State Governments: States have primary responsibility for public education. They typically set:
* Curriculum standards: These outline what students should know and be able to do in each subject area at each grade level.
* Graduation requirements: These specify the courses and credits students must complete to earn a high school diploma.
* Teacher licensing and certification: States establish the qualifications teachers must meet to be licensed.
* School funding formulas: States determine how much money schools receive and how those funds are allocated.
* Accountability systems: These measure school performance and hold schools accountable for student achievement. This often includes standardized testing.
Federal Government: The federal government's role is more limited but still influential. Its involvement primarily focuses on:
* Funding: The federal government provides significant funding to states for education through programs like Title I (for low-income schools), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and others. This funding often comes with conditions or requirements, influencing state policies.
* Setting broad goals and standards: While not dictating specific curriculum, the federal government sets overall goals, such as improving literacy and STEM education. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a prime example, although it gives considerable leeway to states in how they meet federal objectives.
* Civil rights: Federal laws prohibit discrimination in schools based on race, gender, disability, and other protected characteristics. These laws significantly impact school policies and practices.
* Research and data collection: The federal government conducts research on education and collects data on student achievement, which informs policy decisions at both the state and federal levels.
In short, while states have the primary authority over public education, the federal government plays a significant supporting role through funding, setting broad goals, and enforcing civil rights laws. The balance of power and influence between the two levels of government can vary depending on the specific issue and the political climate.