FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What year marked the passage of the first compulsory education law in the United States?

1. 1636

2. 1785

3. 1852

4. 1890

The correct answer is: 1852

The year 1852 is significant because it marks the passage of the first formal compulsory education law in the United States, enacted in Massachusetts. This law mandated that children attend school, reflecting the growing recognition of the importance of education for all children, not just those from privileged backgrounds. The law established a framework for public education that prioritized accessibility and underscored the societal belief that education was a vital foundation for informed citizenship and personal development. This movement towards compulsory education was a key step in the evolution of the U.S. education system, promoting the idea that education is a right rather than a privilege. The regions that adopted similar laws followed Massachusetts' example, leading to the widespread establishment of compulsory education in the years that followed.