History Of Education In America

History of Education in America
As far back as the beginning of our nation, early leaders emphasized the importance of education
and provided funds to create education for children from every background in our country. Thomas
Jefferson said, “ Above all things, I hope the education of the common people will be extended to;
convinced that on this good sense we may rely with the most security for the preservation of a due degree
of liberty.” He knew the importance of education (Jennings, 1996).
In early America, there was concern for the common good and well being for all citizens in the
known United States. John Dewey, the well known educator and philosopher, once said, “What the best
and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for the children. Any other ideal
for our schools is narrow and unlovely; acted upon, it destroys our democracy.” John Dewey (1859-1952)
was an American philosopher and educator whose writings and teachings have had profound influences on
education in the United States. Dewey’s philosophy of education, instrumentalism (also called
pragmatism), focused on learning-by-doing rather than rote learning and dogmatic instruction, the current
practice of his day (Pergamon, 1994).
What is public education in America? How does it fit in our history? The answers to these
questions are many faceted.
In 1624, Jamestown Colony founded a flax house (a place for making linen) and guaranteed the
support of two poo...

History Of Education In America

Login

Join