* Increased demand for better high school preparation: The GI Bill made college affordable and accessible to millions of veterans. This spurred a significant increase in college enrollment. High schools suddenly faced pressure to better prepare students for the rigors of college-level work. This led to improvements in curriculum, teaching methods, and overall academic standards in many secondary schools. More rigorous coursework and increased emphasis on college preparatory subjects became the norm.
* Expansion of secondary education: The surge in college applications meant a larger pool of students needing to complete high school. This, in turn, increased demand for secondary school facilities and teachers, leading to the expansion of high schools and the hiring of more educators.
* Increased focus on vocational training: While college was the primary focus of the GI Bill, it also included vocational training opportunities. This indirectly affected secondary education by increasing the recognition and development of vocational programs within high schools, providing students with alternative paths after graduation.
* Baby Boom Generation: The veterans returning home started families, contributing to the baby boom. This demographic shift led to a significant expansion of the public school system, impacting both primary and secondary education. While not a direct result of the GI Bill, the improved economic conditions spurred by the Bill and the overall postwar prosperity undoubtedly fueled this expansion.
In summary, the GI Bill didn't directly fund or reform secondary education. However, its massive impact on higher education created a demand for better preparation at the high school level. This led to improvements in curriculum, expansion of facilities, and a greater emphasis on college preparedness, fundamentally altering the landscape of secondary education in post-war America.