The mechanics

Or the political science of education policy

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 isn’t explicitly stated it is “reserved” for the states.

Then how did the Federal government get involved?? 14th 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

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

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 aren’t receiving federal aid – contract law

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

State Players

Governors Chiefs State School Boards State Education Agencies Legislators

Chairs Appropriators

Non-formal

Press Political Education TV/Radio/Press/Internet

Associations Teachers/Administrators Advocacy groups

Legislative Process

Issuequestionidea

Legislative ProcessSponsor

Assigned to a committee

Yes

No

From Committee to Floor

Committee Work:Hearing

AmendmentVote

Chamber:Amendment

Vote

Next steps

Get money from it – Appropriations Once it is signed the SEA

Issues rules Guidance Definitions Evaluates

The process never stops

Every action leads to a new step…. There are always new opportunities Things change