Which educational reform did Horace Mann primarily promote?

Horace Mann was a pivotal figure in the promotion of universal public education in the United States during the 19th century. He believed that education should be accessible to all children, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Mann advocated for a system of public schools that were funded by taxes and managed by the state, which would ensure that all children received a quality education. His efforts were instrumental in establishing the framework for the modern public education system, emphasizing the importance of trained educators, a standardized curriculum, and the need for schools to be non-sectarian. This focus on universal public education was a radical shift from the previous reliance on private or Church-run schools, aligning with the belief that an educated citizenry is essential for a democratic society.