Chapter 7 - Modern American Education: From The Progressive Movement To The Present

This chapter is about how much education has changed and evolved from different points in time. Starting from the twentieth century unfolds, to the progressivism in education, to the postwar years, to Sputnik to the new federalism, to the 1990s, to the new century beginning. Important people to recognize in the beginnings of progressive education are John Dewey (in favor of the child-centered curriculum) and Ella Flagg Young. Other parts looked at during the progressive education times are the influences on higher education and the second world war, the child study movement, the measurement movement, and education during the great depression. The war had a great impact on schools because of teachers leaving and being enrolled in the army, as well as students not returning in order to work. In the postwar years, the most important thing was the Montessori movement, which has interest and motivation at the heart of the curriculum. The Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka had a huge impact on the civil rights movement. The 1970's brought retreat and retrenchment, the 1980's brought renewed conservatism and reform, where as the 1990's brought national goals, national standards, and choices. The new century begins with the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which was offered by the president at the time, George W. Bush. This act required students in grades 3-8 to take tests in reading and math every year, and again in grades 10-12. The NCLB created new and expanded roles for the state and federal governments, as well as challenges for school districts.

~DaNo~