For Further Reading

Publications on the history of education in New York State

The following are general works with application to New York State: 

Cremin, Lawrence A. The Transformation of the School: Progressivism in American Education (New York: Knopf, 1961). A classic analysis of this many-sided movement. 
Johnson, Clifton. Old-Time Schools and School-books (New York, 1904; reprinted, New York: Dover Publications, 1963). A profusely illustrated classic description of the one-room rural schools of the early nineteenth-century and of the schoolbooks used in them. Its glimpses into the lives of students and teachers are especially intriguing. 
Tyack, David B. The One Best System: A History of American Urban Education (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1974). A leading modern analysis of the rise of urban school systems, presenting a clear and readable explanation ofthe relationship between changes in schools and the larger social context. 

The following works specifically relate to New York State: 

Berrol, Selman. Immigrants at School: New York City, 1898-1914 (Salem, N.Y.: Ayer Company, 1978). The leading study of this crucial period when schools were shaped by the realities of mass immigration. 

Hobson, Elsie Garland. Educational Legislation and Administration in the State of New York, 1777-1850 (Chicago: University of Chicago, 1918). Useful especially for its systematic listings of legislative acts affecting many localities of the State. 

Kaestle, Carl F. The Evolution of an Urban School System: New York City, 1750-1850 (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1973). A path-breaking study that clarifies the varying forms of schooling available during the period. 

Kilpatrick, William H. The Dutch Schools of New Netherland and Colonial New York (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1912). Still the main source for this period. 

Mabee, Carleton. Black Education in New York State from Colonial to Modern Times (Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 1979). The most comprehensive and useful study of this significant theme. Miller, George Frederick. 

The Academy System of the State of New York (Albany, 1922; reprinted, New York: Arno Press, 1969). An older work, but still useful, especially for its detailed listings of data about individual schools.

Ravitch, Diane. The Great School Wars: New York City, 1805-1973 (New York: Basic Books, 1974). A very readable analysis that reveals much of the social and political substance behind major educational controversies.

Ravitch, Diane and Ronald Goodenow, eds. Educating an Urban People: The New York City Experience (New York: Teachers College Press, 1981). A collection of essays on major themes in the City's educational history.

Reigart, John Franklin. The Lancasterian System of Instruction in the Schools of New York City (New York: Teachers College 1916). Although an older work, it contains many useful illustrations and details about curriculum and method in the schools of early nineteenth-century New York.

Publications on teaching techniques

The following publications provide helpful information and guidance on locating and using historical records and other community sources to teach topics pertaining to local history: 

Kyvig, David E. and Myron A. Marty. Nearby History (Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 1982). This volume is a general introduction and guide for anyone interested in local history. It provides an extensive discussion of local resources, including storytelling, published and unpublished documents, artifacts, landscape and architecture. 

Lord, Clifford. Teaching History with Community Resources (New York: Teachers College Press, Columbia University, 1967). A basic introduction to people, places and documents for use in the classroom. Ideas for projects and classroom activities are given. 

Metcalf, Fay D. and Mattew T. Downey. Using Local History in the Classroom (Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 1982). This book discusses skills development, course content and sources for local history. It is aimed at the secondary level and was written by classroom teachers. 

Roe, Kathleen. Teaching with Historical Records (Albany, N.Y.: State Education Department, 1981). A general introduction to the variety of historical records available for classroom use. Sample records with accompanying questions and activities are provided. Copies were mailed to all Social Studies Curriculum Coordinators in New York State in 1981. For information on securing additional copies, please contact the State Archives. 

Roe, Kathleen and James Corsaro. Local History in the Classroom: A Teacher's Guide to Historical Materials and Their Classroom Use (Troy, N.Y.: Russell Sage College, 1983). This guide discusses the published resources, historical records, and material culture available for classroom use. It includes suggested activities and bibliographies. The guide concentrates on the Upper Hudson region, but the resources are representative of those found in any community.

Weitzman, David L. Underfoot: An Everyday Guide to Exploring the American Past (New York: Scribner, 1976). This book provides information on locating and interpreting "everyday" historical documents, artifacts and places.

Reference kits

The New York State Historical Association can provide teachers with a variety of instructional materials on local history. The Association has available for purchase a "Basic Reference Kit" that introduces teachers to local history, and an "Advanced Reference Kit" for teachers who want more detailed advice. Both kits are geared to Fourth Grade Social Studies classes. Both include books, leaflets and reprints, and audiovisual materials. For more information, contact the Education Department, New York State Historical Association, Box 800, Cooperstown, New York 13326.

i Charles Y. Lincoln, ed., Messages From The Governors (Albany, 1906), volume II, p. 321. 

ii Minutes of the Board of Regents, February 16, 1787, in Proceedings of the Twelfth Anniversary of the University Convocation of the State of New York (Albany, 1875), pp. 252-254 

iii Lincoln, ed., Messages From the Governors, volume II, p. 720. iv University of the State of New York, Twenty-Fifth Annual Report ofthe Education Department (Albany, 1929), volume I, p. 11.