The document discusses the history of educational opportunities in America for women and minority groups such as African Americans. It describes how in colonial times there were few opportunities for women's education but some private schools for girls emerged in the early 1800s. Oberlin College and Harvard later began accepting women. For African Americans, some early schools opened in the 1800s run by churches and activists. The Civil Rights movement and legislation in the 1900s helped promote more equal access to education regardless of gender or race. Today's education system strives for inclusion and diversity in its curriculum and teaching approaches.

1. Historic Learning Opportunities in American EducationFor Women and Other Minority GroupsKelli BennettNational University

2. 9/13/2009Educational Opportunities for WomenIn Colonial America there were no significant educational opportunities for women, most females learned to read at home and the rich hired private tutors for their daughtersIn 1821, Emma Willard opened the first seminary offering an educational program that was equal to the education available to men(Johnson et. al., 2008)

3. 9/13/2009Educational Opportunities for WomenOberlin College was the first university to accept women and black studentsHarvard University accepted first women in 1945 Title XI put an end to discrimination in education based on gender (Hornay, 2002)

4. 9/13/2009Educational Opportunities for African AmericanThe first school for African Americans opened in the District of ColumbiaChurch related - Baptists provided the greatest educational opportunities for African AmericanMyrtilla Miner established a school for African American girls in 1851Vocational education for African Americans emphasized by Frederick Douglas(Johnson et. al., 2008)

5. 9/13/2009Educational Opportunities for African AmericansJohn Chavis was sent to Princeton to see if he could be educated – he was successful and represented a huge step forward for African American educationPrudence Crandall recruited African American children to her school due to the fact that white parents did not want their children to attend her school based on the fact that one African American girl attended the schoolBooker T. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute in 1880 with a focus on what African Americans needed to be a part of society(Johnson et. al., 2008)

6. 9/13/2009Educational Opportunities for Other Minority GroupsDuring the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Cuban immigrants fled to Florida and the US government provided financial aid through the Cuban Refugee ProgramCuban teachers were able to become certified to teach in Florida using the Two-Way Bilingual Educational Approach(Ryan, 2008)

7. 9/13/2009Educational Opportunities for other Minority GroupsHead Start programs promote school readiness for low income familiesThe Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nationEconomic Opportunity Act funded adult programs with a focus on reading and writing(Johnson et. al., 2008)

8. 9/13/2009How has the struggle for inclusion shaped American EducationThere is now the opportunity for all students to receive an equal and fair education Curriculum now includes multicultural learningVocational and technical education opportunities are now availableDiverse learning styles and abilities are recognized which has led to an emphasis on differentiated instruction

9. 9/13/2009How has the struggle for inclusion shaped American SocietyJobs are no longer seen as being only for “males” or for “females”Other cultures are respected and acceptance is strongMinority groups, such as the disabled, are seen as a valuable and productive part of societyJobs that require vocational and technical training are appreciated and respected

10. My Views on the Struggle for InclusionI see the struggle for inclusion in American Education as having many positive outcomes. In contrast to early educational opportunities, women now have the ability to have an equal education therefore they will be prepared to work in virtually any field. Minorities such as those from different cultures or those who have disabilities now receive the same education as all other students. Because of this I will need to commit to learning so I may meet the diverse needs of my students.

11. My Views As a teacher, I will encourage all my students no matter what race, gender or background, that they can get an education and be successful at whatever it is they want to do.

12. 9/13/2009ReferencesJohnson, J., Musial, D., Hall, G., Gollnick, D., & Dupuis, V. (2008). Foundations of American education: Perspectives on education in a changing world (14th). Boston: Pearson.Horany, E. (2002). Women’s Issues Then and Now. Women in education. Retrieved September 11, 2009 from http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~ulrich/femhist/education.shtml#historyRyan, M. (2008). Ask the teacher: A practitioner's guide to teaching and learning in the diverse classroom. Boston: Pearson.