* Federal Government: The federal government plays a relatively small role in direct governance, primarily providing funding through programs like Title I (for disadvantaged students) and setting some broad standards (e.g., related to disabilities). However, they influence education policy through legislation and funding incentives.
* State Governments: States have the primary responsibility for setting education standards, curriculum frameworks, teacher licensing requirements, and funding levels for public schools. Each state has its own department of education that oversees these aspects.
* Local Governments (School Districts): School districts, typically at the county or municipal level, manage the day-to-day operations of individual schools. They hire teachers, principals, and other staff; manage school budgets; and implement state-mandated curriculum. Locally elected school boards govern the districts.
* School Boards: These elected bodies set district-level policies, approve budgets, and hire superintendents.
* Principals and Teachers: At the school level, principals manage the school's administration and teachers implement the curriculum and instruction.
In short, it's a system of shared governance with significant power distributed among federal, state, and local levels. This decentralized structure leads to considerable variation in educational practices and outcomes across different states and even within the same state.