The document discusses the history and purpose of common schools in the United States. It outlines how important education figures like Horace Mann helped establish common schools to provide free public education to all children. These schools aimed to promote social cohesion and democratic values through standardized curriculums. The document also notes ongoing debates around public education, comparing controversies then such as arguments for and against common schools, to modern issues like school vouchers and multiculturalism. Students evaluate similarities and differences between common schools and today's public elementary schools.

1. The History of Public Education:
The “Common School”
Instructor Name: Mark Boatman
Grade Level: College
Content Areas: Education, History
Curriculum State Standard(s):
Goal 1.1: Build an understanding of the cultural and social development of the United
States.
9-12.USH2.1.1.3 Analyze significant movements for social change.
Goal 4.3: Build an understanding that all people in the United States have rights and
assume responsibilities.
9-12.USH2.4.3.2 Provide and evaluate examples of social and political leadership in
American history. (490.01e)
Objectives:
Students will:
Be aware of the definition of the Common School
Identify important figures in the creation of the Common School
Know the purpose of the Common School and why it was formed
Identify arguments for and against the Common School
Identifysimilar controversies about vouchers to pay for private schooling, and
controversies about multiculturalism/assimilation
Identify how the common school relates to the public school system of today
Materials/Equipment Needed:
Power Point presentation – slides to guide and enforce lesson
Useful website: http://www.pbs.org/onlyateacher/timeline.html

2. Procedure Time
Quadrant I: 3min.
1. Opening video to get students attention
2. Overview of what will be discussed in my lesson
Quadrant II: 5 min.
1. General history of the Common School
2. Summarize the contributions of important educational figure, Horace
Mann
Quadrant III: 5min.
1. Discuss arguments for and against the Common School
2. Discuss the Common School in practice
3. Early textbooks, such as the McGuffey Readers
Quadrant IV: 15 min.
1. Box T-Chart groupactivity: Similarities/Differences between Common
Schools and Public schools of today
2. Wrap-up: Additional thoughts and comparisons
Method of Evaluation:
Observe to see if students are engaged throughout the lesson
Group Participation in Box T-Chart Activity
Questions/Answer session at lessons conclusion
o What similarities and differences are there between the Common School and
public elementary schools today?
o What controversies over public education exist today?
o As Horace Mann thought, do you think women are better teachers of the young?
o Are there drawbacks to the influx of technology in the classroom?
o How did textbooks such as the McGuffey readers contribute to the growth of
democracy and American ideals?
o How did the progressive educators influence instructional practice in the
United States?
o Is equity in education a reality?
References:
Cooper, Ryan. Those Who Can Teach. 12th. Boston: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2010.
Print.