Common School Movement Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the Common School Movement?

A school that was attended in common by all children and in which a common political ideology was taught.

What were the basic conditions that influenced the Common School Movement?

Economic, political, demographic conditions, emergence of a workingman's movement, and enlightenment of the common man.

What was a second important aspect of the Common School Movement?

The ideal of using schools as an instrument of government policies.

What was the third important aspect of the Common School Movement?

The creation of state agencies to control local schools. Signup and view all the answers

What economic conditions supported the Common School Movement?

Expansion of commerce and industry, improvements in transportation and communication, and increased taxable wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What political conditions were present during the Common School Movement?

Increased voter participation and the belief that an educated populace was necessary for governance. Signup and view all the answers

What demographic conditions influenced the Common School Movement?

Growing diversity in the population and the need to transform immigrants into American citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What did the emergence of a workingman's movement advocate for in terms of education?

Public education supported by public taxes, free to all, to preserve an open society. Signup and view all the answers

Who were some key figures in the Common School Movement?

Horace Mann, James Carter, Henry Barnard, John Pierce, and Charles Mercer. Signup and view all the answers

What ideology was central to the Common School Movement?

Education as the great equalizer and solution to social problems. Signup and view all the answers

What concerns were raised about the ideology of the Common School?

The public school system was based on inflated promises and oversimplified social problems. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Common School have in education?

To teach the 3 R's and facts about various subjects while shaping intellect and republican values. Signup and view all the answers

What issues did the Common School face regarding a heterogeneous population?

Building a common school system and potential classroom political conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Common School Movement Overview

Fundamental to the American school system, emphasizing equal access and education for all children.
Influenced by economic, political, demographic conditions, the rise of a working-class movement, and enlightenment ideals.

Education and Society

Focus on communal education aims to reduce social tensions and political conflicts.
Promotes a common political ideology in schooling, fostering unity among diverse social groups.

Government Role in Education

Schools seen as tools for implementing government policies to address social, economic, and political issues.
Establishment of state agencies was crucial for overseeing local schools.

Economic Conditions

Rapid expansion of commerce and industry, necessitating higher educational standards.
Population growth led to an increase in cities, from 44 in 1820 to 141 by 1860, which promoted community education systems.
Rising taxable wealth allowed for free, tax-supported schools.

Political Conditions

Jacksonian era saw increased voter participation, highlighting the need for an educated populace to manage governance.

Demographic Diversity

Heterogeneous population urged the development of public schools to integrate immigrants.
Nationalism argued that public education could transform immigrants into productive citizens.

Working-Class Movement

Union movements began advocating for public education as a preservation of an open society.
Labor parties supported free access to education funded by public taxes.

Enlightenment Influence

1830s and 1840s reform movements led to the establishment of a broad educational system.

Historical Leaders

Key figures included Horace Mann, James Carter, Henry Barnard, John Pierce, and Charles Mercer who drove the movement forward.
Mann’s focus on programmatic educational reform emphasized broad appeal and societal benefit.

Educational Ideology

Education seen as the great equalizer and solution to social issues, fostering industrious governance.
Created a belief in education as a pathway to societal utopia.

Critiques of Ideology

Public education suffered from unrealistic expectations leading to frustration with its outcomes.
Oversimplification of social challenges obscured clear objectives of schools and their relationship to societal issues.

Role and Curriculum

Schools taught foundational skills (reading, writing, arithmetic) and essential civic principles.
Mann advocated for education to refine intellect while promoting republicanism and Christian morals.

Challenges in Implementation

Building a common educational system for a diverse population posed significant challenges.
Avoidance of political controversies in classrooms emphasized a need for teaching universal principles.

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Description

Explore the key concepts and definitions related to the Common School Movement in America. These flashcards provide insights into its societal impact and the push for universal education. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of educational history.