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The Boston Latin School becomes the first public school in the American colonies. Still in operation today, it set the foundation for public education in America and emphasized classical education and college preparation.

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1636: First Higher Education Institution

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1636: First Higher Education Institution

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Harvard College (now Harvard University) is established in Cambridge, Massachusetts, becoming the first institution of higher learning in colonial America. It was initially created to train Puritan ministers.

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Jefferson proposes two track system for education. The system would support the laboring and the learned. Scholarship was rare for those labeled as labor but a few managed to gain access to scholarship.

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Congress passes the Land Ordinance, requiring that the 16th section of every township be reserved for maintaining public schools. This established the precedent of federal support for education.

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Horace Mann becomes Secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Education, the first of its kind in the nation. He champions public education and establishes the first public normal school for teacher training.

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The first Morrill Act provides federal lands to states to establish public universities focusing on agriculture and mechanical arts. This led to the creation of numerous state universities and democratized higher education.

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1867: Department of Education Established

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1867: Department of Education Established

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The federal Department of Education is established to help states establish effective school systems. Though initially a minor office, it would eventually become a cabinet-level agency.

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The Supreme Court's landmark decision declares racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine and marking a crucial moment in civil rights history.

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In response to the Soviet launch of Sputnik, Congress passes the NDEA to improve science and mathematics education. This marks the first comprehensive federal education legislation.

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1965: Elementary and Secondary Education Act

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1965: Elementary and Secondary Education Act

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President Johnson signs the ESEA as part of his 'War on Poverty,' providing federal funding to K-12 education and establishing programs like Title I for disadvantaged students.

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Title IX of the Education Amendments prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding, dramatically expanding opportunities for women in education and athletics.

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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 1975

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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 1975

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Guarantees that students with disabilities to a free and appropriate public education. It includes provisions for Social Ed services and supports for students with disabilities.

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NCLB introduces standardized testing requirements and accountability measures for public schools. It represents a major shift toward federal oversight of education policy and performance metrics.

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College Cost Reduction and Access Act 2007

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College Cost Reduction and Access Act 2007

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Increased funding for federal student aid programs including Pell grands, Stafford loans, and work-study opportunities. By making college more affordable it encouraged more students to attend college and benefitted programs like social science.

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College Cost Reduction and Access Act 2007

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ESSA replaces NCLB, maintaining standardized testing but returning more control to states for education policy, accountability systems, and teacher evaluations.