Celebrating and Reflecting on Public Education in the US with Beau Dickenson

What do you know about how public education came to the United States? In this episode, Donna Delisle talks with RCPS Social Studies Supervisor Beau Dickenson about the history of public education in the US and specifically in Virginia. With a grounding in major historical events, historian Beau Dickenson reflects on the beginning of American public education, how it has evolved, and how it looks today going into the future. 

 

As Beau shares in the episode, Rockingham County Public Schools were founded in 1876 as a result of changing legislation as Virginia rejoined the Union. Beau talks about the progression of public education, in the US and specifically in Virginia, beginning with the founding of the United States and moving through the Civil Rights era continuing into present day. 

 

Be sure to check out this fascinating episode where Donna and Beau reflect on the power of public education in Virginia.