Education Policy State of the U.S. Education System

Vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on the U.S. education system, including key terms, concepts, and definitions related to education policy, financing, and accountability.

Graduation Rates

85% of students graduating.

2-year colleges

Only 25% graduate within 3 years.

Achievement Gaps

Disparities in educational achievement, notably between Black/White and Hispanic/White populations.

Coleman Report (1966)

First major study of educational opportunity in the U.S., revealing segregation and that family background predicts achievement.

Funding Sources for Education

Mainly from local property taxes (majority), state funding (significant), and federal funding (small, about 8%).

Equity

Providing equal funding for students with similar needs.

Adequacy

Ensuring all students receive sufficient resources to meet educational standards.

The Flypaper Effect

Money 'sticks' in districts with strong teacher unions and is spent on students.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

A law aimed at 100% proficiency by 2014, featuring annual testing and accountability, but criticized for unrealistic expectations.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Replaced NCLB in 2015, allowing states to design their own systems with a focus on additional non-test measures.

School Choice

A policy allowing families to select schools that best fit their children's needs, leading to potential competition and improvement.

Charter Schools

Publicly funded, independently operated schools that can hold lotteries if oversubscribed.

Vouchers

Public funds used for private school tuition, with mixed evidence of their impact on student performance.

Education Saving Accounts (ESAs)

Public money that can be spent on various education-related costs beyond just tuition.