Inside the Vault: A 1925 Study Guide for Eighth-Grade Graduation in Iowa
by Gilder Lehrman Institute Staff
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.
On Thursday, June 6, 2024, our curators discussed a 1925 study guide from Iowa and found out what it took to pass the eighth grade. Our team was joined by Dr. Adam Laats, Professor of Education and History, Binghamton University (SUNY).
View slides from the presentation here.
FEATURED DOCUMENTS
USE THE TIMESTAMPS BELOW TO JUMP TO THE TOPIC YOU WANT TO VIEW
8:50–6:20: Today’s documents
6:21–9:51: High school in 1925
9:52–17:39: What did students have to know?
17:40–34:05: Standardized Testing
34:06–41:03: Stephenson’s Iowa State Eighth Grade Examination Question Book, 1924
41:04–46:42: Practice Questions
46:43–51:39: What were the expectations for students
51:40–56:32: Were these test books required?
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)