An organized system of public education did not exist in the United States until the mid 19th century. Pilgrims who arrived as far back as the 17th century reverted to the ancient Athenian method where parents taught their children at home.
In 1642 came the First Compulsory Education Law. This law stated that parents or masters of children are required to provide them with basic education including instruction in reading, writing, and the colony's capitol laws. If not provided, the state claims authority to take custody of them so they may be instructed. In 1647 came the First American Law Requiring Schools. Towns are required to hire one reading and writing teacher for each 50 families, and towns over 100 families are required to form a Latin grammar school capable of preparing children to be admitted to Harvard College. In 1647 came Dame Schools. An early combination of day care and schooling, dame schools are held by homemakers who informally instruct students for pay. Over the next century dame schools will show that women can be effective teachers, while raising the base level of education, especially for girls. |
|