Part One: The Common School (1770-1900)

Reflecting on part one of our textbook, I was made more aware of the development of our school system and their structures, including what schooling used to look like. I found myself in shock at the facilities students were once subjected to learn in; the conditions of the premises were horrible and unsafe. I cannot imagine living in this era and receiving such an unjust and biased education. Some students did not have the opportunity to receive quality education based on financial circumstances or families status, therefore, happened to be treated unfairly. However, if students were able to go to school, they were subjected to poor circumstances, such as teachers who were not necessarily qualified to teach, hard benches and seats to sit in, no textbooks, no lighting in facilities and so forth. After reading more upon Horace Mann, I realized the impact he made in the education field and the movement he created. Horace realized the inequity and truly believed all students regardless of social class to receive the same education, so he set forth to make this happen. After several meetings and determination to make this dream a reality, students were eventually able to learn in a safe and enriching environment. Several people were to account for the changes, such as Kathryn Kish who believed in women empowerment and their platform they had as teachers. 

I enjoyed working in a group with Daniela as we were able to discuss further about different parts of the chapter and the school system. Our discussions about this topic led into other conversations about issues and unjust situations we have heard about in other parts of the country. For example, movements like “Little Rock Nine” “Brown vs. Board of Education” and “Mendez v. Westminster”, which led to quality education for students in public and private schools. Also, currently, from an educational perspective, things can still be tough for students and parents. Many times it is hard for students to achieve their goals due to setbacks such as financial situations or lack of family support. 

We ranked our words, phrases and sentences by discussing why we felt each of choices were of importance to us which we then ranked accordingly. For example, we ranked the work 'inequity' first because we felt this was a good theme for the chapter. Also, we feel like inequity is relevant because it is still happening not only in our country, but other parts of the world. We went on to discuss how some classrooms today in schools around the country are still not in the best conditions (i.e. dated textbooks, no air conditioning in classrooms, etc.) The word 'free' was ranked second because it complemented the theme. For example, individuals wanted a better education and tools to provide that for them but sadly, there were so many restrictions placed upon them. Fortunately, Mann's movement made it possible for all students to go to school.

"Common Schools would be free of charge, so that poor children could attend"  is the phrase we ranked first because at the time this was the biggest issue. What was most important about this issue is that all students, regardless of social class would be receiving the same quality education.

“Mann held a series of public meetings to propose a new system of what he called ‘common schools” was rated second because Horace Mann was the one who made this possible (common schooling.)

"The United States was providing more schooling to more children than any other nation on earth, thanks to large part to the nineteenth century movement school reform" was the sentence we ranked first. We ranked this first because without the nineteenth century movement, we would not be where we are at today and achieve the educational successes thus far. "African Americans began to tie the quest for freedom, the quest for education and excellence together. And they began to think education as part for the freedom struggle." This sentence was rated second because from the events that changed our education system, so did many influential people who made it possible for a fair experience.