 | Issue Paper Snapshot The 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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