What does the U.S. Department of Education do? The U.S. Department of Education, established in 1980, plays a crucial role in shaping education across the nation. It ensures equal access to education, promotes student achievement, and prepares students for global competitiveness. The Department oversees various educational programs, from elementary to higher education, including special education and vocational training. It also enforces civil rights laws in schools, provides financial aid to students, and funds educational research. With a budget of about $60 billion and nearly 4,300 employees, the Department supports millions of students and educators, aiming to foster educational excellence and accountability.
Key Takeaways:
- The Department of Education has a long history, evolving from a small office to a major agency. It aims to improve education, ensure equal access, and support students and teachers at all levels.
- With a budget of $60 billion and over 4,300 employees, the Department of Education plays a crucial role in providing funding, enforcing civil rights, and promoting educational research to improve teaching methods and outcomes.
Creation and Evolution
The Department of Education has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Let's explore its origins and how it has evolved over time.
- 01The original Department of Education was created in 1867 by President Andrew Johnson. Its main purpose was to collect information and statistics about the nation’s schools.
- 02In 1868, due to concerns about federal control over local schools, the Department was demoted to an Office of Education.
- 03The 1950s saw increased federal funding for education, spurred by the launch of Sputnik.
- 04The 1960s expanded federal funding for education, including programs aimed at improving education for poor students and addressing civil rights.
Department Re-establishment
The modern Department of Education was re-established in 1980. This section covers the key events leading to its current form.
- 05In 1979, Congress passed the Department of Education Organization Act, leading to the re-establishment of the Department in 1980.
- 06This act combined offices from several federal agencies to form the modern Department of Education.
Mission and Goals
The Department of Education has a clear mission and set of goals aimed at improving education in the United States.
- 07The Department's mission is to "serve America's students by promoting student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access."
- 08It aims to improve the quality of education, encourage public involvement, promote research, and ensure accountability.
Cabinet-Level Agency
The Department of Education holds a significant position within the federal government.
- 09The U.S. Department of Education is a Cabinet-level agency, assisting the President in executing education policies and implementing laws enacted by Congress.
Areas of Involvement
The Department of Education is involved in various aspects of education, from elementary to higher education.
- 10It oversees elementary and secondary education.
- 11It also focuses on higher education.
- 12Vocational and adult education fall under its purview.
- 13Special education is another key area.
- 14Bilingual education programs are supported.
- 15Civil rights enforcement is a critical function.
- 16The Department promotes educational research.
Decentralized Education System
Education in the U.S. is highly decentralized, with the federal government playing a supportive role.
- 17The federal government and the Department of Education do not determine curricular or educational standards, except for specific acts like the No Child Left Behind Act.
- 18The Department does not have direct public jurisdictional control over the quality of educational institutions. Instead, this is maintained through an informal private process known as accreditation.
Budget and Staff
The Department of Education operates with a significant budget and a dedicated team.
- 19As of mid-2010, the Department had nearly 4,300 employees and a budget of about $60 billion.
- 20Administrative costs are limited to approximately 2% of its discretionary budget and about 1% of all grants and loans made by the Department.
Federal Funding Role
The Department plays a crucial role in providing federal funding for education.
- 21The federal contribution to elementary and secondary education is about 8%, with the majority coming from state, local, and private sources.
- 22The Department targets its funds to fill gaps in state and local support for education when critical national needs arise.
Historical Development
The Department's role in education has evolved significantly over time.
- 23The original Department was created to collect information on schools and teaching to help states establish effective school systems.
- 24The Second Morrill Act in 1890 and the Smith-Hughes Act in 1917 expanded federal aid to postsecondary education and vocational training.
Civil Rights Enforcement
Ensuring equal educational opportunities is a key focus of the Department.
- 25Laws such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, and disability.
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
This act launched comprehensive programs to support disadvantaged children.
- 26In 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act was introduced, including the Title I program for federal aid to disadvantaged children.
Higher Education Act
The Higher Education Act significantly expanded federal support for higher education.
- 27Also passed in 1965, this act authorized assistance for postsecondary education, including financial aid programs for needy college students.
