Education in the 1930’s

Education in the 1930’s Envision going to a school based off of skin color or not being able to attend school because there wasn’t enough money . Public education in the 1930’s was treacherous. With money being so scarce, some parents were unable to provide their children with the books, clothes, and supplies needed to attend school. Although school boards were forced to try many methods to keep their district running, many school had to shut down due to lack of money. Often the school terms would be cut shorter and along goes with the teachers’ salaries. Public schools were often one room houses. Many of the students would be taught by the same teacher in different levels. For example the teacher could teach 1st graders how to write on one side of the room, while on the other side the 5th grader are reading in their textbooks learning about science. Students often sat on wooden benches and long tables. The grade levels ranged from kindergarten to college. Graduation from college would mean high-wage jobs and great wealth. college was not open to many people, many would only finish high school. Each school was each different levels. 1st grade through 6h grade would attend elementary schools. 7 – 12 grade students went to secondary school, a combination of high school and middle school. The progressive movement was notable for massive expansion in the number of schools and students served. It helped many students get back to school. The movement was a major industrial growth for the United States in the 19th century. A system of behaviors occurring within a social group is called group dynamics. This can be useful in understanding decision-making behavior. Group dynamics understands racism, sexism, and other forms of social prejudice and discrimination. The teachers who taught the students were men and women who have completed the highest level of education possible. Often, the teacher were former students themselves. They weren’t paid much because the Great Depression was occurring and money was scarce. Teachers would have salaries of only $40 a month. “ By 1933 there were two hundred thousand unemployed teachers; 2. 2 million children were out of school; and two thousand rural schools in twenty-four states failed to open. ” (American, Par 2). During the 1930’s, there was segregation going on. White children would attend one school and black kids would go to a school for colored people. There was often be a sign in front of the building saying “ Colored School” or “ Whites Only”. White teachers had to teach only white students and black teachers taught the colored students. Some communities wouldn’t even allow black people to be educated by not providing a school. Black school schoolhouses were very run down. They didn’t have the necessary supplies need for proper education. The schools were wooden houses. Many times, the school would be overcrowded with students. 37% more African american students attended school compared to white students. White schools were strict and regulated. The buildings were often made of stone or concrete. There was heating unlike the black school. More supplies were available. In 1876, Melvil Dewey created a Dewey Decimal System. The system was a library classification system. A library assigns a DDC number that clearly locates a particular volume within a short length of shelving. This makes it easy to find any specific book and return it to its proper place on the library shelves. This system is used to make shelving books simpler, easy to access, and find.