Reflection 17

In colonial New England, the role of religion in education was very important. They believed that in order to be considered a good child; they had to learn to read and understand the Bible, so religion played a great role in education during colonial New England.

The length of education varied based on things like sex, status, and wealth. The children of the less fortunate families did not receive and education in religion and literacy, they were instead taken as apprentices for three to ten years so they could learn a skill that would make them fit for society. Education was only for white people and taught privately.

Girls were taught by governesses. They generally learned how to read their Bibles, a little bit of writing, arithmetic, and recording expenses of the home. They also studied art, music, etiquette, needlework, spinning, cooking, weaving, and nursing. They did not go to England for a chance at a higher education because it was not considered important for them.

Boys were taught in a schoolroom by a male tutor (boys and girls were taught separately). They studied Greek, math, navigation, science, fencing, Latin, geography, history and etiquette. Unlike girls, boys were given the opportunity to get an higher education. For both boys and girls, the Bible, the horn book, and the primer were the books used in teaching students.

Today, the educational system is totally different from the ways of colonial New England. Religion is not discussed in schools. The subject has actually become so taboo that some students actually refrain from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

There is also no more racial discrimination in schools. Students and teachers from all backgrounds and cultures are now all taught together. However, certain schools do tend to have a majority of certain races and ethnicities, but, other groups can attend these schools if they want to.

Today children normally begin school from age five (Kindergarten) to age 18. Every student is also entitled the right to go on to getting a higher education despite their sex. In general, while the colonial New England schools were the stepping stones for education, today we have come up with a more time consistent system.