K-12 Education
Public and private schooling from kindergarten through high school is run mostly by states and local school districts, with a federal role in funding and civil rights. The subject covers how schools are governed and paid for, what children learn, who teaches them, and how schools keep students safe and treat them fairly.
An independent team explaining how government works
Referenced by Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Pew Research, Snopes, The Hill and USA Today.
The Webby-recognized AI behind our articles »
All Articles on K-12 Education
Ensuring Equal Opportunity: Understanding Who Reports to the Civil Rights Data Collection
The American education system is built on the principle of equal educational opportunity. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) established the Civil Rights Data…
Correcting Errors in Your Education Records: Understanding Your FERPA Rights
Your education records are more than just a collection of grades and transcripts; they can significantly influence your future opportunities, from college admissions to…
Accessing Your Education Records: Understanding Your FERPA Rights
Education records are defined as any records directly related to a student and maintained by an educational institution or a party acting for the…
When FERPA Rights Start: Age and Enrollment Explained
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a cornerstone of student privacy within the United States educational system. This federal law safeguards…
Your FERPA Rights: Understanding Student Privacy
The federal government enacted the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in 1974. This landmark legislation serves as the cornerstone of student privacy…
Student Privacy Laws: How to Control Who Sees Your Educational Records
Recognizing the sensitivity of education information, the United States Congress enacted the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in 1974. FERPA (20 U.S.C.…
The Purpose of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Education in the United States has been shaped by the commitment to ensuring all children have the opportunity to learn and thrive, regardless of…
History of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA grew from a response to school exclusion into a right to individualized education, shaped by congressional amendments and Supreme Court decisions.
Challenges for the U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education building in Washington, D.C., houses the federal agency overseeing national education policy. Established in 1979, the Department was created…
What the U.S. Department of Education Does
Core functions include administering funding, shaping education policy, enforcing civil rights laws in schools, and supporting research and data collection.