Public Resources

Agency description:

The Department of Education works to assist state and local school systems in improving education and offering equal educational opportunities for all students. The Department of Education also supports federal education programs and strives to improve the accountability of those programs to the Executive and Legislative Branches, as well as the public.

Website:

www.ed.gov

Enabling Statute:

“There is established an executive department to be known as the Department of Education. The Department shall be administered, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, under the supervision and direction of a Secretary of Education. The Secretary shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.” 20 U.S.C. § 3411

Key issues:

Student loans; Pell grants; No Child Left Behind (NCLB); college accreditation; special education; drug-free schools; early childhood education; elementary and secondary education; adult education.

Sub-agencies:

National Assessment Governing Board; National Center for Education Statistics

Agency description:

The National Assessment Governing Board is an independent, bipartisan group that provides objective information about student performance to policymakers.

Website:

www.nagb.org

Key issues:

National Assessment of Educational Process (NAEP), the Nation’s Report Card.

Agency description:

The National Center for Education Statistics collects and provides information about education in the United States and other countries.

Website:

nces.ed.gov

Key issues:

Early childhood education; elementary and secondary school libraries; post secondary education; adult education.