The Highlander Folk School was founded as an alternative kind of education with no academic admission requirements, no examinations or grades, and no set curriculum. Hard times were caused by lack of funds and the radical nature of its purpose--to help poor people know their rights and stand up for them. As an undergraduate, Myles Horton, its…

Nathaniel T. Allen's life (1823-1903) offers insights into 19th century professionalization of education in the United States. His independent political views set him apart as a strong-willed and dauntless supporter of equal education opportunity. Appointed by Horace Mann as principal of a model school connected with the first public normal school…