what changes occured to public schools in the united states between 1870 and 1920

Question

women became principals
enrollement numbers tripled
schools hired different teachers for each grade
the number of high school nation wide grew to 2000
children of all social clasess went to school

Answer 1

Here are some changes that occurred in public schools in the United States between 1870 and 1920:

1. Expansion of Free Public Education: One of the significant changes was the expansion of free public education. Prior to this period, education was not available to all children, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. However, during this time, efforts were made to increase access to education for all children.

2. Increase in Enrollment: Enrollment numbers in public schools significantly increased during this period. The introduction of compulsory attendance laws and the recognition of the importance of education led to a surge in the number of children attending school. Overall, enrollment numbers tripled.

3. Professionalization of Teaching: Before this period, teaching was often considered a temporary or part-time position. However, during this time, there was a shift towards professionalizing teaching. Schools started hiring different teachers for each grade, and teaching became a more respected profession.

4. Women in Education: The role of women in education also changed during this period. Women increasingly became principals, taking on administrative roles in schools. This change allowed female educators to have a greater influence on the management and development of schools.

5. Growth of High Schools: Prior to 1870, high schools were not as prevalent throughout the United States. However, during this period, the number of high schools grew to around 2,000 nationwide. This expansion provided more opportunities for students to receive an education beyond elementary school.

6. Increased Access for All Social Classes: Access to education became more widespread across different social classes during this time. Previously, education was often restricted to wealthier families, but with the expansion of public schools, children from all social classes were able to attend.

These changes played a significant role in shaping the American public school system and increasing access to education for children of various backgrounds between 1870 and 1920.