In the early days of public education, the main goal was to teach students how to read. Massachusetts took a leading role during colonial times, and later as part of the United States continued to support education (American public education, 2013, p. 2). During the 1600's, residents there sought to write and enact legislation to provide an education for their children (American public education, 2013, p. 2). The founding of the Boston Latin School in 1635, which is thought to be the oldest public school in the nation, occurred during an era of educational expansionism (American public education, 2013, p. 2). During this time period, a law known as the Old Deluder Satan Act of 1647 was enacted with the goal of teaching young people how to read. The primary purpose behind this law was to allow people individual access to the bible by being able to read it for themselves. The act required towns of 50 or more people to hire a reading and writing teacher (Hazlett, 2011, p.1).