Chapter 5 – Control and Authority in Public Education

Most countries have federal systems. Public education in the U.S. is a potpourri of values, beliefs, needs and practices. Most countries have federal systems. Our amalgamations system is made up of autonomous units. As such you will be expected to enforce a myriad of laws and regulations - you need to have an understanding of the evolution of education in the U.S. Introduction to Educational Leadership

Government’s Interest in Education Education was initially intended to free individuals to do virtuous acts and to create and enlightened citizenry -- both critical responsibilities in an emerging democracy. Typical to most cultures - be responsible and knowledgeable citizens of your culture. U.S. Constitution made no mention of education. Not indifference, but education should be a role of local citizens (communities and states). Introduction to Educational Leadership

A. Interests in Colonial America United States founding fathers believed that education advanced civilization, their civilization - the strength of a new nation would depend on the spread of learning and enlightenment Complete disregard for the education processes of the indigenous people on this continent already. Introduction to Educational Leadership

Industrial revolution - need for educated workers B. Evolving Purposes - based on needs as the needs were altered by historical events. Industrial revolution - need for educated workers John Dewey - posed insightful questions about the nature of learners, the role of teachers, and intentions of public education Sputnik I - those damn Russians are way smarter then we are Civil Rights Disabled persons Introduction to Educational Leadership

Through history four goals remained. Belief that the mission of public education is… …to promote the intellectual attainment of learners …to create good citizens …to prepare individuals for the workforce …to provide individuals with learning skills (Armstrong, Henson, and Savage, 1989) Introduction to Educational Leadership

C. Environmental Influences Global economy (table 5.1, page 100) Six goals of the state governors, page 99, ready to learn, graduation rate, competency in grades 4, 8 and 12, 1st in the world in science and math, every adult will be literate, every school free of drugs and violence by 2000 (1991), in conflict with “how children incarcerated in standards driven schools will make sense of the world (Evans Clinchy, 1995) Introduction to Educational Leadership

D. Purposes and Control Children do not have access to equal educational opportunities, from school to school, district to district, there are differences in the quality of teachers, instructional materials, facilities, and per pupil expenditure For the above reason the debate of federal government involvement revolves around the inequalities Control of education based on three legal frameworks - federal and started constitutions, statutes and case law. Introduction to Educational Leadership

II. Federal Government’s Role 10th amendment of the constitution - “powers not delegated to the U.S….are reserved to the States respectively.” Introduction to Educational Leadership

A. Sources of Intervention Governmental powers were divided between the federal government and the states, a shift from a dual federalism to national federalism – a gray area between state and federal jurisdiction grew rapidly and many aspects of public education fell into this zone of uncertainty. Introduction to Educational Leadership

1. Legislative Legislative – the promulgation of laws is the most visible form of federal activities and is a function of the United States Congress. Four overriding themes – constitutional rights of citizens, national security, domestic problems, and concerns for a healthy economy Introduction to Educational Leadership

2. Judicial 3 divisions – district courts, courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court. The decisions issued from all federal courts have had a profound influence on public schools and the duties assumed by administrators. (i.e. Brown v. Board of Education) Other areas – funding of education, affirmative action, tort liabilities, affirmative action The courts are expected to interpret law. Introduction to Educational Leadership

3. Executive Branch Introduction to Educational Leadership Regulation of federal agencies. Six assistant secretaries – 1. elementary and secondary 2. postsecondary 3. vocational and adult education 4. educational research and improvement 5. special education and rehabilitative services 6. civil rights The mere existence of the Department of Education transmits the message that the federal government has a role in elementary and secondary public education. Conservatives oppose federal controls over public education, liberals control is essential to ensure the equity of educational opportunities. Introduction to Educational Leadership

B. Federal Government’s Present Role Most early initiatives were predicated on the belief that schools could improve by doing more of what they were already doing. Arguments for federal control (page 107 and 108) Arguments against federal control – (page 108) Introduction to Educational Leadership

III. State Government’s Role Expanded state authority was particularly evident in two initiatives: the advancement of the position of state superintendent and the creation of state boards of education. Judges have uniformly held that education is essentially and intrinsically a state function and have stipulated that public education is a matter of state and not local concern. Introduction to Educational Leadership

A. Legislative – enact laws B. Judicial – i.e. Collective bargaining and state funding formulas C. Executive – governor, State Board of Education, a state chief school officer, State department of education Introduction to Educational Leadership

IV. Local School Districts Common public schools in late 19th century. Compulsory school attendance led to larger schools needing centralized control A. Local District Boards – general duties outlined on pages 114 and 115 Introduction to Educational Leadership

B. District Superintendent C. Present Status of Local Districts Introduction to Educational Leadership

IV. Intermediate School Districts I.e. Regional educational service agencies, regional service centers, boards of cooperative educational services, etc. Introduction to Educational Leadership

VI. Implications for Practice Introduction to Educational Leadership