FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL INFLUENCE ON EDUCATION

Summary of Federal, State, & Local Duties Federal Government & Education: o Enacting, interpreting, and enforcing legislation (assuring equality of education). o Provide new ideas for public education (reform). State Government & Education: o Levy taxes o License school personnel o Establish standards (graduation requirements, school attendance requirements, length of school day, and year, teacher certification testing.) Local Level (School Boards, school districts) o Hire school personnel o Set salary schedules o Chose curriculum and textbooks o Set levies and bond issues for the building of schools. * The local districts must increasingly work in accordance with state guidelines.

Federal Government Goals Concerning Education: 1. Create equal education opportunity for all Examples: * Desegregation efforts in the 1960s * Increase opportunities for those with physical and mental impairments * Enactment of sex equality bills (for education and employment) 2. Improve schools through research and development Examples: * Investment in projects such as Children's Television Workshop * Help to improve curriculum through various organizations (National Science Foundation) * Research effective teaching strategies and successful schools.

Federal Government Budget and Department of Education Budget:  Presented by Secretary of Education  Addresses equality concerns  Used to assist states and local governments on various projects to improve schools  Used for college student aid programs  10% devoted to vocational education. Department of Education  Has 10 regional offices to serve a variety of needs Examples: o The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services o Vocational and Adult Education o Office of Bilingual Education o Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Federal Government Agencies Outside of Department of Ed.  Veterans Administration: Administered the GI Bill  National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: Created many programs of research and development  Bureau of Indian Affairs, administered by the Department of the Interior: Operates schools for Indian children  Department of State and Department of Defense: Develop educational and exchange programs with other countries

Federal Government Legislative Efforts Public Law (Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975)  Handicapped students would be placed in “least restrictive environment” (mainstreamed) with a “learning assistant” if necessary  IEP’s would be written with school staff and parents  Annual reviews of progress toward long term goals  Parents would be notified of their due process rights

State Government State Education Department Lead by the State Superintendent of Schools or Commissioner of Education who is either elected or appointed by the governor (depending on state). Functions:  Accreditation of programs, certification of teachers, attendance, finance, and a variety of curriculum requirements.  Provide technical assistance and dissemination services to various local and intermediate units throughout the state.  Monitor several programs and the distribution of funds for local districts from the federal government.

Local Districts District & Superintendent Responsibilities District:  Responsible for instruction, transportation, food, certain health services, professional counseling, and various forms of recreation.  Establish specific budget priorities  Hire the superintendent and chief administrator in the district  Determine the degree of autonomy of principals and teachers Superintendent:  implementation of school board policy and of local, state, and federal laws, statutes, and regulations  administrative responsibility for all personnel, services, and programs  ensure cooperation with agencies such as social, health, and welfare services  executive officer of the school board  plans for new construction, and improvement of grounds and sites  Regulates use of school facilities by community organizations  Prepare district budget, to be considered by school board  Monitor district budget

Local Districts Board of Education and Principal Duties Board of Education:  Made up of 5-9 members who are usually elected but sometimes appointed.  Receive minimal salary (or no salary at all), yet citizens continue to seek this office  They Establish local policies within the laws, statutes, and regulations established at the state level.  Often seeks the advice of the superintendent Principal Duties:  Select and assign faculty  administration of pupil services (enrollment, attendance, transfers, special programs for students)  Communicate with various support services in the district.  Responsible for staff development and curricular changes