American Education Policy Landscape
By Jennifer Rippner, Chapter 2
K-12
- Different religions/nationalities developed their own schools
- Westward expansion and church resistance led to decentralized control
Higher Education
- Originally designed to educate clergy and public leaders
- State priorities shifted to common (K-12) school as compulsory attendance laws were enacted (1900s)
Linking the Sectors
- College Board led to uniform guidance for high school curriculum
- State higher education boards
- U.S. only major country to have separate K-12 and higher education systems
Current Structure of American Education
Accountability
- Local, state, and federal for K-12
- Higher education institutions being held more responsible for graduation rates, employment rates, etc.
Multiple Policy Makers
- Presidents
- Governors
- Legislatures
- Mayors
- Elected school boards
- Appointed bodies
- GEPAs
Chapter Summary
History tells how the American education system has developed into a disjointed system of K-12 and higher education. State and federal governments have a role in both systems along with multiple other agencies, departments, boards and policy advisors who influence public policy