Final answer:
The modern school system became prevalent in the latter half of the 19th century to early 20th century, with significant growth in both enrollment and the number of public high schools. Japan established a universal public school system in 1872, while U.S. public school enrollment tripled between 1870 and 1920. Schools have since evolved to reflect societal challenges and are at the forefront of political and social issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The institution of school as we know it began to take shape notably between the latter half of the 19th century and the early 20th century. During the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, the percentage of children attending public schools more than doubled, and the number of public high schools rose from fewer than 100 to more than 6,000. This era saw a shift not only in the quantity of educational establishments but also in the curriculum offered, with a move towards more technical and vocational training to suit an industrializing nation. For example, Japan established a universal public school system in 1872, emphasizing both science and traditional studies, which led to near-universal attendance. In the United States, significant growth occurred from 1870 to 1920 when public school enrollment tripled, and the model of different teachers for each grade and subject-specialized instructors became commonplace.
However, the role of schools has evolved beyond mere education. Notably, after the Brown v. Board of Education ruling in 1954, schools have been at the center of major political and social issues, reflecting the societal challenges of the times, such as bullying, violence, and the impact of political decisions on school funding. This shows that while the basic framework of the school system was established over a century ago, it has continued to adapt to the changing needs and complexities of society.