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Issue Paper SnapshotThe Common School Movement |
Today’s system of public education is a result of a political and social movement that began in the early 19th century. Public education was seen as an essential component of the new democracy. Proponents of the common school believed that in addition to teaching students academics, education should prepare young people for citizenship. Reformers, such as Horace Mann (1796-1859), believed that public education would allow all individuals to rise by merit through a common system of education.
Talking Issues
- Advocates of the common school believed that only a system of public education, open to all, could provide equal opportunity for students from all walks of life. Public education was intended to give everyone an equal chance; the common school movement was a rejection of monarchy and the privileges associated with the landed aristocracy.
- Real world factors, including urbanization and increasing immigration, also fueled desires for a universal system of public education.
- Public schools have a special status as producers of values, perspectives, knowledge, and skills that are fundamental to community and society.
- One of the chief democratic ideals expressed by the common school reformers has come to fruition: a growing diversity of students are graduating and going on to post-secondary education.
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