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OESE Mission and Responsibilities

Vision for Success

The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education's (OESE's) long-term vision is Excellence and Opportunity for All Students.

Mission

OESE’s mission is to advance academic achievement and education choice at the State and local levels, so that every child receives an education that meets their unique needs regardless of income, zip code, or ability

Core Values

OESE's core values are Excellence and Opportunity. OESE recognizes that effective organizations are shaped by enduring values that, when widely shared, result in success.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education serves as a principal adviser to the Secretary of Education on everything related to elementary and secondary education. OESE is responsible for directing, coordinating, and recommending policy for programs designed to:

  • Help State and local educational agencies improve the achievement of preschool, elementary, and secondary school students.
  • Support equal opportunity to help every child achieve. Congress has directed us to pay particular attention to children who are from low-income families, have disabilities or developmental delays, are educationally disadvantaged, or are English Learners, Native American, migrant, homeless, or in foster care.
  • Advance academic achievement and education choice at the State and local levels, so that every child receives an education that meets their unique needs regardless of income, zip code, or ability.
  • Provide financial assistance to local educational agencies whose local revenues are affected by Federal activities.
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE)
Page Last Reviewed:
January 8, 2026