Rugg, Harold

Harold Rugg (18861960) is one of the most prominent and controversial figures in the history of U.S. education. Rugg was a strongly outspoken central figure in the politically oriented branch of the progressive education movement during the first half of the 20th century. Rugg's legacy may be seen primarily as that of a pioneering advocate for the public school curriculum as a tool for reconstructing society in a manner that would enhance social justice within the larger U.S. society. During his long career, Rugg made significant contributions in [Page 752]at least four areas of the curriculum field: (1) in promoting a scientific approach to curriculum development; (2) in advancing the cause of a Deweyan-style progressivism; (3) in remaking the social studies curriculum; and, perhaps most ...