The American Progressive Period
(1880-1921)
Main Points About Education
- Children worked which limited education
- By 1920 all states passed laws requiring children to attend school
- Urban schools became over-crowded and conditions were poor
Teachers
- Were considered professionals
- Were qualified to teach a variety of subjects and trained in a classroom
- Teacher unions were formed to protect teachers rights
Segregation in Schools
- African American children attended separate public schools that received less funding
- Education materials were scarce and inferior to other public schools
- African American teachers could only teach in African American schools and received lower pay
School Curriculum
- Focused on students more as individuals
- Felt students should be encouraged to think critically and independently
How John Dewey Affected Schools
- Educational philosopher, psychologist and leading voice for progressive education
- Believed classrooms were too rigid, inflexible and didn't meet needs, interests and abilities of students.
- Believed schools should place a greater emphasis on the development of problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Promoted the link between learning and experience
How Maria Montessori Affecred Schools
- Italy's first female doctor who found ways to help children who had difficulty learning
- Teaching program she developed had great impact
- Believed that sensory experience should come before learning to read and write
Career and Technical Education
- Prepared students for the many career opportunities in specific trades and occupations where skilled workers were needed.
- Smith- Hughes Act of 1917 established federal funds to support vocational education.
- Funding influenced the spread of CTE classes in public high schools