For better or worse, here are the top 12 presidents to impact American education.
12. Bill Clinton (1993-2001)
In 1994, President Clinton signed the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. The Goals 2000 plan was ambitious, setting targets such as the “United States students will be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement.” Although many of the goals set forth in the law have not yet been achieved, some experts feel that Goals 2000 a precursor to President George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind program.
11. Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893)
During the late 19th century, white southerners passed state laws that made literacy a prerequisite for voting. The Harrison administration supported the Blair Education Bill, providing federal aid to teach literacy to blacks living in the south. Although Harrison’s education bill encountered resistance from Congress and never became law, it became clear that education would be an important component of racial equality.
10. Harry S. Truman (1945-1953)
Like civil rights, the economy is often tied to education. Such was the case with the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, which President Truman signed into law in 1946. This legislation was designed to simultaneously increase profits for farmers while providing low-cost or free meals to schoolchildren in need. Due to the program’s success, it was expanded two decades later.
9. Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921)
While president of Princeton University, Wilson attempted to do away with the elite eating clubs where the school’s well-to-do students often congregated. It makes sense, then, that Wilson would become one of the first US presidents (perhaps the first) to successfully enact a federal aid package for education. Before federal funding, schools were funded exclusively at state and local levels. Wilson’s ideas for federal funding would influence several subsequent presidents. (more...)