Unit 2: History and Trends in American Education

Competency 1:Understand how the historical and social contexts of education have influenced contemporary schools. (DOK 2) ^{NBPTS 1, NBPTS 2, NBPTS 3, NBPTS 4, P1, P2, P3, P4}

Competency 2:Discuss the relationship of school and society. (DOK 2) ^{NBPTS 1, NBPTS 2, NBPTS 3, NBPTS 4, P1, P2, P3, P4}

Competency 3:Analyze the role of service learning in teaching and learning. (DOK 2) ^{NBPTS 1, NBPTS 2, NBPTS 3, NBPTS 4, P1, P2, P3, P4}

Little House on the Prairie - Country Girls (Highlights)

Watch the clip from “Little House on the Prairie” to get a basis for what schools and teachers were like in the past. Discuss and make notes as a class. You and your assigned partners are to complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting education in the past to today (i.e., clothes, furniture, and multiple grades). Describe a typical one-room schoolhouse such as the interior and exterior and how it was furnished and equipped. Relate key facts about being a student and being a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. Compare the experience of attending a one-room schoolhouse with going to school today. Be prepared to present this information. If possible, during the presentation, dress as the students and teacher did at that time. Make sure to explain how education evolved through the years (through various wars, movements, etc.) as well as key people involved so that all of this can be included into the project.

Little House on the Prairie - Country Girls (Highlights)

Look at the photograph on the next page. How does this school differ from our school today? Look not only at the school building but at the people as well. Consider ages of the students, their clothes, and the furnishings.

After you look at the picture, go to the discussion board for the "One Room School" and relate what you saw in the photograph. What would you like and dislike about a one room school?