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10. Education Policy

Study

Chapter 10 examines education policy, starting with a historical perspective to government involvement. State and local governments have always been significant actors in educational policymaking, and they are guarding this role closely in a time when the federal government has become increasingly involved in the area. 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 chapter also examines issues in higher education, including the rising cost of higher education, the role of government in helping to finance it, and the role of affirmative action in college admission decisions. The concluding focused discussion examines the increased role of the federal government through the No Child Left Behind Act and the requirement of student testing to ensure accountability.