Schooling in the Early National

Period

1750’s to 1800’s

Early National Period10th Amendment

Education was a right reserved to the administration of States.

2 Proposals Relating to Education Benjamin Franklin Thomas Jefferson So, began the Enlightenment Period

Social Regulation was the key to education

SchoolingEither basic or elaborately classical (Latin

Grammar)1662 Oxford and Cambridge Universities

Forbad non-Anglican students from attending.People’s colleges – Academies p.10

Benjamin FranklinProposal Relating to the Education of Youth

in Pennsylvania 1749Schools were quasi-vocationalFacilitated social mobilityLearning that counted most was that

which would make a boy both employable and socially proper.

Puritan view of hard workLed to University of Pennyslvania

Franklin’s Academy1749 Academy in PennsylvaniaBoys onlySecular Institution

Apprenticeships English taught instead of Latin

Focus on economic mobility of students rather than religion for lessons

Study: morality, oratory, geography, politics, philosophy, human affairs, agriculture, technology, science, and invention.

Thomas JeffersonVirginiaA Bill for the More General Diffusion of

Knowledge. 1779Establish reading and writing schoolsFunding of William and Mary CollegeProduce Leaders for Commonwealth of VirginiaEducation served 2 purposesTo cultivate a “natural aristocracy” of

leadership without religionPerpetuate an enlightened citizenry to keep

the nation free from political tyranny.

Jefferson3 tiered system of public educationPrepare a natural aristocracyPolitical leadershipBasic educationCommon manAll children sent to reading/writing schools

for 3 years.Top male students – go on to Latin Grammar

Schools.The best then would go to college WandMaryEducation provided at public expense

Differences Jefferson Democratic ruler Education of middle class

would cause mobs. Cultivate learning Local children – basics Free education for 3 years No study of the Bible

Could be harmful p.12 Public education for

general populace General Diffusion of

Knowledge Reading and Writing

Schools

Quasi-vocational institutions

Classical Education for middle

class as a means to getting ahead.

History was focus not religion

Facilitate reason Education for social

regulation Both Jefferson and Franklin

Public education was a means for achieving social mobility.

PovertyPoor -moral dilemmaNeeded to educated them1790’s New York had slumsPoor adults were viewed an irredeemable

Offspring could be saved.School for the poor was thought to get rid

of poverty and crime. Freed black were also educated

Charity Schools were created

Joseph Lancaster-EnglandNeed to educate many children with limited

funds.Rigidly hierarchical system of education.Educate 1000 students in a single classroom.Education was a machineEach boy had a number which was hung on the

wall. The boy would stand under it if present. Students marched to and from their various

lessons and activities.Rote memorizationRanked daily – move up in line p.15

Charity SchoolsHarsh discipline like the puritan schoolsEliminate crime and povertyNot theologically maintained.Economic and political Quakers Thomas Eddy and John Murray, Jr.New York Free School Society.System of tickets for infractionsMoral education rooted in ProtestantismBlacks/N.Americans educated

South Outlawed West – Boarding schools for Indians – assimilation/cultural

annihilationEnforced rigid and brutal discpline

Problems with Charity SchoolsHigh costLimited fundsNumber of children How to properly train them in ways ofIndustriousnessObediencethrift

Catholic SchoolsPriests were afraid that catholic religion

would be assimilated into the protestant faith.

Created their one schoolsFear and hatred of Catholics during this

time because so many were coming to America

Largest non-public school system in America

Charity SchoolsParents had to take a “pauper’s oath”Unfit to instruct their childrenCure all for social illsDiscussions fueled that “ALL children”

should be educated at public expense.

Teacher’s in the New RepublicToday we are viewed as less competent

and dedicated than our predecessors.MythWhite and MaleMiddle Class and youngNew England – schools were only open 4-6

weeks a year because of funds.Supplement income, not a profession

Dame SchoolsChild tendingPay “good wives” to teach poor childrenGlorified babysitter

Margarethe Schurz (1832-1876)1st Kindergarten Garden where children growIn her homeWatertown Wisconsin

WomenEducate women Better mothersMore marriageableMoral superiority for very youngEasier to regulateSeen as social regulationEmma Willard’s Female Seminary New

York 1821Helped with teachers and lower salaries

TriviaCan you answer the following question?Who is Ichabod Crane?

Teaching Continued…

1700’s Jobs were open to both men and women

Cost less to hire womenStill largely male dominatedBound by morality clauses p.18Job anyone roughly educated could do.Drunkenness and financial issues by teachers.Unfit teachers lasted the longestSubject to local opinion – few made careersIchabod Crane – The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Bumbling schoolmaster

Segregated SchoolsNorth schools for black beganBlacks paid their share of taxes

Less educational resources were given 1855 Boston signed a law Barring discrimination in schooling based on

religion or race.