Quick View: Federal and State Departments of Education
Federal and state departments of education set policy and provide financial resources for all public schools. Their impact on urban school systems can be dramatic if they use their influence to set higher performance standards, remove impediments to progress, or promote proven approaches to educating all students.
What role do federal and state departments of education play?
Federal Department of Education:
Vision and advocacy: Uses bully pulpit to make case for reforms and advocate for change in direction.
Set policy: Shapes legislation, policy, regulations and guidance. For example, all teachers must be “highly qualified” and all students must be “proficient”.
Research and best practices: Collects data and oversees research on America’s schools
State Departments of Education:
Set and Interpret Policy: Set policy for areas not covered by federal policy and interpret policy within federal guidelines if receiving federal funds. For example:
- Standards: Establishes academic content standards, assessments, performance standards, and graduation requirements
- Human Capital: Makes rules and regulations around certification and licensing, funds preparation programs (schools of education); provides requirements on staffing, compensation and other decisions in Ed Code
Report on Results: Administer testing, reporting and results
Resources: Make funding regulations and levels. Determine categories and level of flexibility. Determine reporting requirements.