Common School Movement Research Paper

The study of education is very multifaceted with topics ranging from teaching methods to history. The two are inextricably linked, however. To understand the origins of the practices of modern teachers and the ways that schools function, one must look to the past to see the development of those practices. Education in American society has been a changing mechanism since even before the United States became a nation. The role of education has changed as society changed to adjust for the new needs of society. School structure has also shift tremendously since the nation began. By looking at people and events that were shaping American society throughout history, one can see how schools evolve over time.
Schools in America before 1820 looked
During this period, the country experienced an enormous boom in industrialization, a civil war, and a world war. Industrialization in the United States drew many people into the country and its cities. The urban population upswing made more structured education systems more practical because schools could now serve many students in a small area. While education in schools still had a religious overtone, evidenced by The North Carolina Reader, which was a result of the emerging Common School Movement and still included that it was necessary for students to learn the will of God. However, schools did have more focus on preparation for work in the factory due to the industrial revolution. The Common School Movement, most strongly associated with reformer Calvin Wiley in the state as well as Horace Mann. The movement looked to increase government involvement in public education and sought to establish more primary schools for the education of young learners. This was a movement in the direction of getting more of America’s children educated, but many still lived in rural areas. Consistency for schools was also a goal during for Mann to give students, at least those who were white, a more equal playing field in regards to cultural capital and to educate them in nationalism. Nationalism was particularly important relevant during this time because of the growing sectionals
School standardization and technological continued to progress, issues of societal and school safety arose, and more questions began to be asked about how to educate the children of the ever-increasing immigrant population. In the way of standardization, President Jimmy Carter created the federal Department of Education to oversee the nation’s schools. Eventually this would result in national standards for curriculum and child progress that would become more prominent with subsequent presidents. The role of technology also saw an unprecedented increase as many classrooms or schools began to acquire computers and Internet access. Not all changes in school can be seen positively, however. In 1999, after Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold opened fire in Columbine High School, which was documented in newspapers across the nation, schools across American society were forced to implement procedures and training for situations they had previously thought were impossible. Society at large was impacted by this school event as well as the possibility seemed open for shooters to invade any public space previously thought safe. On another note, the continual arrival of new immigrants raised new issues in education. For example, could schools be formed that taught in a language other than English? This begs the question of what American society holds as goals for its schools.