Department of Education
Christopher Buccitti
What is the Department of Education?
The Department of Education was created in 1980. Its purpose is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
Department Head
Secretary of the Department of Education is Arne Duncan. He took office in January of 2009.
He is preceded by Margaret Spellings, who introduced the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001.
Funding
The Dept of Education is set up in Washington, D.C. and has bases all over the US. It is funded by taxpayers and has a budget of $68 billion.
Seal
The seal of the D of E is a tree, which is symbolic of growth in knowledge.
Secretary
Arne Duncan
Foreign Association
The department is all about providing a world-class education, global competencies, and engagement with other countries.
Agencies Included
Agencies of the Dept of Ed include the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the International Reading Association (IRA), and the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), among others.
One Unique Responsibility
The Department of Education holds responsibility to endorse a Presidential candidate.
Recent News Mention
"Education Department releases framework for rating U.S. colleges and universities" (Source: The Washington Post)
The federal gov't will be able to rate schools as high, low, or "in the middle" performers, based on data about access (i.e., students with financial aid), affordability (i.e., what families have paid), and outcomes (i.e., graduation rates).
SOURCES
"U.S. Department of Education," U.S. Department of Education (12/22/14)
"Arne Duncan," Wikipedia (Wikimedia Foundation, 12/22/14)
"Education Department releases framework for rating U.S. colleges and universities," Washington Post (The Washington Post, 12/22/14)