Federal Education Policy From Reagan to Obama: Convergence, Divergence, and “Control”

• In Event: Push and Pull: Policy Implementation at the Federal, State, and Local Levels

Abstract

This paper examines the federalization of education policy from the Reagan administration through the Obama administration. We begin with a review of landmark events and argue that the rather loosely coupled, fragmented educational system in the United States has become in the last three decades more tightly coupled, as the rise of a succession of “education presidents” has sought to put their stamp on the educational system. Initiatives undertaken by these presidents have significantly impacted education in states and local school districts throughout the country.

Authors

• Lance D. Fusarelli, North Carolina State University

• Bonnie Carol Fusarelli, North Carolina State University