The Brian Lehrer Show 100 Years of 100 Things: Public Education
Apr 18, 2025
In this riveting discussion, Jonathan Zimmerman, a historian of education at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into a century of American public education. He unpacks the evolution from community schools to state-run systems, highlighting compulsory education and urbanization's impact. Zimmerman addresses funding disparities, the effects of the No Child Left Behind Act, and contrasts U.S. and European educational models. The conversation also tackles the future of public schooling amid debates on vouchers, sparking insights on education's role in shaping society.
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Origins of Common Schools
- The common school system began in the 1830s and 1840s to unify tiny schools into a system with shared standards.
- Real enforcement of compulsory education and teacher standards emerged only by the early 20th century.
One-Room Schools as Community Hubs
- One-room schools like the one attended by a caller's grandmother were often the sole public building in their communities.
- These schools served as centers for education, voting, weddings, funerals, and community celebrations.
Funding of Public Education
- Public schools have historically been funded through local property taxes since colonial times.
- Over time, federal and state contributions have increased, but local taxes and state funds remain primary sources.
