The United States Department of Education (ED) is a federal executive department responsible for establishing policy and administering programs related to education in the United States and its territories. The department was created in 1979 as a cabinet-level agency and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The ED is led by the Secretary of Education, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The department's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access to education for all Americans.
The ED is organized into several key offices and programs, including the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Office of Postsecondary Education, and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. The department also administers several major programs, such as the Pell Grant program, the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program. The ED works closely with state and local education agencies, as well as other federal agencies, to implement its policies and programs.
Key Points
- The United States Department of Education is a federal executive department responsible for education policy and programs.
- The department was created in 1979 and is led by the Secretary of Education.
- The ED's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness.
- The department administers several major programs, including the Pell Grant program and the IDEA program.
- The ED works closely with state and local education agencies, as well as other federal agencies.
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) is responsible for administering programs related to elementary and secondary education, including Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The OESE works to improve the academic achievement of disadvantaged students, including those from low-income families, limited English proficient students, and students with disabilities. The office also provides technical assistance and support to states and school districts to help them implement education reforms and improve student outcomes.
Programs and Initiatives
The OESE administers several key programs and initiatives, including the Title I program, the School Improvement Grants (SIG) program, and the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program. The Title I program provides funding to schools with high concentrations of low-income students to support supplemental educational services, such as tutoring and summer programs. The SIG program provides funding to states to support the improvement of low-performing schools, while the EIR program supports the development and scaling of innovative educational programs and practices.
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Title I | Provides funding to schools with high concentrations of low-income students to support supplemental educational services. |
| School Improvement Grants (SIG) | Provides funding to states to support the improvement of low-performing schools. |
| Education Innovation and Research (EIR) | Supports the development and scaling of innovative educational programs and practices. |
Office of Postsecondary Education
The Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) is responsible for administering programs related to postsecondary education, including the Federal Pell Grant program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program. The OPE works to increase access to higher education for low-income and minority students, as well as students with disabilities. The office also provides technical assistance and support to colleges and universities to help them improve student outcomes and increase graduation rates.
Programs and Initiatives
The OPE administers several key programs and initiatives, including the Pell Grant program, the FFEL program, and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program. The Pell Grant program provides need-based grants to low-income students to help them pay for college, while the FFEL program provides low-interest loans to students and their families. The TEACH Grant program provides grants to students who agree to teach in high-need fields, such as math and science.
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Pell Grant | Provides need-based grants to low-income students to help them pay for college. |
| Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) | Provides low-interest loans to students and their families. |
| TEACH Grant | Provides grants to students who agree to teach in high-need fields, such as math and science. |
What is the mission of the United States Department of Education?
+The mission of the United States Department of Education is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access to education for all Americans.
What programs does the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education administer?
+The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education administers several key programs, including the Title I program, the School Improvement Grants (SIG) program, and the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program.
What is the purpose of the Pell Grant program?
+The Pell Grant program provides need-based grants to low-income students to help them pay for college.
Meta description: Learn about the United States Department of Education, its mission, and its programs, including the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Office of Postsecondary Education.
