Why Do We Have Public Schools?

Dr. Johann Neem, Chair and Professor, Department of History

Fall 2017

At a time when state and national policy makers are debating the future of public education, Professor Neem draws on his new book, Democracy’s Schools: The Rise of Public Education in America, to examine the contested visions that led Americans to develop public schools in the first place. By returning to our roots, perhaps we can seek guidance about how to reform our schools for the future.