Evolving role of state and federal government in U.S. education Essay

Evolving role of state and federal government in U.S. education - Essay Example Since the era of 1867, the government has been a key factor towards enacting an educational system to fit the needs of its citizens. The creation of this organization was the hallmark of emphasis of creating a system in which the government can associate itself with the school system. The Department of Education which was created in 1867 aimed to establish a foundation for the implementation of a public school system. Two Decades later, the Second Morrill Act on 1980 became a critical component towards administering grants to colleges and academic centers throughout the nation. The utilization of taxes to fund Federal aid to schools became a vital piece towards harnessing the growth of the system itself. Post World War II, the Federal government spear headed a strong push towards extending support from government bureaucrats. One of the most notorious bills was known as the â€Å"GI Bill,† which authorized postsecondary education assistance enabling many young war veterans to return to their secular education. The initiation of the Cold War was a reality check for the Federal government as tensions continued to flare between both sites. Congress quickly stepped into action and passed the 1958 National Defense Education Act, which allowed individuals to focus their attention in math and science in order to combat the innovation of the Soviets. This again was critical as it enabled American citizens to improve their critical and analytical skills in all aspects of academic education. Furthermore, it enabled individuals to pursue post secondary education and obtain a graduate degree. If the â€Å"GI Bill† was not sufficient to address the deficiencies in the educational system, the Title IX was the cure that literally transformed the dynamics of the educational system. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 undoubtedly diminished the gender disparities that