Section file 6 of 6 · Offices3 pages
Who decides what, and where
Federal, state, district — the three that rarely agree.
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The board that decides most of it meets locally
School boards are elected bodies with real budget and personnel authority, and turnout for them is a fraction of a general election.
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Education is a state power, and the states differ deliberately
State boards set standards, graduation requirements and much of the funding formula, which is why the system is fifty systems.
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A federal department with less power than its name suggests
The US Department of Education administers funds and enforces civil-rights law; it does not set curriculum.
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- The board that decides most of it meets locallySchool boards are elected bodies with real budget and personnel authority, and turnout for them is a fraction of a general election.
- Education is a state power, and the states differ deliberatelyState boards set standards, graduation requirements and much of the funding formula, which is why the system is fifty systems.
- A federal department with less power than its name suggestsThe US Department of Education administers funds and enforces civil-rights law; it does not set curriculum.