Eleanor Finch
The US Constitution does not explicitly prohibit a nationalized education system, but the topic of federal control over education has been a subject of debate. The US education system is predominantly state-controlled, with states, communities, and private organizations establishing schools, developing curricula, and setting enrollment and graduation requirements. The Department of Education, created in 1979, has a relatively small share of total education funding and plays a leadership role in the national dialogue on improving education results. However, some argue that federal control over education through programs and funding has failed students, teachers, and families, and that closing the Department of Education would provide an opportunity to escape a failing system. Universities have also opposed government intrusion and political interference in higher education, while acknowledging the need for legitimate government oversight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Control over education | Federal control over education is considered beneficial by the Department of Education, but some disagree and consider it a failed experiment |
| Department of Education | Established in 1979, the Department of Education has existed for less than one-fifth of the nation's history |
| Funding | The Federal contribution to elementary and secondary education is about 8%, with the remaining coming from State, local, and private sources |
| Education bureaucracy | The Department of Education has been accused of entrenching education bureaucracy, with a public relations office of over 80 staffers costing over $10 million per year |
| Educational outcomes | American reading and math scores are near historical lows, with 70% of 8th graders below proficient in reading and 72% below proficient in math |
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What You'll Learn
Federal control over education
The US Constitution does not explicitly mention education, and the Tenth Amendment delegates all powers not granted to the federal government to the states. This includes the power to establish and maintain public schools.
The federal government's role in education has historically been minimal, with states, communities, and private organisations taking the lead in establishing schools, developing curricula, and setting enrollment and graduation requirements. The Department of Education, created in 1979, has a relatively small share of total education funding in the US. Its role is to provide leadership in the national dialogue on improving education results and disseminate information on effective teaching and learning practices. The federal contribution to elementary and secondary education is about 8%, with the remaining 92% coming from state, local, and private sources.
However, there have been calls for greater federal control over education, with some arguing that the Department of Education's role in filling gaps in state and local support for education is crucial. The Department's supporters contend that it helps address critical national needs and ensures consistent standards across the country. On the other hand, critics argue that federal control over education through programmes and funding has failed students, teachers, and families. They advocate for empowering parents, states, and communities to make decisions about education, believing that local control leads to better outcomes.
The debate over federal control in education is complex and ongoing, with valid arguments on both sides. While some see the federal government as a necessary check and balance to ensure equal opportunities, others worry that it infringes on states' rights and fails to meet the diverse needs of students across the country.
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The role of the Department of Education
The United States Department of Education is a cabinet-level department of the United States government. It was established in 1980, originating from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, which was split into the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. An earlier iteration of the department was formed in 1867 but was demoted to the Office of Education a year later.
The Department of Education's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. This includes establishing policies on federal financial aid for education and distributing and monitoring those funds, as well as collecting data on American schools and disseminating research. The department also works to focus national attention on key issues in education and makes recommendations for education reform. Additionally, it plays a role in prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education for all.
The role and existence of the Department of Education have been the subject of political debate over the years. Some, particularly in the Republican Party, have argued that the department is unconstitutional, as the Constitution does not mention education. They view it as an unnecessary and illegal federal intrusion into local affairs. On the other hand, others have defended the department's constitutionality under the Commerce Clause and the Taxing and Spending Clause.
During the 1980 presidential campaign, Governor Reagan called for the elimination of the Department of Education, and while he reduced its budget initially, he later requested an increase. More recently, during Donald Trump's second term, there were also efforts to dismantle the department, with an executive order signed to "return authority over education to the States and local communities." However, the department cannot be entirely closed without the approval of Congress, which created it, and a U.S. district judge blocked the mass layoff and dismantle attempt.
The potential closure of the Department of Education and the resulting impact on federal involvement in education have sparked concerns among educators and organisations like the National Education Association. They argue that stripping the department of its resources would negatively affect students in low-income communities who rely on educational services and support.
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State and local funding
The US Constitution guides the division of educational responsibilities between federal and state governments. The 10th Amendment reserves powers not given to the federal government for the states, making education primarily a state responsibility. State constitutions may empower state authorities to select textbooks and educational materials, and to establish, select, and regulate curricula. States also set requirements for students to graduate.
