Introduction
After taking a closer look at the history of education, I specifically took note of a few dates that represented the evolution of the education system. We have talked a lot about how teachers need the ability to adapt to different situations and events in their classroom. However, not only do teachers need to adapt and respond to students who are constantly changing, but the school and system as a whole need to adapt to the ever changing society. With that thought, as I looked through the educational timeline from the 1600’s to the 1900’s I took note of _____ dates that helped illustrate the creation of schools to help accommodate more specific needs of students rather than a broad array of everyone in the community.
It is important to note that during pre-revolutionary times as well as the beginning of school systems in America, the main focus was on religion as well as understanding the laws of the society in order to be a good citizen.
1731 and 1752: First Jewish and Lutheran Schools Open
Two earlier dates that I found particularly important were 1731 and 1752 which were when the first Jewish and Lutheran schools (respectively) were established. As stated above, religion was a major focus in the early creation of schools in America; however, prior to this, students were forced to learn a religion that was different from their own when they attended school. One of the major reasons this stuck out to me was because many people fled England to come to America for religious freedom. In order to respond to this, schools were established that were devoted to certain religions like these Jewish and Lutheran schools. It is similar to how we have public schools that can’t teach or enforce any religion on their students as well as private schools that typically follow a certain faith. Growing up, I attended a Catholic private school in my community for kindergarten through 8th grade and I understand the impression that it can leave on children. It gave me a deeper understanding of my faith and gave me a well rounded education. Knowing that this was not always an option for people to attend schools of their religion gives me a deeper appreciation for the fact that I had the opportunity to attend a school that connected with my beliefs.
1829: First School for the Blind Opens
Another date that I found important was 1829 which was when the first school for the blind was opened. Like the previous dates that were talked about in this article, I found this important because it tailored specifically to the needs of a smaller portion of the population. In schools, students typically learn reading and writing. They also use and analyze texts and readings that portray important information about the society at the time. This puts kids who are already at a disadvantage even further behind their peers. The opening of the first school for the blind opened the pathway for schools to open that specifically helps students with different disabilities. Oftentimes, people with disabilities like these became poor and tossed aside in society since they could not hold jobs or make substantial income. Schools such as these help those with disabilities adjust to their lifestyle and give them a little bit of “normalcy” in their lives.
Conclusion
There are many important changes to the education system that began in 1642 however I found these most important because they are a good representation of how schools adapted to the needs of their students. We are currently in a rapidly changing society and the approach that each school takes is different. Schools all adapt in different ways but the important part is that they continue to keep the student’s needs and interests at the heart of these changes.
