SECTION II
Total time—2 hours
Question 1
(Suggested time—40 minutes. This question counts for one-third of the total essay section score)
The Antebellum period was known as a period of many reforms and social movements, one of which being the education reform movements. The Antebellum period was characterized by its numerous reforms and social movements, which included reform on education. How did education reform reflect the changing views and morals of society during the Antebellum period?
Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Then synthesize information from at least three of the sources and incorporate it into a coherent, well-written essay …show more content…
Education has never yet been brought to bear with one-hundredth part of its potential force upon the natures of children, and, through them, upon the character of men and of the race. In all the attempts to reform mankind which have hitherto been made, whether by changing the frame of government, by aggravating or softening the severity of the penal code, or by substituting a government created for a God-created religion, - in all these attempts, the infantile and youthful mind, its amenability to influences, and the enduring and self-operating character of the influences it receives, has been almost wholly unrecognized. Here, then, is a new agency, whose powers are but just beginning to be understood, and whose mighty energies hitherto have been but feebly invoked; and yet, from our experience, limited and imperfect as it is, we do know that, far beyond any other earthy instrumentality, it is comprehensive and …show more content…
He published annual reports on the state of schools in Massachusetts and through this vehicle was able to make his views known and influence others. Mann felt strongly about the need for professional training for teachers. Prior to Mann, people with a rudimentary education could call themselves teachers if they so desired. Mann saw the need for setting standards and for teachers to be educated. The first normal school for teacher training was established in Lexington, Massachusetts in 1839. Prospective teachers were given courses in content knowledge, and pedagogy or instructional methods. In addition they were required to practice teach in a model school that was associated with the normal school. Thanks to Horace Mann, Massachusetts developed a strong system of state supported common schools which in turn became a model for the rest of the United