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formation of schools
Summary: The first public school in America, Boston Latin School, was established to provide basic literacy and religious instruction, primarily for boys.
Impact: Laid the foundation for public education, though it initially excluded girls, African Americans, and Indigenous peoples. -
Common School Movement
Summary: Horace Mann advocated for free, universal public education to promote social equality and civic engagement.
Impact: Public schools became more widespread, though racial and gender disparities persisted. -
Plessy v. Ferguson
Summary: The Supreme Court upheld racial segregation under "separate but equal," allowing segregated schools.
Impact: African Americans were negatively affected, as segregated schools were often underfunded and inferior. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Summary: The Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.
Impact: African American students gained access to integrated schools, though resistance was widespread. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Summary: Part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, this law provided federal funding to schools serving low-income students.
Impact: Schools in impoverished areas received more resources, though funding gaps remain. -
Tinker v. Des Moines
Summary: Protected students' free speech rights in schools. Impact: Students gained the right to express themselves without fear of censorship. -
Title IX
Summary: Title IX prohibited sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs.
Impact: Women and girls gained greater access to sports, academics, and protections against harassment. -
Lau v. Nichols
Summary: Required schools to provide language support for non-English-speaking students.
Impact: Non-English-speaking students gained access to equal educational opportunities. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Summary: This law guaranteed free and appropriate public education to children with disabilities.
Impact: Children with disabilities gained access to tailored educational services. -
Plyler v. Doe
Summary: The Supreme Court ruled that states cannot deny free public education to undocumented immigrant children.
Impact: Undocumented children gained access to free public education, ensuring their right to learn. -
No Child Left Behind Act
Summary: This law required standardized testing to measure student performance and hold schools accountable. Impact: Increased focus on testing, but critics argue it led to "teaching to the test" and neglected other aspects of education. -
Every Student Succeeds Act
Summary: Replaced No Child Left Behind, giving states more control over education standards and accountability. Impact: Reduced federal oversight, but critics worry about inconsistent standards across states.