Roaring Twenties
1920s Education Standards
Scientific education and standardized testing emerged. Junior high schools became common.
6
Standards
25
Hours/Week
48
Total Skills
8th
Grade Level
Post-WWI prosperity. Radio and automobiles changed society. High school became the new standard for graduation.
Key Characteristics
- Junior high school movement
- Standardized testing begins
- Life adjustment education
- Silent reading replaces oral
- Vocational education grows
Notable Educators
- Edward Thorndike
- Lewis Terman
- William Heard Kilpatrick
Standards by Subject
Transition from pure arithmetic to pre-algebra. Integration of practical applications with emerging standardized testing concepts.
Combination of classical literature with emerging focus on practical reading skills. Silent reading began to replace oral reading emphasis.
Practical composition skills with emphasis on clear communication. Grammar instruction continued alongside increased attention to creative expression.
American history with increased emphasis on civics and citizenship. Community civics movement influenced curriculum.
Unified general science course covering all major branches. Emphasis on scientific method and applications to modern life.
Regional geography with increased attention to human geography and economic relationships. Post-WWI context expanded global awareness.
McGuffey's Eclectic Readers (Complete Set)
The most widely used reading textbooks in American history (1836-1960). Teaches reading through classic literature, moral lessons, and phonics. Used by an estimated 120 million Americans.
Reed-Kellogg Sentence Diagramming
The famous sentence diagramming method that taught generations of Americans to analyze grammar visually.
Simply Charlotte Mason
Complete curriculum based on Charlotte Mason's methods (1880s-1920s): living books, nature study, narration, copywork.
Handbook of Nature Study
The definitive nature study guide by Anna Botsford Comstock. 900+ pages covering plants, animals, and earth science through observation.