The Smith & Hughes Act was passed in which year?

• A. 1928
• B. 1930
• C. 1950
• D. 1917

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is remembering when the Smith-Hughes Act became law and recognizing its significance as the first major federal commitment to funding vocational education. The act was enacted in 1917, establishing federal funds to support high school programs in areas like agriculture, trades and industries, and home economics, with states required to match funds and administer the programs. This federal involvement marked a turning point in U.S. education, moving career and technical education into the public school system rather than leaving it entirely to private or local efforts. The other dates fall outside the original enactment year and thus aren’t correct for when this act was passed.