Although primarily a state and local responsibility, the federal government has significant governing roles and responsibilities when it comes to K-12 education. Established in 1979, the U.S. Department of Education, which includes over 15 offices with varying roles across all levels of education, is the federal agency responsible for overseeing and implementing education laws, policies, and programs, as well as allocating federal education funding to states and school districts across the country.
This frequently asked questions document provides an overview of the federal government’s role in K-12 education and explains the how the policies, programs, and funding under the purview of the U.S. Department of Education impact Connecticut’s students, families, and schools.
Citation
School and State Finance Project. (2025). FAQs: U.S. Department of Education Roles and Functions for K-12 Education. Southington, CT: Author. Retrieved from https://files.schoolstatefinance.org/hubfs/Reports/FAQs:
%20U.S.%20Department%20of%20Education%20Roles%20and%20Functions%20for%20K-12%20Education.pdf.