"We often hear that the word "education" is not included in the U.S. Constitution, but it does not mean that the Founding 'Fathers' were indifferent to the importance of education. Before the U.S. Constitution was adopted in 1789 Congress passed Ordinances that expressed their commitment to the importance of public schools."This ordinance laid out new townships into 36 sections. Section 16, in the center, was to be set aside in every township in the new Western Territory for the maintenance of public schools. (“There shall be reserved the lot No. 16, of every township, for the maintenance of public schools within the said township.” Two years later came the NW Ordinance. Of particular interest is Article 3: "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."
At dianeravitch.net
