A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

PART I ADMINISTRATION, ORGANIZATION, AND FINANCING OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

Background

The educational system in the United States is highly decentralized. According to the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States." In accordance with this Amendment, the federal government has no authority to establish a national education system, nor do Federal agencies ordinarily prescribe policy or curriculum for local schools. Such decisions are made at the State or district level.

Because of this decentralization, laws governing the structure and content of educational programs may vary greatly from State to State, district to district. Some of these laws are very prescriptive; others are broad enough to allow local school districts considerable flexibility in the way they operate their schools.

On the other hand, despite this opportunity for experimentation and diversity, the educational programs of the 50 States are remarkably similar, undoubtedly as the result of such common factors as the social and economic needs of the nation, the frequent transfer of students and teachers from one part of the country to another, and the role of national accrediting agencies in shaping educational practice.

In all 50 States, as well as in the six Territories, education is compulsory -- usually from the age of 6 or 7 to the age of 16. Public schools in the United States are free, at least through completion of secondary school, which ends at the 12th grade. One of the primary aims of public education is to ensure equality of access and opportunity for all boys and girls, including minority groups and the disabled. Moreover, U.S. public schools have a long tradition of coeducation.

In all States and Territories, private schools are permitted to operate. They are subject to State licensing and accrediting regulations. A few of these institutions may receive limited Federal aid for specialized purposes, but the great majority are funded by sources other than government.

Education in the United States generally reflects the values and priorities of the society. These include a dedication to democratic ideals, a commitment to individual freedom, and a respect for the diversity of the population. In general, the U.S. education system has as its goal the establishment of a quality education that will enable all children to achieve their highest potential as individuals, serve effectively as citizens of a free society, and successfully compete in a changing global marketplace.

Though, as noted above, Federal law prescribes no standardized curriculum, the education programs throughout the States generally include English grammar, reading; writing; mathematics; science and the scientific method; U.S. history and government; art, music, health and nutrition; practical arts, physical education, geography and foreign languages. Many schools are also beginning to teach the history, culture, and traditions of other nations and peoples. Some students also receive an introduction to the world of work, through programs that promote career awareness.

[Foreword]

[Part I - Administration]