Inside the Vault: A 1925 Study Guide for Eighth Grade Graduation in Iowa
Are you smarter than a (1925) eighth grader?
In the 1920s, when most students did not go to high school, the eighth-grade state examinations marked the end of their formal education. Sam C. Stephenson published review books to help students prepare for the exams. The books cover subjects ranging from grammar to agriculture. We will learn what was considered common knowledge and how these books shaped American culture and identity.
Join us on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT) when our curators discuss two 1925 study guides from Iowa and South Dakota, and find out what it took to pass the eighth grade. Our team will be joined by Dr. Adam Laats, Professor of Education and History, Binghamton University (SUNY).
Submit your questions for Dr. Laats here.
Featured Documents
- Stephenson’s Iowa State Eighth Grade Examination Question Book, 1924
- South Dakota Eighth Grade Examination Question Book, 1925
Related Resources
- Book Breaks: “Democracy’s Schools: The Rise of Public Education in America” with Dr. Johann Neem (Western Washington University)
- Inside the Vault: “1796 Civics Textbook” with Dr. Adam Laats (Binghamton University)
I cannot attend the live program. Will it be recorded?
Yes! The program is recorded and sent in an email the following day to everyone who registers.
Future Programs
More coming soon.
About Inside the Vault
Inside the Vault: Highlights from the Gilder Lehrman Collection is an online program that highlights unique primary sources from the Gilder Lehrman Collection. From iconic historical treasures, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Emancipation Proclamation, to personal letters that reveal the contributions of ordinary American citizens, each session will investigate primary sources and discuss their background, impact, and potential use in the classroom.