Education Reform Progress 1800-1999

The Education Reform movement has experienced many successes and setbacks since the 1800's. In 1821, the first public high school was opened called "Boston English High School". Before that, all schools were private, so not everybody had the opportunity to get an education. The African Institute (later called the Institute for Colored Youth) was opened in Cheyney Pennsylvania. Opened in 1837, it was the first institute for higher learning for African Americans.  In 1875, The Civil Rights Act was passed, banning segregation in all public accommodations, including schools. This lead to African Americans having a better education since they were no longer attending schools that were lacking in resources. In 1877 all Federal troops were removed from the south, which resulted in much more segregation and racism in the south. As a result of this, many African Americans fled to northern states. In 1929 the Great Depression caused government funding for the education system to suffer. This resulted in teacher layoffs, school closings, and lower salaries. In 1974, African American Students were moved to predominantly white schools by the government to achieve racial integration of public schools in Boston, MA. However, many White parents became enraged with this and protested. Although there were many successes and setbacks, the education reform movement has always had the same goal- to improve the quality of the education system. 

                                                A school during the Great Depression

Source: http://www.eds-resources.com/educationhistorytimeline.html