The American School 1642 - 2000

by Joel Spring

This point-of-view, comprehensive, up-to-date history of American education is designed to stimulate critical analysis and critical thinking. It offers decidedly alternative interpretations of each historical period. It has an emphasis on the role of multiculturalism and cultural domination in shaping US schools, on schools as one of many institutions that manage the distribution of ideas in society, on racism as a central issue in US history and US educational history, and on economic issues as an important factor in understanding the evolution of US schools.

Genres: Education, Teaching, History

464 pages, Paperback

Published July 7, 2000

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring presents an extremely detailed (though dense) and interesting account of American educational history. He discusses many of the prevalent thoughts and tensions throughout time and explains how they relate to different educational movements. Though there is an obvious bias, which Spring admits in the first chapter, this text is a must for anyone studying education, and those interested in it.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite author on education. Did you know Truman wanted to begin universal conscription and pay high school students to remain in school?

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complete history of the American school system...