FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Who established the first compulsory education law in the United States?

1. Plymouth Colony

2. Virginia Colony

3. Massachusetts Colony

4. New York Colony

The correct answer is: Massachusetts Colony

The first compulsory education law in the United States was established by the Massachusetts Colony in 1642. This law mandated that parents ensure their children received an education, which marked a significant development in the evolution of public education in America. The Massachusetts law aimed to ensure that children could read the Bible and understand religious teachings, reflecting the Puritan values that were prevalent in the colony. This legislation laid the groundwork for future educational laws and reforms, emphasizing the importance of education as a civic responsibility. In contrast, other colonies, while they may have had their educational systems or practices, did not enact such formal laws mandating compulsory education at that early stage. The Plymouth Colony, for instance, focused more on religious education, while the Virginia and New York Colonies followed different educational trajectories that did not include compulsory laws until later in history. Thus, Massachusetts holds the distinction of being the first to implement such legislation, underscoring its pioneering role in American education.