Programs and Services
The Department administers a wide range of programs covering all levels of education.
- 28These programs include grant, loan, and work-study assistance to millions of students.
Student Enrollment
The Department oversees a vast number of students and teachers.
- 29As of fall 2022, there were approximately 49.6 million students in public elementary and secondary schools, with 3.2 million full-time equivalent teachers.
- 30Additionally, 19.0 million students attended postsecondary institutions.
Expenditures Per Student
Understanding the financial aspects of education is crucial.
- 31In the 2021-22 school year, current expenditures per student in public PK–12 schools were $15,591.
Native American and Hispanic Students
The Department provides data on the learning experiences of diverse student groups.
- 32For Native American Heritage Month 2024, data was provided on the learning experiences of American Indian/Alaska Native students.
- 33For Hispanic Heritage Month 2024, data was available on the learning experiences of Hispanic/Latino students and their teachers.
College Crime
Ensuring student safety is a priority for the Department.
- 34The National Center for Education Statistics provides information on college crime.
STEM Degrees
The Department tracks the awarding of STEM degrees to various student groups.
- 35In 2021-22, the National Center for Education Statistics reported on the number of STEM degrees and certificates awarded to Asian and Pacific Islander students, as well as to women.
Federal Role in Education
Despite the decentralized nature of education in the U.S., the federal government plays a supportive role.
- 36The Department provides critical support through various programs and funding mechanisms.
Administrative Efficiency
The Department is known for its efficient use of resources.
- 37Administrative costs are kept low, ensuring that a significant portion of the budget is directly allocated to educational programs and services.
Discretionary Budget
The Department's discretionary budget supports a wide range of educational initiatives.
- 38It has the third largest discretionary budget among federal agencies, behind only the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Loan and Grant Distribution
The Department provides substantial financial assistance to students and institutions.
- 39It makes over $120 billion in new loans annually, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Public Awareness and Dialogue
The Department plays a leadership role in the national dialogue on education.
- 40It raises awareness of educational challenges, disseminates best practices, and helps communities address difficult educational issues.
Educational Research
Promoting improvements in education through research is a key function.
- 41The Department supports federally funded research, evaluation, and the sharing of information.
Coordination of Federal Programs
Efficient coordination of federal education programs is essential.
- 42The Department ensures that resources are efficiently allocated and utilized to maximize educational outcomes.
Accountability
The Department increases accountability for federal education programs.
- 43It monitors program effectiveness and ensures that funds are used as intended.
Elementary and Secondary Programs
The Department's programs serve a vast number of schools and students.
- 44Nearly 18,200 school districts and over 50 million students benefit from these programs annually.
Postsecondary Programs
Supporting higher education is a major focus of the Department.
- 45Grant, loan, and work-study assistance is provided to more than 12 million postsecondary students.
Vocational and Adult Education
Workforce development and lifelong learning are supported through various programs.
- 46These programs help individuals acquire skills relevant to the job market.
Special Education
Ensuring equal access for students with disabilities is a priority.
- 47The Department enforces laws like Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Bilingual Education
Supporting English language learners is crucial for promoting linguistic diversity.
- 48Bilingual education programs help students acquire both English and their native language.
Educational Research Funding
Funding for educational research is essential for improving teaching methods and outcomes.
- 49The Department provides funding for research to identify effective educational strategies.
Program Evaluation
Evaluating the effectiveness of programs ensures they meet their goals.
- 50Rigorous assessments and data-driven decisions are made to improve program outcomes.
The Department of Education: A Pillar of American Education
The Department of Education has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1867. From collecting school statistics to becoming a Cabinet-level agency, it plays a crucial role in shaping the nation's educational landscape. With a mission to promote student achievement and ensure equal access, the Department supports everything from elementary education to postsecondary programs. It enforces civil rights laws, funds educational research, and provides financial aid to millions of students. Despite the decentralized nature of U.S. education, the Department's efforts in accountability, public involvement, and program evaluation ensure that educational standards are met. Its commitment to educational excellence and global competitiveness makes it a cornerstone of American education policy. The Department of Education continues to adapt and evolve, meeting the ever-changing needs of students and educators across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.