Chapter 5: The History of Schools in the United States

Over the past 300 years the curriculum has had to change and shape in order to properly accommodate students in the United States. There have been influences from many aspects of life including religion that have assisted in the development in the standards of which students are learning by. Moral value has been a constant priority, and much emphasis has been put on creating a well-rounded and good moralled student in every classroom. Many substantial times in history have effected the development of curriculum including changes in the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, myriad court cases involving civil rights, and even the Civil War. Each event that effected our country, has also effected our curriculum and expectations in students and teachers. Specific evolutions in the curriculum include the transition from a simplified and religion based core of reading, writing, and arithmetic to a more focused education for individual needs, and also for college preparation. The current curriculum puts a significant amount of stress on the success of students, and the creation of greater opportunities for education, which was less of a focus in early education times such as colonial times.

One major debate that is constant in education is the involvement of religion in the curriculum. The tensions began between immigrants and European settlers and then further developed over time between Catholics and Protestants. These debates lead to other ideas of changes in sex education curriculum and what is appropriate for religious students. These debates are still constant in public schools and teachers are always questioning their right to involvement of religion in their curriculum.