Ask AI: What changes in education did Horace Mann bring about in Massachusetts? make it short and don't plagiarism it

Horace Mann is known as the "Father of American Public Education." In Massachusetts, he led significant reforms which included the development of a standardized, statewide curriculum, raising professional standards for teachers, and increasing school budgets. He also advocated for the concept of "common schools", where students of all social classes could receive free education. Furthermore, Mann introduced age-grading in schools and lengthened the school year to six months. His initiatives laid the foundation for the modern public school system.