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The Massachusetts-Bay School Law

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The Massachusetts-Bay School Law
The Massachusetts Bay School Law Upon arriving in America, the Puritans have a charter granted by the king which gives them some measure of self-government. The "Massachusetts Bay School Law" established in 1642 expressed the Puritans ideas on education, religion, and the study of a "particular" calling. Every Puritan was expected to abide by the law and to report offenders, who were consequently reprimanded or punished accordingly. The master of the family was obliged, according to the "Massachusetts Bay School Law," to teach their children and apprentices how to read. According to the Bible, Puritans believed children were ignorant, as well as evil. Therefore, education was enforced solely and specifically for religious purposes.

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