Education Policy and Reform

Education policy and reform covers the laws, programs, and proposals that shape public schools. Congress, the Department of Education, state legislatures, school boards, and courts all take part. Federal laws set conditions tied to funding, while states and districts make most daily decisions.

People usually ask what the federal government does in education, how roles are divided among federal, state, and local governments, and what major education laws require. They also ask how reforms such as charter schools, standards, and school rules are debated and how changes are carried out.