Chapter 3 The Early History of Education in America
The Early History of Education in America History of education in America explains how schools developed is characterized by historical events and social trends explains much about today s schools
For Discussion What historical events do you know of that changed the evolution of American schools? Michael D. Brown/Shutterstock.com
Objective Identify examples of how education during the American Colonial Period reflected local culture and beliefs. Condor 36/Shutterstock.com
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 continued
The American Colonial Period (1600 1776) Some elementary schools were established in well-populated areas Many older children became apprentices continued Jeff Schultes/Shutterstock.com
The American Colonial Period (1600 1776) Puritans in New England believed in religious education and valued learning to read the Bible Middle colonies were more diverse; no common school system The Quakers, tolerant of others beliefs, 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 more rigid Boys were educated at home by tutors Girls and the middle class had few opportunities for formal education Enslaved people (slaves) were only taught useful skills Dame schools were open to boys and girls
Objective Summarize changes in the preparation, roles, and status of teachers over time. Infer how educational opportunities changed from colonial times forward. Michael Drager/Shutterstock.com
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 Curriculum in most schools focused on basic reading, writing, simple math, religion training for trades, navigation, plantation management home management skills for girls Hornbooks were used for instruction
For Reflection Do you think you could have become well educated during the American Colonial Period? Why? Archipoch/Shutterstock.com.
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
Objective Analyze how key people in early education reform responded to concerns of the time. Victorian Traditions/Shutterstock.com
Benjamin Franklin Began the first public library Started a secondary school, or academy 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.com
The Role of Teachers Models of good citizenship, which includes involvement in church and community issues obeying laws and rules respecting authority
School Curriculum Schools continued to teach 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
For Discussion Michael D. Brown/Shutterstock.com. How was learning in the American Early National Period different from learning during the American Colonial Period?
Objective Summarize how educational opportunities changed from colonial times forward. Lowe Llaguno/Shutterstock.com
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 the first public state-supported schools Established normal schools for teacher training 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 and were short-lived
The Role of Teachers In rural areas, one teacher taught all grades in a schoolhouse continued Judy Marie Stepanian/Shutterstock.com
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 s 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
For Discussion How do you think the addition of kindergartens affected the American education system? Michael D. Brown/Shutterstock.com
The McGuffey s Readers Textbooks became widely available Reverend William Holmes McGuffey was asked to write a textbook on reading Wide use contributed to standardization of American education continued
The McGuffey s Readers McGuffey s Readers taught moral lessons, reading, spelling, history, biology, botany, literature, speech, and lessons on proper behavior Courtesy Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries
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 continued Computer Earth/Shutterstock.com
The American Progressive Period (1880 1921) Urban areas: overcrowding, poverty, disease Parents and children worked long hours in factories Progressives began a reform movement and passed laws reducing the number of hours children could work in factories requiring children to attend elementary school
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 Teachers were considered professionals College teacher preparation programs replaced normal schools Emphasis placed on educational theory First teachers labor union formed More women entered the workforce
For Discussion What do you think was the most significant role of teachers during this period? Michael D. Brown/Shutterstock.com
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 skills Promoted link between learning and experience
Maria Montessori Believed sensory experiences help young children learn and should come before learning to read and write 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
Objective Summarize how education developed in your community. Becky Stares/Shutterstock.com
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 During the Great Depression, citizens were unable to pay taxes; schools faced a shortage of funds School districts ceased operation or shortened the school year Teacher pay was 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 began offering free hot lunches for children Better schools were built to provide employment
For Discussion How does the economic condition of schools today compare to that during the Great Depression? Archipoch/Shutterstock.com
Gray, William S. 1956. the new basic readers. Chicago: Scott, Foresman. [Venezky Collection, Stanford University] Books taught basic reading skills Helped standardize education Dick and Jane Readers
Key Points 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
Key Points American Progressive Period: push for educational reform to improve society 1920s: educational reform continued during economic prosperity 1930s: Great Depression, education returned to basics
Review 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
Review 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