The Early History of Education in America 6 The Early History of Education in America

The Early History of Education in America explains how schools developed is characterized by historical events and social trends explains much about today’s schools

What historical events do you know of that changed the evolution of American schools? © Michael D. Brown/Shutterstock

Give examples of how education during the American Colonial Period reflected local culture and beliefs. © Condor 36/Shutterstock

The American Colonial Period (16001776) Before an educational system existed, education took place in the home Parents taught basic reading and arithmetic skills practical learning for life and work Some elementary schools were established in well-populated areas Many older children became apprentices continued

The American Colonial Period (16001776) Puritans in New England believed in religious education and learning to read the Bible Middle colonies were more diverse; no common school system Tolerant Quakers established first schools that welcomed all regardless of sex, religion, or race continued

The American Colonial Period (16001776) In the southern colonies, social and economic class divisions were rigid Boys were educated at home by tutors Girls and the middle class had few opportunities for formal education Slaves were only taught useful skills Dame schools were open to boys and girls

Trace changes in the preparation, roles, and status of teachers over time. © Michael Drager/Shutterstock

The Role of Teachers Expected to be examples of moral behavior Could not drink, smoke, or marry Required to attend church regularly and participate in civic events Expected to perform charitable acts

School Curriculum Basic reading, writing, simple math, religion Training for trades, navigation, plantation management Home management skills for girls Hornbooks used for instruction

Do you think you could have become well educated during the American Colonial Period? Why? © Archipoch/Shutterstock

The American Early National Period (17761840) Educational changes began in cities and spread to rural areas Less European influence; education promoted ideas of freedom and liberty Religion played less of a role

Analyze how key people in early education reform responded to concerns of the time. © Victorian Traditions/Shutterstock

Benjamin Franklin Began the first public library Started a secondary school Open to everyone who could pay tuition Covered a broad range of subjects Precursor to modern public schools

Thomas Jefferson Third president of the United States Believed common people should be educated to take part in the government Helped establish a public system of education available without cost continued

Thomas Jefferson Established the University of Virginia © vahamrick/Shutterstock

The Role of Teachers Models of good citizenship, which involves involvement in church and community issues obeying laws and rules respecting authority

School Curriculum Reading, writing, math Christian principles and citizenship Greek, Roman, English, and American history Wealthy boys learned Greek, Latin, English grammar advanced math, geography, literature, science

How was learning in the American Early National Period different from learning during the American Colonial Period? © Michael D. Brown/Shutterstock

Describe how educational opportunities changed from colonial times forward. © Lowe Llaguno/Shutterstock

The American Common School Period (18401880) Significant events included movement west to Oregon and California invention of labor-saving devices Civil War and freeing of slaves

Horace Mann Served as first secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Education Worked to establish free public education for every boy and girl Common schools were first public state-supported schools Established normal schools to improve and standardize schools continued

Horace Mann Advocated the establishment of free libraries Used state taxes to support public schools Believed schools should not teach specific religious belief systems

African American Education Laws in the South prohibited educating African Americans Quaker schools allowed attendance of African American students After the Civil War, northern missionaries started schools in the South These schools lacked funds to provide a quality education, were short-lived

The Role of Teachers In rural areas, one teacher taught all grades in a schoolhouse © Judy Marie Stepanian/Shutterstock continued

The Role of Teachers Low salaries were paid by community members Normal schools allowed teachers to be trained and better prepared Women were able to make a living on their own

School Curriculum Significant changes included establishment of kindergartens the use of McGuffey readers the passing of the Morrill Act

Kindergarten Concept developed by German educator Friedrich Froebel Used songs and games to help poor children succeed in schools Foundation of today’s kindergartens, based on creative play and social interaction

How do you think the addition of kindergartens affected the American education system? © Michael D. Brown/Shutterstock

The McGuffey Readers Textbooks became widely available Reverend William Holmes McGuffey was asked to write a textbook Taught moral lessons, reading, spelling, history, biology, botany, literature, speech Wide use contributed to standardization of American education

