Final answer:
Secondary and higher education experienced significant changes between late 1800s and post World War II. An increase in public school enrollment and the development of vocational education reflected the country's shift to an industrial economy. Higher education later evolved to address job market demands by offering more career-oriented programs, especially with the influx of veterans seeking degrees post-war.
Step-by-step explanation:
Grades 7-10, also known as secondary education, and higher education have evolved considerably over time. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, public school enrollment significantly increased with a change from one-room schoolhouses to larger schools with specialized teachers. The subject matter expanded from classical languages and liberal arts to include vocational education, particularly as the industrial economy grew. This shift aimed to equip students with technical and trade skills. Additionally, higher education institutions began to adapt by offering more courses that prepared students for specific trades and the business world.
The prior traditional education, where boys were educated at home until seven before attending formal schooling for subjects including mathematics and music, transitioned to a more structured system. By the start of the 20th century, there was a remarkable increase in the number of public high schools, from fewer than 100 to over 6,000, coinciding with societal changes and the needs of an evolving economy. The experiences of students like Dr. Edward also reflect the changing classroom dynamics and the value placed on academic achievement, such as winning scholarships for further research work.
Post World War II, the education landscape saw an influx of veterans attending college, prompting a reconsideration of the liberal arts focus in favor of career-oriented programs. This mirrored the society's growing recognition of education as a pathway to improve job market competitiveness and fulfill personal aspirations. The immense importance of education to former slaves was also evident as freedpeople emphasized schooling for all ages, with the famous account from Booker T. Washington highlighting the eagerness of an entire race to learn.