Background Papers
The LWVUS Education Study


The Education Study scope is broad and includes the following areas under the role of the federal government in public education (preK through grade 12): the history, funding and equity issues that are addressed under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and the common core standards/assessments that are required for many federal grant programs but are national, not federal. The culminating position will address only those issues delineated in the scope.

Although the study focuses on the federal government, the original intent of the study included the Common Core Standards.  These were written and funded by the National Governors’ Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).  Historically we have always had national standards written by the teaching organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of Math and the National Council of Teachers of English.   However, the discussion here will focus upon how these new standards called Common Core State Standards will be used by the federal government.

The following are links to individual papers in downloadable and printable pdf format:

Leaders' Guide for the Education Study Consensus
Common Core Standards and Assessments
Early Childhood Education: Equity and funding
Funding and Equity Issues
Legislation and Funding for the Education of Children Who Are Disadvantaged
Role of Federal Government in Public Education: Historical Perspectives