THE SCHOOL REFORM HANDBOOK
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Section II
Who's in Charge:
The Education Establishment
The Secretary of Education, the U.S. Department of Education and Congress
In the past thirty years, the role of the federal government has grown and created more bureaucracy and interference in local schools. Although the federal government says it takes a "hands off" approach to education, it gets states to conform to its agenda by tying education funds to compliance with regulations that extend beyond federal authority. Large research centers have been funded to provide guidance and ideas to schools, but in reality, they become promoters for pet projects that have little effect on the classroom. Perhaps even more harmful, the use of federal money gives the impression that such programs are federally tested and approved.
The degree to which Congress influences national education policy is directly related to who holds the White House. The Carter administration consolidated all federal education programs into the Department of Education; the Reagan administration returned some authority to the states. In 1994, the Clinton administration and the Congress once again increased oversight by mandating that states cannot receive certain federal funds unless they demonstrate they've provided the maximum resources. These "Opportunity to Learn Standards" focus on spending and social welfare issues that undercut high standards for both schools and students.
Since national goals were first developed in 1989, many new bureaucracies have been created to promote the goals and to ensure that states are attempting to meet certain standards. Even though laws emphasize the "voluntary" nature of the goals, funds are linked to a federal seal of approval. The intent to further federalize education is clear — as the Secretary of Education stated in a speech to the National School Board Association, "Education is back from the dead in Washington. Our budget is up $1.7 billion."
The issue of federal involvement is complicated, however. The federal role has increased, but it is not responsible for the whole host of problems in the nation's schools. The problem with education today is a mix of several factors. If the federal Department of Education were dismantled, the existing mandates would not necessarily change. One would first need to change the way federal money is distributed before it would have any impact on schools. When the department tries to influence local affairs, it can hamper the course of reform, and when it is antagonistic, it can stamp out sparks of progress. But normally, a strong state movement can survive any federal attacks, and good state legislation aimed at decentralization will fend off most federal interference.
Who's In Charge:
The secretary of education, a member of the President's cabinet, oversees the U.S. Department of Education. Specific committees in the Senate and the House handle the details of education legislation, and information and lobbying can be directed both here and toward your own senator or representative.
What You Can Do:
While your main focus should be on the states, you do need to keep aware of what federal mischief is going on. Put your group on the offensive by getting U.S. Department of Education press releases and statistical reports, and be sure to keep abreast, through your congressional representative and national groups, of upcoming legislation.
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From Section II: Who's in Charge: The Education Establishment
Chapter 4: Who's in Charge? An Overview
Chapter 6: The District
I. District School Boards and Superintendents
II. The School: Principals and TeachersChapter 7: The State
I. State Superintendents, Boards and Departments of Education
II. Parent Advocacy Groups
III. The Civil Liberties Organizations
IV. Legislators and Governors
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· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·The Center for Education Reform (CER) is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization founded in 1993 to provide support to individuals and groups who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. CER is the leading authority for information on innovative reforms in education and works in states and communities across the country to advance the cause of educational excellence.
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