The Morrill Act Also known as the Land-Grant College Act Gave federal land to establish colleges Provided education in useful professions Made higher education available to all Americans

The American Progressive Period (18801921) Industrial Revolution drew rural population, immigrants to cities © Computer Earth/Shutterstock continued

The American Progressive Period (18801921) Urban areas: overcrowding, poverty, disease Parents and children worked long hours in factories Progressives began a reform movement

Segregated Education African American children attended separate public schools that received less funding inferior educational materials African American teachers were paid significantly less

The Role of Teachers College teacher preparation programs replaced normal schools Emphasis placed on educational theory First teachers’ labor union formed More women entered the workforce

What do you think was the most significant role of teachers during this period? © Michael D. Brown/Shutterstock

School Curriculum Focus turned to students as individuals Citizens trained to think critically and independently could improve living and working conditions Thousands of high schools opened High school diploma became important in finding a job

John Dewey Leading progressive Believed schools were too inflexible needed great emphasis on problem solving and critical thinking Promoted link between learning and experience

Maria Montessori Believed sensory experiences help young children learn Developed the Montessori method Use classrooms as stimulating environments Children direct their own learning

Career and Technical Education Vocational education is now called career and technical education Prepares students for specific trades and occupations for skilled workers Smith-Hughes Act of 1917 established federal funding for high school classes

Research how education developed in your community. © Becky Stares/Shutterstock

The 1920s and the Great Depression Era (19211940) In the 1920s, more people had disposable income As credit became available, consumer education was needed Quotas set on number of immigrants Stock Market crash put the country into the Great Depression

Impact of Economy on Schools Citizens were unable to pay taxes; schools faced a shortage of funds School districts ceased operation or shortened the school year Teacher pay decreased or eliminated Only basic subjects were taught Families had no money for school supplies Children were forced to work continued

Impact of Economy on Schools Federal government gave funds to hire teachers and purchase supplies Schools offered free hot lunches for children Better schools were built to provide employment

How do the economic condition of schools today compare to that during the Great Depression? © Archipoch/Shutterstock

“Dick and Jane” Readers Books taught basic reading skills Helped standardize education © spaxiax/Shutterstock

American Colonial Period: children receive basic and religious education American Early National Period: education to prepare children for participation in democratic government American Common School Period: schools become more standardized, formal teacher training programs established continued

American Progressive Period: push for educational reform to improve society 1920s: educational reform continued during economic prosperity 1930s: Great Depression, education returned to basics

What did American Colonial Period schools use in place of books? hornbooks Who worked to establish free, nonsectarian, public education for every boy and girl? Horace Mann continued

What was the purpose of the Morrill Act? gave federal land to establish colleges in every state Who believed that sensory experiences should come before learning to read and write? Maria Montessori

apprentice. Someone who learns a skilled trade by watching and helping someone in that trade. In early America, some apprentices worked without pay for an agreed-upon period in exchange for their learning.

career and technical education career and technical education. Courses of study that prepare students for careers related to a specific trade or occupation. common schools. Public schools available to children from all levels of society.

dame schools. In early America, schools run by women in their own homes. Parents paid a fee for their children to attend. disposable income. Income beyond that needed for basic necessities, allowing people to buy or do things that they want.

hornbook. A flat wooden board with a handle hornbook. A flat wooden board with a handle. A sheet of paper—usually containing the alphabet, a prayer or two, and Roman numerals—was pasted on the board. A thin, flat piece of clear animal horn was attached to cover and protect the paper. Used during the Colonial Period.

McGuffey readers. The first widely used textbooks published during the American Common School Period. They included moral lessons along with science, grammar, and other subjects.

Montessori method. The teaching principles developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor, emphasizing self-directed learning through sensory experiences. normal schools. Schools that prepared men and women with the necessary skills to become teachers.

Progressives. Members of a reform movement that began in the late 1800s. They believed that education should be more individualized and teach students the skills that would improve the ills of society. Quotas. Limits. Immigration laws set limits for people coming to the United States from other countries.