19th Century American Education System

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes the schooling system in the early 19th century United States?

Schooling was primarily conducted by female teachers.

Attendance in schools was compulsory.

Schools were fully funded by the federal government.

Most schools were organized by local communities or religious groups. (correct)

In what year did a significant religious revival occur at the Litchfield Female Academy?

1835

1825

1815 (correct)

1805

What was the average school year for students in early American schools?

Twelve months with weekends off.

Only four months a year due to lack of funding.

Six months total, with a division of summer and winter sessions. (correct)

Eighteen weeks divided into three terms.

What proportion of American students attended one-room schoolhouses?

Two-thirds (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which group primarily supported the funding of early American schools?

Tuition payments and local tax dollars (D) Signup and view all the answers

Who was typically the main teacher in a one-room schoolhouse?

An overwhelmed male teacher (A) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of education did the U.S. Constitution notably lack?

A mention of education as a right (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role did the local churches play in early American education?

They were instrumental in organizing and funding schools. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant event did Beecher use to argue for universal schooling?

The French Revolution (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Beecher's proposals regarding women's roles in education?

Women could choose teaching over marriage based on love. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Beecher, why would women make better teachers than men?

Women were seen as more nurturing and capable. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characterization did Beecher give to male teachers in her lectures?

Incompetent and intemperate. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Beecher envision the role of young women in education?

As teachers dedicated to educating the masses. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of American women worked outside the home in the early nineteenth century?

10 percent (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did Beecher fear would happen without universal schooling?

A potential violent uprising by the underclass. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which literary character exemplified Beecher's criticism of male teachers?

Ichabod Crane (A) Signup and view all the answers

What amount did Mann request from fellow legislators to support education?

$2 million (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the amount Massachusetts appropriated for the new board of education in relation to Mann's request?

It was half of what Mann asked for. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What factors did the Prussian governmental reforms emphasize for teachers?

A dignified profession with financial security. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of establishing normal schools in Prussia?

To standardize teacher training and pedagogy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's report on public schools influenced Mann's educational reforms?

Victor Cousin (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was one criticism Mann had regarding the financial priorities of Bostonians?

They spent excessively on entertainment rather than education. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was Mann's new position after leaving the state senate?

Secretary of Education (A) Signup and view all the answers

What regulations did Prussian law implement regarding teachers to enhance their role?

They were banned from secondary jobs for maintaining dignity. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of phrenology appealed to Horace Mann?

It promoted the idea of self-improvement through education. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Mann's experiences with religion influence his views on education?

He believed education could address personal failings and societal issues. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did Horace Mann help establish in 1837?

A state board of education. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What critique did historian Arthur Schlesinger have regarding the Whigs' view on social issues?

They overlooked the impact of individual behavior and choices. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How did Mann's views differ from those calling for economic regulation?

He focused on education as a path to societal improvement. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What did Mann neglect while pursuing school reform?

The economic conditions affecting education. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the tragic incident involving Mann's brother Stephen?

It made Mann question the efficacy of Puritan beliefs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a goal of the national common schools movement that Mann was a part of?

Ensure compulsory enrollment for all children. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What financial benefit did Mann highlight in his report regarding the employment of female teachers?

It saved the state $11,000. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which professions did Mann suggest should remain closed to women?

Politics, military, and journalism. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Mann describe the ideal female teacher in his report?

As a nurturing figure motivated by faith. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Mann's description of female teachers as having 'angelic' qualities?

It reinforced traditional gender roles. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did the 1842 manual produced by a New York philanthropist argue about female teachers?

They would work for less money than less qualified male teachers. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Mann view the influence of his late wife, Charlotte, on his ideals?

She had a significant impact on his concept of purity and excellence. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What overarching theme did the common schools movement convey regarding female educators?

They were essential for maintaining an economically feasible education system. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was Mann's stance on women's roles in society, particularly regarding employment?

Women should be confined to roles that utilize their nurturing abilities. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did the authors highlight about women's ability in education?

Women have a unique ability to connect with and inspire young children. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What belief influenced the promotion of non-college-educated female teachers?

The idea that education should prioritize character development over academics. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred in the American teaching workforce between 1830 and 1900?

The teaching corps became predominantly female. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was Emma Willard Beecher’s view on the purpose of education?

It should prioritize physical, social, and moral interests. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What significant observation did Mann make about basic education?

Teaching the basics lacks any sacredness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did the American public school system differ from its Western European counterparts?

It prioritized morality over intellect in education. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What issue affected the retention of male teachers in Prussia?

Gender-segregated schools and better compensation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What perspective did Mann and Beecher share about the educational curriculum?

It should cater primarily to the needs of future workers and voters. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Teacher Wars: A History of America's Most Embattled Profession

The book is a history of American education, specifically focusing on the evolution of the teaching profession.
The book examines the conflicts and challenges faced by teachers throughout history.
The book highlights the changing role of women in education.
Early American schools were not standardized and varied greatly.
One room schoolhouses were common housing multiple ages, and taught often by a single teacher, primarily male.
The one room school houses varied largely in their quality, and even with textbooks, were frequently inadequate.
Religious instruction was a key element in early American education.
Catharine Beecher, a prominent educator, argued for the importance and effectiveness of women teachers.
Beecher believed women were uniquely suited to educate the next generation and advocated for women's expanded role in teaching.
Beecher established the Hartford Female Seminary highlighting academic rigor for women, and the importance of teaching as a career option for women.
Horace Mann, another pivotal figure, played a significant role in the common school movement.
Mann pushed for increased funding and the establishment of teacher training institutions.
Mann championed common schools as a method to create morally suitable citizens.
The common school movement's initial success stemmed from attracting political and business leaders due to its emphasis on morality over academics.
The transition from primarily male to female teachers was accelerated by financial considerations and the perceived effectiveness of women teachers for moral instruction.
Despite the perceived advantages, the feminization of teaching had several implications, such as prioritizing faith over academics.
Debate and resistance toward the feminization of the teaching profession was significant.
The book explores the differing views of education and its role in society, including the debate on whether schools should prepare students for jobs or offer a universal education.

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Description

Explore the distinctive features of the schooling system in the early 19th century United States. This quiz covers significant events, key figures like Beecher, and the role of local churches in early education, providing insights into the historical context of American education.