The School in the United States: A Documentary History

by James W. Fraser (Editor)

The School in the United States collects a wide range of essential primary documents of the history of education in the United States, from colonial America to present-day reform efforts. Expertly chosen by historian and education scholar James Fraser, these documents incorporate many different sources, from first-person accounts to textbook excerpts and presidential speeches. As Fraser demonstrates, the history of American education is also a history of national debates and decisions about schooling, and he places the prominent voices of these debates in conversation through carefully curated selections, including the work of famous thinkers like Thomas Jefferson and W. E. B. DuBois, as well as that of ordinary classroom teachers. Organized by era, each chapter begins with a brief introduction intended to spark student interest, while a detailed bibliography suggests opportunities for further research. In addition, the fourth edition also offers an alternative structure that allows easy use of the book by topic as an alternative to chronology. Comprehensive enough to be used as a main text, but selective enough to be used alongside another, The School in the United States makes accessible key readings in the history of American education in a format that encourages students to make their own evaluations as they engage with major historical debates. Updates to this fourth edition include:

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, History, School

394 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2000

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

James W. Fraser tells a history of education in the United States to identify the many different populations which have played roles in articulating what education could be. The author arranges a large collection of primary sources which helps readers think-through how different people(s) in the U.S. have expressed their needs in education. Readers seeking an introduction to U.S. education history should be satisfied. This book can be a useful primary textbook for an undergraduate history course too.

[Yoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book on the history of education. As a teacher I understand instructional pedagogy but I never understood the purpose for education in America. This book gives a excellent timeline on how education emerged from the Puritans to no Child left behind.

[Joel Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly useful and interesting. Will likely revisit many of these documents again.

[Emily Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly for a textbook, this was interesting. Provided some great contexts for the modern educational system and the introductions to each chapter were full of great insights.

[Collin D.N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for class (the author of this book is also the instructor of the class).

I found this to be a very accessible, well rounded look at the history of education in our country. Presents issues, then follows up with contrasting viewpoints, giving the reader a good idea of the historical context of what was happening. A good resource, especially for someone who, like me, is coming in with pretty limited knowledge in this area.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preferred this text to the Urban & Wagoner assigned. Readings broken up in first person/primary source accounts. Each chapter starts off with an overview of what was going on in education at the time period outlined. Probably should be assigned with another overall volume, but a good stand out for an understanding. Occasionally not objective, especially towards the modern era.

[Vida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Schools in the United States essential have the same problems that they had during their formation: segregation, funding issues, curriculum quality, low pay for teachers, lack of respect for teachers. This is an enlightening historical perspective in primary source form.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of education history in the United States from the colonial era to NCLB.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book is comprised of numerous primary historical documents regarding schools, teachers, and students. Very interesting and accessible.