Understanding the Department of Education

What is the main obstacle Alex faces in attending his dream college?

• Limited college options

• Poor academic performance

• High cost of attendance

• Lack of extracurricular activities

What is the primary goal of the Department of Education?

• To reduce the number of schools

• To eliminate standardized testing

• To promote student achievement and ensure equal access

• To increase federal control over education

Who appoints the Secretary of Education?

• The Senate

• The President

• The Supreme Court

• The Vice President

What was the original role of the Department of Education when it was first created?

• To implement standardized testing

• To provide direct financial aid

• To collect information about the nation's schools

• To control local schools

Which event in 1957 led to increased funding for science education in the U.S.?

• The launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union

• The election of President Kennedy

• The signing of the Civil Rights Act

• The end of World War II

What was the purpose of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965?

• To standardize curriculum across states

• To provide funding to low-income school districts

• To eliminate private schools

• To increase teacher salaries

What is a major reason for the contentious nature of federal education budgets?

• Overemphasis on sports programs

• Excessive funding for private schools

• Belief that education should be a state and local responsibility

• Lack of interest in education

How much does the Department of Education spend annually to run its programs?

• $70 billion

• $30 billion

• $50 billion

• $100 billion

What role do federal education programs play in local school districts?

• They focus solely on sports programs

• They eliminate the need for local taxes

• They support students with disabilities and those learning English

• They replace state funding

What action is encouraged for individuals regarding educational legislation?

• Contact members of Congress to share thoughts

• Focus only on local school boards

• Ignore it

• Rely solely on state decisions