History of American Public High Schools, 1890-1990 Through the Eyes of Principals

Much of what we know about American public high schools comes from histories that described specific schools, particular periods, or thematic approaches. This research adds to that history by examining the perspective of their chief administrators. Speeches and articles by high school principals over the last century form the bulk of the primary source information, revealing a deep interest both in the purpose of the American public high school and their personal roles in achieving that purpose. This research documents a shifting emphasis on the individual, intellectual, social, and vocational needs of students in an inclusive context.