Expansion of Public Education:
* Increased Attendance: Compulsory attendance laws became more common, leading to a dramatic rise in school enrollment, particularly at the secondary level. This was partly fueled by a belief that education was essential for a productive and democratic citizenry.
* Expansion of Secondary Education: High schools grew rapidly in number and offered a wider range of subjects beyond the classical curriculum, including vocational training and courses relevant to modern life. This reflected a desire to prepare students for a diverse range of occupations.
* Growth of Teacher Training: Normal schools (teacher training colleges) expanded to meet the increased demand for qualified teachers. Professionalization of teaching was a major goal, aiming to improve the quality of instruction.
Curriculum Reform:
* Focus on Practical Skills: The curriculum shifted away from a purely classical education (Latin, Greek, etc.) towards a more practical and vocational approach. This included subjects like manual training, domestic science (home economics), and commercial studies. The idea was to equip students with skills directly applicable to the workforce.
* Emphasis on Experiential Learning: Progressive educators like John Dewey championed experiential learning, emphasizing learning by doing and active participation in the learning process. This often involved project-based learning and hands-on activities.
* Development of Standardized Testing: The Progressive Era saw the rise of standardized testing as a means of assessing student achievement and evaluating the effectiveness of schools. This was partly driven by the desire for efficiency and accountability.
Social and Racial Inequality:
* Segregation: Despite the expansion of public education, racial segregation in schools remained a major problem, particularly in the South. Black schools received significantly less funding and resources than white schools.
* Limited Access: While attendance increased, access to quality education was far from universal. Immigrant children, children from low-income families, and children with disabilities often faced significant barriers to education.
Key Figures and Influences:
* John Dewey: A leading figure in progressive education, Dewey advocated for experiential learning, democratic classrooms, and the use of education to promote social progress.
* Jane Addams: A social reformer who highlighted the importance of education in addressing social problems and promoting social justice.
* Scientific Management: Principles of efficiency and standardization from the business world were applied to schools, leading to efforts to streamline instruction and improve administrative practices.
Criticisms:
* Elitism: Some critics argued that progressive education's emphasis on individual expression and experiential learning led to a decline in academic rigor and the development of a less-educated populace.
* Standardization: The increased use of standardized testing raised concerns about the narrowing of the curriculum and the potential for bias in assessment.
* Inequality: The expansion of education did not eliminate existing inequalities in access to quality education.
In conclusion, the Progressive Era witnessed a significant expansion and transformation of the American education system. While it achieved notable progress in increasing access and reforming the curriculum, it also faced challenges related to social inequality, the standardization of education, and the balance between practical skills and academic rigor. The legacy of the Progressive Era continues to shape debates about education today.