August, 2011
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope of the study, as adopted by the League of Women Voters US Board, states:
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 which are addressed under the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act, and the common core standards/assessments which 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.
Schedule of Illinois Events
See the Local Leagues'
Events for many scheduled programs related to the Education Study.
Timeline of the Study
June 2010: The “Role of the Federal Government in Public Education”
proposed and passed at the biennial League of Women Voters Convention in Atlanta,
GA
April 2011: Consensus questions approved by the LWVUS Board of Directors
May through November 2011: Local Leagues study the “Role of the Federal
Government in Public Education” and come to consensus. The copy of the consensus questions
for local leagues is here.
November 30: Consensus reports due to LWVUS website at www.lwv.org. LWVUS requires that all league responses are done online through the website.
December 2011 to February 2012: Committee analyzes the data
from consensus and writes the position paper for the “Role of the Federal Government
in Public Education"
March 2012: LWVUS Board of Directors reviews the consensus
results for comment and approval of the position for the “Role of the Federal
Government in Public Education”
Resources for the Study
Special Issues Brief, #3
Special Issues Brief, #2
Special Issues Brief, #1
Slides from Ralph Martire's presentation to the North Shore Leagues on Monday,
September 26, 2011 can be viewed here.
The Education Study Background Papers
LWVUS Education Study Committee members are researching and writing background papers to
help Leagues educate members and communities about the Role of the federal government in
public education issues.
Common Core Standards and Assessments
by Janelle L. Rivers, PhD
Early Childhood Education, Equity and Funding
by Pat Aaron
Funding and Equity Issues
by Jean Pierce
Legislation and Funding for the Education Of Children Who are Disadvantaged
by Patricia O'Brien Libutti, PhD
Role Of Federal Government In Public Education: Historical Perspectives
by Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins and Margaret Hawkins Hill
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