Scholars Should Identify The Educational Roles And Responsib

Scholars Should Identify The Educational Roles And Responsibilities Of

Scholars must identify the educational roles and responsibilities of state versus federal governments. Additionally, scholars should list in chronological order at least seven federal policies that have positively impacted the general public, women/girls, people of color, economically disadvantaged children, children with special needs, and/or language minorities. For each policy, include the President who signed the legislation. Examples of such policies include the Civil Rights Act (signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson), the Equal Rights Amendment, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Race to the Top (RTTT), the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), among others. Utilize at least seven credible resources, which may include those provided or additional scholarly sources, to support your response. This assignment is due by 1 pm.

Paper For Above instruction

The division of educational responsibilities between state and federal governments in the United States has evolved significantly over time, reflecting changing societal values, political priorities, and legal frameworks aimed at promoting equity and access in education. Understanding the distinct and overlapping roles of these levels of government is crucial for comprehending how educational policy is formulated, implemented, and contested. Moreover, analyzing key federal policies enables us to appreciate their impact on various marginalized groups, including women, minorities, and children with special needs, contributing to more equitable educational opportunities.

Roles and Responsibilities of State vs. Federal Governments in Education

The U.S. constitution assigns the primary responsibility for education to state governments, which have traditionally overseen curriculum standards, teacher certification, funding, and local school governance. States possess the authority to establish education policies tailored to their populations' unique needs, resulting in a decentralized educational system with considerable variability among states. For example, states determine graduation requirements, funding formulas, and assessment standards, exercising autonomy in these areas.

In contrast, the federal government’s role in education is more limited but highly influential, especially in safeguarding civil rights, ensuring equal access, and supporting disadvantaged groups. Federal involvement is primarily conducted through legislation, mandates, and funding programs. Key federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Education set policies, enforce federal laws, and allocate resources to promote equity and student achievement (U.S. Department of Education, 2020). Federal influence has expanded over time, particularly through laws targeting civil rights, students with disabilities, and language minorities.

While states manage daily operations, the federal government sets national standards, provides supplementary funding, and enacts legislation to address equity and accessibility issues. This collaborative yet sometimes contentious dynamic aims to balance local control with national interests in fostering an inclusive and effective education system.

Chronological List of Federal Policies Impacting Education and Marginalized Groups

1. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (President Lyndon B. Johnson)
2. This landmark legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in various settings, including education. Title VI of the act prohibited racial segregation in federally assisted programs, leading to desegregation of schools and increased access for students of color (U.S. Department of Justice, 2021).
3. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 (President Lyndon B. Johnson)
4. ESEA aimed to close the achievement gap by providing federal funding to schools serving low-income students. It marked a significant federal commitment to equal educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged children, emphasizing accountability and support (U.S. Department of Education, 2019).
5. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (President Gerald Ford)
6. Later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this law guaranteed a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities. It mandated early intervention, individualized education plans (IEPs), and access to inclusive education settings (U.S. Department of Education, 2022).
7. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1968 (President Lyndon B. Johnson)
8. While the 1964 act addressed racial segregation, the 1968 Civil Rights Act expanded protections against discrimination and harassment, reinforcing civil rights protections in education and other sectors (Fisher, 2018).
9. The Race to the Top (RTTT) program of 2009 (President Barack Obama)
10. RTTT aimed to incentivize educational innovation, college and career readiness, and data-driven decision-making. It supported reforms to improve student outcomes and close achievement gaps, particularly benefiting underserved populations (U.S. Department of Education, 2010).
11. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 (President Barack Obama)
12. ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind and provided states with greater flexibility in accountability systems while maintaining federal standards. It sought to improve education quality for disadvantaged students, including English language learners and students with disabilities (U.S. Department of Education, 2017).
13. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
14. This law extended civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in employment, public services, and accommodations, including schools, promoting accessibility and inclusion (ADA National Network, 2021).

Conclusion

The interplay between state and federal roles in education reflects a complex balance of local autonomy and national priority, especially with regard to promoting equity for marginalized groups. Federal policies initiated over the past decades have progressively aimed to eliminate disparities, protect civil rights, and foster inclusive educational environments. Understanding these policies' historical context and legislative intent reveals the ongoing efforts to create an equitable educational landscape for all students.

References

• ADA National Network. (2021). Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). https://adata.org/
• Fisher, M. (2018). Civil Rights Legislation and Education. Journal of Education Policy, 33(2), 150-165.
• U.S. Department of Education. (2010). Race to the Top Fund. https://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/index.html
• U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). https://www.ed.gov/essa
• U.S. Department of Education. (2019). The Impact of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. https://www.ed.gov/esea
• U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Federal Role in Education. https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/fedrole.html
• U.S. Department of Education. (2022). The History of IDEA. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html
• U.S. Department of Justice. (2021). Civil Rights Laws and Education. https://www.justice.gov/crt
• Fisher, M. (2018). Civil Rights Legislation and Education. Journal of Education Policy, 33(2), 150-165.
• President Lyndon B. Johnson. (1964). Civil Rights Act. Public Law 88-352.