Commentaries: The Federal Role in Education

What lessons have been learned from the past half-century of federal involvement in education? What role, if any, is the federal government suited for in the formulation and implementation of education policy? The following essays, which have been adapted for Education Week from the recently published book Carrots, Sticks, and the Bully Pulpit (Harvard Education Press, 2011), seek to answer those questions, among others. Writers from the five-part Commentary series include Charles Barone, Larry Berger, Chester E. Finn Jr., Andrew Rudalevige, and Marshall S. Smith.

Commentary

When Washington Focuses on Schools

Applied to the right issues, federal dictates can make their mark in schools, Chester E. Finn Jr. writes.

April 24, 2012 - Education Week

Commentary

Bribery, Blackmail, and Implementation: Thoughts on Federal Policy

Congress needs to be realistic about its goals and impact when it finally revisits the No Child Left Behind Act, Andrew Rudalevige says.

May 1, 2012 - Education Week

Commentary

The Role of Congress in Education Policy

In order to safeguard equal educational opportunities and set national education goals, Congress must focus on policymaking, not political rancor, argue Charles Barone and Elizabeth DeBray.

May 2, 2012 - Education Week

Commentary

How the Federal Government Can Promote Innovation

The federal government can be a driving force for school improvement if we pay attention to history, write Patrick McGuinn, Larry Berger, and David Stevenson.

May 3, 2012 - Education Week

Commentary

Starting From Scratch With ESEA

An updated ESEA should focus on a few evidence-based strategies for improving schools, Marshall S. Smith writes.

May 4, 2012 - Education Week