U.S. Department of Education

The United States Department of Education (ED) serves as the federal agency charged with addressing education-related issues. Unlike the structure utilized in other nations such as Brazil, France, Germany, and Japan, the ED lacks plenary power to set nationwide educational policies. Even so, the department does exercise significant influence over crucial education matters, such as the awarding and distribution of federal funds, the implementation of federal policies, and the collection of data on educational practices and outcomes at all levels. Accordingly, this entry discusses the ED's history and development, its place within the federal government, and the laws that outline and establish its duties.