEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGamificationGifted and Talented EducationHBCU'sHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Matthew LynchModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningOpEducationPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformRetention & Social Promotion SeriesSpecial EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTestingYear-Round Schooling

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 5: The Archetype of a Great Teacher

    Spread the loveOne of the questions that I am frequently asked is, what does a good teacher look like? I respond by mentioning my 10th-grade Biology teacher, Mrs. Minor, and ...
  • Ask An ExpertAssistive TechnologyBlack Boys in CrisisBullyingChild DevelopmentChild Development TechClassroom ManagementDisabilitiesDiversityEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformEducation LeadershipElementary EducationElementary SchoolEquityFeaturedFirst Year TeachersFreshGifted and Talented EducationHigh SchoolHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechK-12Middle SchoolModern ParentingOnline Learning & eLearningParent & Family TechParentingPersonalized LearningPodcastPolicy & ReformSecondary EducationSTEMTeacher EducationTeachersTesting

    The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 4: How to Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom

    Spread the loveBuilding a culturally responsive classroom is hard. To help you along your journey, here is your guide to exploring and respecting the cultural backgrounds of your students while ...

RSS Matthew on Education Week

  • Au Revoir from Education Futures November 20, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • 6 Steps to Data-Driven Literacy Instruction October 17, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • Four Keys to a Modern IT Approach in K-12 Schools October 2, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • What's the Difference Between Burnout and Demoralization, and What Can Teachers Do About It? September 27, 2018 Matthew Lynch
  • Revisiting Using Edtech for Bullying and Suicide Prevention September 10, 2018 Matthew Lynch

About Us

The Edvocate was created in 2014 to argue for shifts in education policy and organization in order to enhance the quality of education and the opportunities for learning afforded to P-20 students in America. What we envisage may not be the most straightforward or the most conventional ideas. We call for a relatively radical and certainly quite comprehensive reorganization of America’s P-20 system.

That reorganization, though, and the underlying effort, will have much to do with reviving the American education system, and reviving a national love of learning.  The Edvocate plans to be one of key architects of this revival, as it continues to advocate for education reform, equity, and innovation.

Newsletter

Signup for The Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in P-20 education news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact

The Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright (c) 2022 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.