History of Education

1600- 1921
By Calli Lustik
Since the beginning of time people have been passing on the basic skills of reading,
writing, and mathematic skills. These skills were passed along inside the house by parents but as
time progressed the want and need for a more organized system of schooling became more
prominent especially when the first colonist came to America. Soon enough the schools we take
for granted today were formed through hard work and the love of learning but without the
Europeans this may have not been possible.
American Education began in the colonial period when Europeans migrated to
America in search of all things related to religious, freedom, and opportunity. The education
opportunities varied because there was no overall school system. Before schools began to be
established (such as elementary schools and some colleges like Harvard) Parents taught their
children basic reading and arithmetic skills at home. They primarily focused on life skills by
working on their families farms or businesses. Religion also played a big part in Europeans life
and they implemented their religion into their education thru reading of the bible. Also because
of religion different cultural groups developed their own schools except for a group called the
Quakers who opened a school for everybody to attend such as girls, and African and Native
Americans. Not only did religion divide education but so did social and economic class. The
wealthier people were able to receive more education than the middle or lower class who
received little no education. These were the people who were taught more farming and
businesses skills rather than reading or arithmetic skills.

Progressing forward into the American early national period religion within education
decreased as it became more subject to variety. Two very influential people of this time period
were Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Thomas Jefferson established the University of
Virginia and Benjamin Franklin opened the first ever public library. Their actions were in great
support of education for everybody and to reach the goals of the new nation thru a new way of
thinking.
Moving forward into the American Common school period the role of the teachers at the
beginning of the 1840's most children were educated at home or in small country schoolhouses,
where one teacher taught all grades. These were Common schools, other wise known as public
schools, just like in todays society. Horace Mann, an important person for education in this time
period, worked to establish public education, tried to improve standardized schools, and he
successfully advocated the establishments of free libraries. One of his concerns was the teachers
in small country school houses who were paid by community members and earned low salaries.
Horace mann's impact led to teachers who were better prepared to teach because individuals who
intended to be teachers in normal schools had to take a test to show that they were properly
educated.
Lastly came the Progressive Era, the progressive period was a time for political, social,
economic, and moral reforms. It was the period of time where people were trying to get rid of
child labor, get better factory conditions, get women the right to vote, get children better
education, and get rid or government corruption. This was the Progressive education movement
that was started to help boost american public education. This movement pushed for critical
thinking, problem solving, and interactive learning. Taking us into our present day education
system and way of learning and thinking.

In America education has advanced immensely from the 1600- 1921 and even up to
present date with all the technology used for learning. Education is the greatest gift of all and we
are privileged to live in a country with public education for everyone no matter your religion,
ethnicity, or socioeconomic class. Our ancestors had the right idea of where education needed to
go with not only public schools but also colleges. Now there are 1,845 colleges in the United
States and 98,817 public schools. Providing everyone with knowledge and opportunity for a
successful future.