A History of Education in Kentucky

by William E. Ellis

Overview

Kentucky is nationally renowned for horses, bourbon, rich natural resources, and unfortunately, hindered by a deficient educational system. Though its reputation is not always justified, in national rankings for grades K-12 and higher education, Kentucky consistently ranks among the lowest states in education funding, literacy, and student achievement.

In A History of Education in Kentucky, William E. Ellis illuminates the successes and failures of public and private education in the commonwealth since its settlement. Ellis demonstrates how political leaders in the nineteenth century created a culture that devalued public education and refused to adequately fund it. He also analyzes efforts by teachers and policy makers to enact vital reforms and establish adequate, equal education, and discusses ongoing battles related to religious instruction, integration, and the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA).

A History of Education in Kentucky is the only up-to-date, single-volume history of education in the commonwealth. Offering more than mere policy analysis, this comprehensive work tells the story of passionate students, teachers, and leaders who have worked for progress from the 1770s to the present day. Despite the prevailing pessimism about education in Kentucky, Ellis acknowledges signs of a vibrant educational atmosphere in the state. By advocating a better understanding of the past, Ellis looks to the future and challenges Kentuckians to avoid historic failures and build on their successes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813129778
Publisher:	University Press of Kentucky
Publication date:	06/04/2011
Series:	Topics in Kentucky History Series
Pages:	546
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 5.60(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

William E. Ellis, Foundation Professor Emeritus at Eastern Kentucky University, is the author of several books, including The Kentucky River and A History of Eastern Kentucky University. In 1999, he received the Governor's Award for his book Robert Worth Bingham and the Southern Mystique. He lives in Richmond, Kentucky.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Map of Kentucky Counties xii

Part 1 1775 to the Beginning of the Civil War

Chapter 1 Tragedies, Blunders, and Promises: Creating a Public School System 3

Chapter 2 The Early History of Higher Education 37

Part 2 The Civil War to 1900

Chapter 3 Elementary and Secondary Education 65

Chapter 4 Higher Education in an Age of Flux 108

Part 3 1900 to 1941

Chapter 5 Elementary and Secondary Education from the Progressive Era to World War II 145

Chapter 6 Higher Education in the New Century 221

Part 4 World War II to the Mid‐1980s

Chapter 7 Elementary and Secondary Education from World War II to the Threshold of Major Reform 271

Chapter 8 Higher Education 335

Epilogue: Whither Education in Kentucky? 401

Notes 425

Index 491

What People are Saying About This

William J. Morison

This book is a tour-de-force. The writing sparks with verve and fire. No course on the history of Kentucky, or on the history of education taught in Kentucky, should be without it. (William J. Morison, author of The University of Louisville)

From the Publisher

""This book is a tour-de-force. The writing sparks with verve and fire. No course on the history of Kentucky, or on the history of education taught in Kentucky, should be without it."—William J. Morison, author of The University of Louisville" —

Editorial Reviews

"Winner of the Kentucky History Award" —

From the Publisher