Chapter 10: Education Policy

Study

Education is a public service people take for granted. For some, it provides the knowledge and skills that enable them to continue their studies in college. For others, receiving a quality education is a difficult, if not an impossible, task. Chapter 10 examines the issue of education policy and provides historical perspective to government involvement. State and local governments have always played a large role in the making of education policy and have guarded this role closely. Recently, however, the federal government has become increasingly involved in elementary and secondary education.

 

The chapter points out a number of problems in regard to education policy, such as insufficient funding, poor teacher quality, and separation of church and state. A number of different issues are explored, but the primary one remains the question of quality and what policies can be adopted to improve education for all U.S. students. The focused discussion highlights the increased role of the federal government through the No Child Left Behind Act and the requirement of student testing to ensure accountability. It examines these issues using a number of policy analysis criteria.

 

Issues in higher education also are examined to a slightly lesser extent. Specifically, the rising cost of higher education and the role of government in helping to finance it are considered. In addition, the issue of affirmative action in college admission decisions is presented for discussion.