Date of Award
1970
Document Type
Dissertation - Restricted
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Education
Abstract
This dissertation examines the development of the Common School Movement in Wisconsin during the formative years of 1849-1861 by analysis of the annual reports of the one state official legally responsible for furthering educational progress, the state superintendent of public instruction. Historical method, chiefly that of "closest witness," is used. In addition to the annual reports, newspaper articles, legislative records, statutes, and related sources are used. The study is intended to add a meaningful dimension to the understanding of the development of education in Wisconsin, and to determine the degree of positive influence exerted by the superintendent during the years from statehood to the Civil War. A comparison is.made of the accomplishments of the Common School Movement in Wisconsin and the stated goals of the Common School Movement nationally...