State governments are responsible for funding public schools, with local districts charged with raising the bulk of the funds. States meet this responsibility by funding their schools through a statewide method or formula enacted by the state legislature. These school funding formulas or school finance systems determine the revenue school districts are permitted to raise from local property and other taxes, as well as the amount of funding or aid the state contributes from state taxes. Local school districts may offer courses and activities beyond those required by state statute.
The variability in local and state funding for education often leads to significant inequities that undermine the principle of equal educational opportunity. Wealthier districts with higher property values can generate more local revenue, leaving poorer districts with fewer resources despite state redistribution efforts. This issue is evident in states like Florida and Kentucky, where funding mechanisms attempt to address disparities but face ongoing challenges.
Federal agencies such as the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation recommend teaching strategies to the states and contribute to education research. The federal government also plays a role in evaluating each school district, administering the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Increased federal spending on education after recessions helps mitigate funding shortfalls and inequities, and can help to boost economic recovery.
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Curriculum development
The Federal government, through the Department of Education, plays a supporting role in curriculum development. The Department's primary functions include collecting and disseminating information on effective teaching practices, raising awareness of educational challenges, and providing additional funding and resources to address these challenges. This federal involvement in curriculum development typically occurs in response to critical national needs or emergencies, filling gaps in state and local educational resources and expertise.
For example, the Department of Education may initiate programs to improve preschool education or support postdoctoral research, ensuring that curriculum development encompasses the full spectrum of a student's educational journey. Additionally, the Department of Education can provide targeted funding to specific areas, such as through the Department of Health and Human Services' Head Start program or the Department of Agriculture's School Lunch program, thereby indirectly influencing the curriculum in these areas.
While some have argued for greater federal control over education, citing the benefits of standardized curriculum and funding, others have criticized this approach. Opponents of increased federal involvement believe that it leads to bureaucratic inefficiency and a disconnect from local educational needs. They advocate for empowering parents, teachers, and communities to make educational decisions, including curriculum development, to ensure that the unique needs of their student populations are met.
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Federal programs and their impact
The US Department of Education (ED) is just one of several federal entities supporting students of all ages. Other agencies include the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, and the VA. The ED's share of total education funding in the US is relatively small, at around 2% of the federal budget, but it targets its funds where they can have the most impact. The ED's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
The ED's role in education has historically been that of an "emergency response system," filling gaps in state and local support for education when critical national needs arise. For example, World War II led to a significant expansion of federal support for education. The Lanham Act in 1941 and the Impact Aid laws of 1950 provided financial assistance to communities affected by the presence of military and other federal installations. The "GI Bill" authorized postsecondary education assistance for nearly 8 million World War II veterans. The Cold War also stimulated federal education legislation, with Congress passing the National Defense Education Act (NDEA) in 1958 to improve the availability of highly trained individuals in scientific and technical fields.
The ED operates programs that touch on every area and level of education, from elementary to postsecondary education. Its elementary and secondary programs serve nearly 18,200 school districts and over 50 million students attending public and private schools. The ED provides grant, loan, and work-study assistance to more than 12 million postsecondary students. The ED also administers two programs to support college students: Pell Grants and the federal student loan program. Pell Grants provide assistance based on a family's ability to pay, with a maximum amount of $7,395 for the 2024-25 school year. In a typical year, Pell Grant funding totals around $30 billion. The federal student loan program subsidizes students by offering more generous loan terms than those in the private loan market.
The Department of Agriculture's School Breakfast and Lunch Programs provide free or reduced-cost meals for eligible students. The Department of Health and Human Services' Head Start program prepares preschool-aged children for elementary school. The VA's GI Bill program supports veterans with education and job training.
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Frequently asked questions
The Federal government's role in education in the US is predominantly that of an emergency response system, filling gaps in State and local support for education when critical national needs arise. The Department of Education, established in 1979, plays a leadership role in the national dialogue over how to improve the education system for all students. The Department also administers programs that cover every area of education, from preschool to postdoctoral research. However, the Federal contribution to elementary and secondary education is relatively small, at about 8%.
Yes, States, communities, and public and private organizations establish schools and colleges, develop curricula, and determine requirements for enrollment and graduation. As such, the majority of education funding, approximately 92% at the elementary and secondary level, comes from State, local, and private sources.
Critics argue that Federal control over education has failed children, teachers, and families. They point to declining reading and math scores and assert that closing the Department of Education would provide an opportunity to escape a failing system. Additionally, some college leaders have protested against "unprecedented government overreach and political interference" in higher education, threatening the independence of campuses.
