FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Who established the first compulsory education law in Massachusetts?

1. The colonial legislature

2. Governor of Massachusetts

3. A local school board

4. The Royal Governor

The correct answer is: The colonial legislature

The establishment of the first compulsory education law in Massachusetts can be attributed to the colonial legislature. This groundbreaking legislation, enacted in 1642, mandated that children should be educated, recognizing the importance of literacy and education for societal participation, particularly in a community-centered around church and civic duties. The law was a significant step in emphasizing the role of the government in ensuring education for its youth, moving away from solely parent-driven responsibility. This initiative laid the groundwork for future educational reforms and set a precedent for compulsory education laws that would spread throughout the United States. The involvement of other figures, such as governors or school boards, in the context of educational laws came later, but the crucial first step was the legislative decision made by the colonial governance in Massachusetts to formalize the requirement for educational attendance.