American Influence on Education1898-1946

Educational Goals

• To promote democratic ideals and way of life.

• Formation of good citizens, including the rights & responsibilities of people.

Public System of Education

• Education became a very important issue for the United States colonial government, since it allowed it to spread their cultural values, particularly the English language, to the Filipino people.

• Instruction in English language, and American history, lead to forming of a national identity and Filipino nationalism.

Public System of Education

• Every child from age 7 was required to register in schools located in their own town or province. The students were given free school materials.

• There were three levels of education during the American period. The "elementary" level consisted of four primary years and 3 intermediate years.

• The "secondary" or high school level consisted of four years.

• The third was the "college" or tertiary level. Religion was not part of the curriculum of the schools, as it had been during the Spanish period.

Among the most important colleges during United States rule were:

Public System of Education

• In some cases those students who excelled academically were sent to the U.S. to continue their studies and to become experts in their desired fields or professions. They were called “SCHOLARS", and “PENSIONADOS" because the government covered all their expenses.

• In return, they were to teach or work in government offices after they finished their studies.

Successful Filipino Scholars

Highlights of Education during the American Time

• Education Act of 1901 laid the foundation of the Philippine Public school System.

• In August 1901, 600 teachers called “Thomasites” arrived.

• English was made medium of instruction.

• Curricular structure and programs were patterned from the U.S.

• There were 3 levels of education.

Highlights of Education during the American Time

• New subject areas were introduced.

• Religion was not included in the curriculum of the schools.

• Normal, vocational, agricultural, and business schools were also opened.

• Schools were also built in non-Catholic areas like Sulu in Mindanao, and in Mountain Province.

Highlights of Education during the American Time

• “Adult Education”

• The Pensionado program was established on August 26, 1903.