1. The mechanics Or the political science of education policy

2. Who does what and why About ½ the states have constitutions which mention education – thus it is the responsibility of the state. In the others states the power is local. Why – in the US constitution the Tenth Amendment says if a power isnt explicitly stated it is reserved for the states.

3. Then how did the Federal government get involved?? 14 th amendment …nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws Historically – Land grant colleges – 1865. Northwest Ordinance (1787) reserving land for schools World War I – not being able to read well enough to work on machines. (voc ed) Civil Rights – Case law – Brown vs Board of Ed

4. History of Federal involvement – part 2 ESEA –to change the reality the in equable distribution of funding for basic education HEA – increased access to college US Department of Education – prohibited federal impact on curriculum Nation at Risk – beyond equity & access to include quality

5. History of Federal Involvement – part 3 National Governors Association – national goals – and – accountability Congressional action that created – Eisenhower Math/Science programs; Comprehensive School Reform; Reading Excellence & Reading First NCLB – accountability for schools who arent receiving federal aid – contract law

6. What do states do? State standards/curriculum/assessments State certification requirements Separate authorities for: Pre-K K-12 Higher Ed Voc Ed Community Colleges Manage federal funds Review district plans Technical assistance Monitoring for compliance Funding for schools

7. State Players Governors Chiefs State School Boards State Education Agencies Legislators Chairs Appropriators

8. Non-formal Press Political Education TV/Radio/Press/Internet Associations Teachers/Administrators Advocacy groups

9. Legislative Process Issue question idea Legislative Process Sponsor Assigned to a committee Yes No

10. From Committee to Floor Committee Work: Hearing Amendment Vote Chamber: Amendment Vote

11. Next steps Get money from it – Appropriations Once it is signed the SEA Issues rules Guidance Definitions Evaluates

12. The process never stops Every action leads to a new step…. There are always new opportunities Things change